The Keto diet has been a popular option for those seeking to lose weight for many years now. It really hit the peak of its popularity when it was known as the Atkins diet. There are many people reporting significant outcomes resulting from going on Keto, and you may be tempted to jump on that train. If you’re considering the Keto diet, be certain you take some time to explore the information available about it. There are certain pros and cons, of course, and speaking to your doctor is always a wise decision when making a lifestyle change.
The Keto Diet: How It Helps (and Hurts)
The core concept of the keto plan is eliminating carbs while focusing on high-protein and fat foods. Its intended use is for weight loss, and eliminating carbs from our diets has been shown to be an effective way of doing that. Our bodies rely heavily on carbs for quick, available energy and are equally quick to convert unused energy to fat when we get too much. By eliminating carbs from our diets, we establish a state of ketosis, which drives our system to use fats as an energy source.
- Pro: Weight Loss – On a day-to-day basis, our bodies rely on carbohydrates for energy. When we restrict access to carbohydrates, your body needs to lean on its reserves. Fat is the body’s energy reserve, and forcing it to use those reserves means you’ll lose weight more quickly. The high-fat content of the foods suitable for a keto experience serves to suppress hunger and cravings.
- Con: Low Carbs Aren’t Always Good – Those who engage in high-energy activities, such as sports, need high levels of carbs to keep performance high. The keto diet can cause these individuals to experience lower endurance and available energy. High-carb diets, on the other hand, provide readily available energy for those living active lifestyles.
- Pro: Good for The Sedentary – Unless you have a lot of intense exercise in your day, your body just doesn’t need the carbs. Those who work desk jobs have sedentary hobbies or just don’t get out much can do well on Keto.
- Con: Your Body Needs Sugars Too – While any diabetic can tell you that too much sugar can definitely be a bad thing, our bodies do need it. Our brain essentially functions on blood sugar, and without it, you may feel mentally sluggish and struggle with focusing on tasks.
- Pro: Keto Has Shown Evidence of Cancer Suppression – Low-carb diets have been shown to be linked to lower rates of cancer. There’s a lot of research still happening in this area, so nothing is conclusive. However, initial evidence does show some support for this premise.
- Con: Your Heart Could Suffer – There’s a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol in the meats that are popular in Keto diets. This can lead to a direct rise in cholesterol in your system, which in turn can lead to heart disease. Like all things, consider moderation.
These points represent the most important considerations in your pursuit of a healthy diet that will help you drop weight.
Speak To Your Physician For Further Guidance
Losing weight is an essential part of promoting good life-long health. It is equally important to promote overall wellness in the process of losing unwanted pounds. Speaking to your health care provider will give you the guidance you need to make healthy decisions while trying to get healthy.
