What is Keto Dieting?

Keto Dieting is all about reducing carbohydrate intake to trigger the body into a fat-burning state called ketosis. When the body has no more glucose to burn it begins to break down fat into its small energy molecules, called ketones, which are used as fuel for the brain and other organs.

In order to reach ketosis it’s necessary to severely restrict carbohydrates to just 20-50g a day. This means that many common foods, such as bread, pasta, chips and cookies are off limits. Vegetables (except for leafy greens) are also high in carbohydrates and should be avoided. Protein and fats, such as those found in meat, fish and butter are allowed, but they need to make up a large percentage of the diet.

Some people will experience a few side effects while initially adjusting to the Keto diet. These include dry mouth, increased thirst and bad breath (acetone is a ketone body that is partially excreted through the urine). The good news is these symptoms are temporary and usually go away once the body adjusts to burning its own fat reserves as fuel.

To get started on a well-formulated Keto diet we recommend talking to a registered dietitian. A good nutritionist can help you set up your diet to be successful and provide inspiration on what to eat, including recipes, meal plans and shopping lists. They can also advise on tracking your calories, which is optional with the Carb Manager app but can really help with motivation and accountability.