The basic principle behind a keto diet is to reduce your body’s regular carbohydrate intake, which encourages you to use up existing fat stores and improve energy levels over time. There have been a range of benefits that this diet is credited with.
However, it is worth noting that the keto diet can be challenging at first. The overall effects and estimated time period depend on an individual’s regular exercise regime, age, and what type of food groups they ate before switching to keto.
In order to make sure you are correctly following the keto diet, and that you are encouraging your body to enter the ketosis process, it is important to do your research. That is why this guide aims at answering common questions and providing suggestions for those who want to start following a keto diet. Check out Beyond Body for more detail.
Table of Contents
What Is Ketosis?
Firstly, it is important that you are aware of the ketosis process and where the diet name has come from. By definition, this is when there are an increased number of ketones in the bloodstream.
These are chemicals that break down fat and help keep the body working correctly during fasting or times of reduced carbohydrate consumption. Ketones help regulate energy levels because they can use up fat stores rather than waiting for more carbohydrates to enter the body.
While these are more prevalent in individuals with diabetes, entering this process can be beneficial to trick the body into losing weight and using up stored fat.
Health Benefits Of A Keto Diet
Because it comes from the principle that the body is encouraged to lose fat and create more stable energy levels, there can be a range of health benefits that come from following a keto diet. These include improving acne and the overall appearance of pimples in the skin.
Studies have also shown that the keto diet can improve heart health and contribute to additional protection of the brain. As well as reducing fat within the body, the keto diet has many ways that help the body perform correctly.
Easy Snacks
Thanks to the modern world of marketing and production, there are more keto-friendly snacks available than ever before. It can be exciting to see what your local grocery store has to offer, but if you want to make your own snacks to save a little money, bell peppers are ideal for things such as eggs, avocado, and cheese.
Combine those in unique ways using your favorite seasoning for a tasty snack that keeps you within the keto guidelines. Nut butters, olives, and seeds are also ideal for someone who wants something a little more salty.
In addition, you could make use out of greek yogurt and berries for something that is more on the sweet side.
Make It Work For You
Something to keep in mind when you are researching a keto diet and trying to follow one is that you should try to find a method that works for you. Make sure you are keeping your body fueled and working out where possible. This is key to entering the ketosis process because it helps the body function correctly and regulate the correct amount of energy consumption.
Some people find it beneficial to prepare their meals and snacks ahead of time, so that they are easier to access during the working week without giving in to temptation of reaching for carbs. It is important that you find a way of following the keto diet that fits within your routine and lifestyle so that you don’t necessarily feel like you are losing out on something.
Refeed Days
Something that many people don’t talk about is the weekly refeed day or two days that are necessary when you are following the keto diet. The body needs to be replenished with some amount of whole grain carbohydrates, and it is worth scheduling these carefully within your week.
It is easy to lose control during these days, but remember that you should still count calories and keep a close eye on what type of food you find yourself reaching for.
Summary
The keto diet can be highly beneficial when you want to lose fat. It is an effective way of improving the metabolism and other digestive functions within the body. Try to find something that works for you, and that does not necessarily feel like you are missing out on a particular food group.
Some people prefer to prepare their meals ahead of time, while others may enjoy the selection of keto-friendly snacks offered by many supermarkets nowadays.
