April 04, 2021 5 min read
The ketogenic diet is really more of an eating plan than a diet plan. Instead of a strict, calorie deficit with high-carbs many Americans are used to, it's a low-carb, high-fat diet similar to the Atkins diet (a low-carb, high-protein diet). People usually adopt this eating plan for weight loss, though it might seem counterintuitive at first - how can eating more fats lead to fat loss? However, it has many other health benefits as well! When we replace carbohydrates with healthy fats, it puts our bodies into a metabolic state called ketosis, hence the name. Typically, your body will use carbs and sugar as its primary source of energy. During ketosis however, low-carbohydrate diets force your body to burn fat for fuel, while your liver simultaneously converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies or ketones for increased energy.
There are multiple types of keto diet plans, including the standard, cyclical, targeted, and high-protein ketogenic diet, but only the standard keto diet has been studied extensively. They are all very similar except for dividing macronutrients a little differently. If you’re following a strict, standardketo diet, the average person should eat about 20-30 grams of net carbs a day. To get a broader view of what's on the menu, the macronutrients of your diet should be 70% fat, 20% protein, and about 10% carbs. In a daily 2,000-calorie diet, might look something like 165 grams of fat, 75 grams of protein, and only 40 grams of carbs.
Foods that should be avoided on the standard keto diet are:
So what can you eat while on this low-carb diet? Plenty! There are an abundance of keto meal plans out there that use the following ingredients:
The keto diet is extremely popular in America, and for good reason! Many studies have proven that this diet has the following benefits:
During the first four to five days of starting the keto diet, you might be feeling a little sluggish or have constipation. Don't worry, that is one of the short-term side effects commonly called the keto flu, but it doesn't last long. In fact, many people feel much more energized while on the keto diet when they stick with it! Those with type 2 diabetes should consult a dietitian or doctor before adopting this diet as it can counteract certain medications.
If you want to see quick results, it's important that you moderate your protein intake. When consumed in high amounts, our bodies convert protein into glucose which can slow its ability to enter ketosis. For this reason, lean protein supplements such as collagen are key! Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and its benefits are widespread. From your skin's clarity and elasticity to tissue repair and gut health, collagen is absolutely key. The trouble is that our bodies start producing less and less collagen as we age. Free radicals can break down the collagen as well. Dietary sources of collagen are rare in modern diets, which calls for supplementation. Marine collagen supplements are keto-friendly with 0 carbs and only ~35 calories per scoop. One or two, 10g scoops a day can help you to feel full and satisfied on the keto diet, while closely monitoring your protein consumption. They're so lean that you can consume them any time of day, even while intermittent fasting.
Want even more wellness tips and healthy and delicious recipes like these? Visit our blog or check out the recipe page on our website!
Instead of a strict, calorie deficit with high carbs many Americans are used to, keto is a low-carb, high-fat diet similar to the Atkins diet (a low-carb, high-protein diet).
During ketosis, you burn fat for fuel, while your liver simultaneously converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies or ketones for increased energy.
Keto promises multiple health benefits, including heart health, cognitive functions, and even reproductive health.
Marine collagen supplements are keto-friendly with 0 carbs and only ~35 calories per scoop.
Take our quiz and find which supplements your body is craving.
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