What is the keto diet?

What is the keto diet? The keto diet, or ketogenic diet, is a low-carb, high-fat diet designed to promote ketosis, a metabolic state where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. In ketosis, the liver produces ketones, which become the main energy source for the body.

Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Carbohydrates:

The diet restricts carbs to typically around 20-50 grams per day, which is much lower than the average diet.

Fat:

The majority of calories come from fat—about 70-80% of total daily intake. Foods like oils, butter, nuts, avocados, and fatty fish are common.

Protein:

Moderate protein consumption makes up about 10-20% of daily calories. Unlike a high-protein diet, the keto diet limits protein to prevent it from being converted into glucose.

The keto diet is popular for weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and increased energy. However, it may come with side effects like the “keto flu” during the adaptation period, which can include fatigue, headache, and nausea. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting the keto diet, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.