The Pros and Cons of Keto Dieting

Keto Dieting is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate dietary therapy that forces the body to burn fats instead of carbohydrates. It is typically used to treat hard-to-control epilepsy in children, and some research suggests that it may also benefit people with other neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The keto diet restricts carbohydrate consumption to help the body reach and maintain a state of nutritional ketosis. This is a process that takes 3 to 4 days, during which the body depletes its supply of blood sugar and begins to break down fat for energy. The result is a reduction in hunger, increased energy, and often, weight loss.

However, the diet is not without potential drawbacks. It is restrictive, and eliminating whole food groups can leave some individuals with nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, the diet can be expensive because it is recommended to eat unprocessed foods that are high in fat and protein. Finally, it is a short term diet, and researchers aren’t sure how long it can be safely followed for weight loss or health benefits.

If you’re interested in trying the keto diet, speak with a registered dietitian to learn how the plan can be customized for your individual needs. For example, a registered dietitian can help you determine how many carbohydrates are in your current diet and suggest ways to decrease them gradually over a few weeks while increasing dietary fats. She can also help you find recipes that are both delicious and nutritious.