Keto Diet Explained in Plain English

Keto Diet Explained | Ketogenic Diet Plan Results | High Fat Keto | Ketogenic High Protein Diet

According to history, the ketogenic diet was originally designed in the 1920s to treat pediatric epilepsy. The idea has been abandoned due to the rise of a number of epilepsy and seizure medications. Seeing that it has a lot of health benefits, medical doctors modified the diet for different purposes (e.g, weight loss). It’s actually very similar to Atkin’s Diet and somewhat related to South Beach and Paleo diets.

A lot of people don’t understand the logic behind the ketogenic diet. They don’t even know what the words “keto”, “ketogenic”, “ketones” and “ketosis” mean. You need to be informed so that you’ll know what you’re getting into. Now, here it is. Keto diet explained simply.

Keto Diet Explained – What is it?

The ketogenic diet, more popularly known as keto diet, is primarily a diet high in fat, moderate in protein and low in carbohydrates. However, it’s not as simple as that. Everyone who wants to go on a keto diet needs to understand what proportion is the right amount in order to attain optimal benefits.

Foods in the Keto Diet consist of three macronutrients (often called “macros”)

• Fats – 75%
• Saturated, Monounsaturated, Polyunsaturated Fats and MCT oils
• Protein – 20%
• Grass-fed and organic red meat, fatty and wild-caught fish, free-range whole eggs
• Carbohydrates -5%
• Ideally below 20g of net carbs (total carbohydrates minus fiber)

Keto Diet Explained – How Does it Work?

Our bodies need energy to function properly. We usually get energy from carbohydrates found in rice, bread, pasta, whole grains, sweets, etc.  The body then converts carbohydrates to glucose. Glucose becomes the body’s primary source of energy. We also get energy from fats. However, since the body makes use of glucose as its main source of energy, fats consumed are not needed as energy and, therefore are stored in different parts of our body.

What if we reduce our carbohydrate intake? When we lower our consumption of carbohydrates, the body will be forced to use and burn stored fats as energy. Fats break down in the liver and produce “ketones”.  Hence, “ketosis” is the metabolic state wherein your body’s energy is powered by ketones.

Keto Diet Explained – Why Does it Work?

If you’re going to tell people who have not heard of the keto diet that you are eating bacon, butter and eggs as part of your diet, they’d probably say you’re crazy. But results from people who are embracing this diet are overwhelming.

We know what will happen if we lessen our carb intake. Right, we’ll get weak and easily get tired. We don’t want that to happen. That’s why in keto diet, high fat consumption is essential. Being in a high-fat diet means you are constantly being supplied with energy from ketones. As a result, mental and physical energy is optimized.

Keto Diet Explained in Simple Facts & Guidelines

• A ketogenic diet is basically designed to reach ketosis.
• Feed your body with high amounts of fats because, in ketosis, fat is your main source of energy.
• Healthier fats are from grass-fed meats, dairy from grass-fed animals, eggs from free-range chickens and fish caught wild.
• Consume high amount of healthy high fats, adequate protein, and low carbohydrates foods in 75:20:5 ratio, respectively.
• Keto diet is not a high protein diet.
• Avoid too much protein because the body will convert it to glucose.
• Track not just your ketone levels but your protein levels as well.
• Eliminate sugar and sweets including fruits because sugar is carbohydrates.
• Avocado is the only guilt-free fruit allowed on this diet.
• Choose dark, leafy vegetables and those that grow above the ground.
• Follow the Keto diet rules strictly.

This is the purpose of this article—keto diet explained as simple as it can be. Understand the ketogenic diet, the metabolic state of ketosis, why ketones are preferred than glucose and other things associated with this diet.  It’s not ideal to follow a diet just because it’s popular. When you’re completely educated about the keto diet, you’ll be more convinced, determined and be successful with your goal.

Keto Diet Explained | Ketogenic Diet Plan Results | High Fat Keto | Ketogenic High Protein Diet