There are many reasons why someone would choose to follow a Ketogenic Diet, but the 2 top reasons are Weight Loss and Health.
Both reasons really go hand in hand, but most often people will start a ketogenic diet so they can lose weight.
Why? Because it works! – and honestly, it can work without exercising.
This is why – a very basic explanation. When we eat food that increases our blood sugar level, our bodies produce insulin to try to lower our blood sugar back down to a normal level. The excess insulin that is not needed or used by our body is stored as fat.
GOAL – Don’t Allow Your Body Make Excess Insulin
The idea with the ketogenic and low carb diets is that if you keep your blood sugar level in a normal range by the foods you eat, then your body won’t release excess insulin, therefore there is no fat storage. (That takes care of gaining any more weight.)
The next idea that goes hand in hand with the ketogenic diet used for losing weight is that you want to get rid of the excess fat on your body. You do this by converting your body to use fat for fuel (instead of carbs). This is done by not eating carbs, or as few as possible. When you eat as few carbs as possible and increase your fat intake your body will ultimately start using your fat stores for fuel. (That takes care of getting the fat off your body.)
So, it’s this simple – Don’t Overthink It
If we don’t eat the foods that make our bodies produce high levels of insulin, then we won’t have excess insulin to be stored as fat.
Simple right?
Science has taught us that our body uses carbs first as fuel, and then fat secondly.
If you stop giving yourself carbs to eat and increase your fat intake, your body will convert it’s systems to use fat (stored fat and consumed fat) for energy.
Viola ~ You lose weight!
The other main reason that people will eat a Low Carb Ketogenic Diet is for health specific reasons. There are several studies showing improvements in symptoms and in some cases reversals of certain diseases by eating a diet high in fat, moderate in protein and low in carbs (Keto).
Diabetes
Anxiety
Obesity
Parkinson’s Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Alzheimer’s Disease
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Some Cancers
Migraine Headaches
Fatty Liver
Autism
Epilepsy
Insulin resistance
I have watched and read a lot of research from doctors who are helping people and reversing diabetes through diet, managing their symptoms from disease/illness just by eating a low carb ketogenic diet. And I have personal experience in watching someone reverse diabetes, and it is possible! Just last week I was told of another person making huge strides in reversing her diabetes. Her doctor told her… whatever you are doing… keep doing it!
You should do your research and consult with your doctor before trying something like this way of eating. Discuss your goals and share information with them that you have learned through your research. Your doctor may have more information to help you be successful, and will be able to guide you with any medications you may be taking.
I have learned that many doctors, and people in general, are not supportive of this method of eating to lose weight for various reasons. However, it shouldn’t discourage you from consulting with your doctor and seeking support from others.
I wish you much success if you decide to try a low carb ketogenic way of eating! And if you are currently eating this way – Keto On!
Please checkout some of my delicious recipes by clicking here or check out my post detailing exactly how I meal plan to make sticking with Keto simple.
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Please note that I am not a medical professional. I am sharing my own experiences on this blog, and nothing I share should be taken as medical advice. You should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained on this website.
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