What Is Keto Dieting?

About Keto Dieting

A ketogenic diet shifts the body into a metabolic state of ketosis, where the liver converts fats into molecules called ketones to serve as fuel. Essentially, the diet is low in carbohydrates and high in fats and proteins. It shares similarities with Atkins and other low-carbohydrate diets, but unlike those diets, a ketogenic diet gets between 70% to 90% of its calories from fat.

To achieve ketosis, the diet eliminates most carb-based foods, such as grains (like wheat and rice), sugars, beans and legumes, fruit juices and smoothies, ice cream and candy, potatoes, bread, pasta and cereal. Instead, a person eats primarily high-fat foods like meat, eggs, seafood, nuts and seeds, cheese and butter.

While a keto diet isn’t right for everyone, research shows it can help some people with certain health conditions. For example, some research shows it can improve outcomes after brain trauma and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It may also aid in weight loss, especially since it limits carbs and encourages the consumption of healthy fats.

To get started on the keto diet, a person should talk to a doctor or registered dietitian familiar with the eating style. They can provide guidance on how to gradually switch to a low-carb diet, stay hydrated and manage any keto side effects that come up. Then, they can create a meal plan that fits the diet’s restrictions and helps achieve the desired outcomes. If the person has a gluten intolerance, it will be easier to follow a keto diet because the diet restricts carbs but not gluten.