Health Benefits of the Keto Diet

The keto diet is often associated with weight loss, but it can also have other health benefits. The key is to get enough fat, which helps your body burn its own stored fuel (glycogen) rather than burning carbohydrates. That’s why it’s important to choose the right foods.

Keto herbs, vegetables and recipes

You’ll need to stock your pantry with healthy essentials when starting the keto diet, including low-carb veggies (avocados, berries, leafy greens), grass-fed meat and butter. Grass-fed meats are typically higher in omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed varieties, so you’ll want to opt for those. You’ll also want to keep a variety of herbs on hand like oregano, rosemary and basil.

It can take 1-4 weeks for your body to transition from a carbohydrate-fueled state to one of utilizing ketones and fatty acids as its primary fuel sources. During this time, you may find your energy levels dip and experience some physical discomfort. This is known as the “keto flu” and it should pass within a few days.

During the initial phases of ketosis, it’s helpful to use urine sticks or a glucose meter to track your ketone levels. These tools can give you immediate feedback on whether or not you’re keeping your carb intake low enough to enter ketosis. They’re not necessary for everyone, but can be a useful tool to have on hand.