What You Need to Know About Keto Dieting

About Keto Dieting

The ketogenic diet gained prominence in the 1920s when it was prescribed to help reduce seizures in children with epilepsy. It’s now touted as a weight loss tool because it restricts carbohydrates, forcing your body to burn fat for energy instead. It’s also been shown to benefit some people with progressive neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, but it isn’t for everyone. It’s very difficult to maintain and is not recommended for those with diabetes, heart disease or other health concerns.

It’s also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with eating disorders. Highly restrictive diets can also wreak havoc on your relationship with food and are often hard to stick to long term.

If you are interested in a low carb diet, it’s important to find recipes that have carb counts listed. It’s also important to be aware of the types of oils you use. Olive and coconut oil are great choices. Avoid pressed seed and vegetable oils.

Nonstarchy vegetables are the lowest in carbs and provide key nutrients like Vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. Add nutrient-dense options like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and zucchini to your daily meal plan. These veggies can be enhanced with the flavor of herbs, spices and other seasonings to give them new life. A thin coating of fat helps vegetables cook evenly, crisp up and lightly caramelize to create irresistible flavor. Pair them with a savory dip and sliced meats or cheeses to make a crowd-pleasing appetizer or grazing dinner.