What is Keto Dieting?

What is Keto Dieting?

A keto diet focuses on eating low-carbohydrate foods that contain high levels of fat and protein. Its main goal is to help you lose weight by reducing the amount of sugar your body uses for fuel. The diet may also benefit people with certain health conditions, including epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors sometimes put children with epilepsy on a ketogenic diet to prevent seizures.

The diet’s biggest challenge is sticking to it long term. It can be hard to eliminate foods you enjoy, like ice cream and pasta. It’s also important to monitor your blood and urine for ketone levels, which can tell you whether you are in ketosis or not.

Herbs and spices can add flavor to meals without adding extra carbohydrates. Try basil, sage and thyme for soups and sauces. You can also find recipes that use herbs as ingredients in baked goods, like muffins and breads.

Nuts and seeds can provide healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, fiber and protein. Choose nuts that are low in carbs, such as almonds and walnuts. Seeds, such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds, can be a good source of magnesium and potassium.

Meat and fish are staples in the diet, but you should be mindful of the types of meats you eat. Processed meats are high in saturated fat and can raise your risk for heart disease. Fresh meats, such as chicken and turkey, are low in carbohydrates and can help you meet your protein needs.