Keto Herbs & Vegetables

Keto Herbs & Vegetables

The keto diet – high-fat, low-carbohydrate, with moderate amounts of protein and low-glycemic vegetables — has surged to the top of many people’s favorite weight loss plans. But is it really the best way to lose weight and improve your health?

Originally used to manage seizures, the ketogenic diet is designed to get your body into a state of “ketosis,” in which your cells burn fat for energy. To reach ketosis, you must severely limit carbohydrate intake — to the point where the majority of your calories come from fat. This can cause digestive complaints such as constipation and diarrhea, along with unpleasant side effects like bad breath (acetone is released by the liver when your body is in ketosis). The diet also may raise levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a 2021 review published in Cureus.

A ketogenic diet is not for everyone, however. It is difficult to follow a restrictive diet in the long term, and can lead to weight cycling (yo-yo dieting) and other health problems over time. It is also unclear whether the ketogenic diet has long-term health benefits — research on humans is limited.

Despite its strict restrictions, the keto diet can provide delicious, nutritious meals. Here are some tips and recipes to help you enjoy your favorite foods while following the keto diet.