Lately, there has been a lot of buzz about the ketogenic, better known as keto, diet. It seems to be the new favorite go-to diet for those that want to drop weight quick. However, like most new things on the market that consumers are so quick to pick up, they haven’t done their research on this either; which is why I’ve taken it upon myself to do the due diligence for all of us.
What is a Ketogenic Diet?
Well, well, well, I’m glad that you asked! A keto diet is one that is exceptionally high in fat, adequate protein and insufficient amounts of carbs. The keto diet forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates which puts the body into a metabolic state and molecules called ketones build up in the bloodstream, which we now know as ketosis (i.e., the keto diet). In layman terms, fats are broken down and used for energy instead of glucose from carbs.
Diets like these aren’t said to be the healthiest. In fact, such diets are used in medicine primarily to treat severe to control epilepsy.
Diets that are high in fat may provide quick fixes for immediate weight loss; however, they can also be considered to be pretty risky.
RELATED: Effective Ways To Build Your Metabolism: Calorie Burning Tips
When it comes to things like this you never really hear about the drawbacks, only the triumphs, which makes it hard to make an informed decision about the keto diet. Instead, most people, articles, and blogs only highlight the weight loss from diets such as this one; which is why I’m here to save the day. I’m going to dissect the truth for you. What might that be? The fact that there are some downsides to this carbs starving, overindulging fat and protein based diet.
Below are some of the disadvantages of the keto diet:
Slows Metabolism
Everyone knows that a slower metabolism makes it harder to lose weight. Any time the body goes into a ketosis state the body loses muscle and your metabolism automatically starts to slow itself down.
Weight Gain
It doesn’t matter what type of diet you attempt; you still have to eat fewer calories than you burn off to lose weight. People don’t realize that fat contains twice the number of calories that are present in protein and carbohydrates; which is why it’s so much easier to overindulge (in calories).
Constipation
With most high-fat diets your consumption of high fiber foods like fruits, greens, and grains will be limited. Without the proper amounts of fiber, your digestive health could easily be compromised, which leaves you bloated, constipated and in danger of other health problems.
Heart Disease
The biggest problem with diets high in fat is their association with heart disease. High-fat diets usually suggest foods that are high in saturated fats like beef, dark meat (chicken- thighs and drumsticks) and bacon. According to the American Heart Association, high saturated fat diets can drastically increase your cholesterol levels. I bet you didn’t know that the AHA recommends limiting your total fat intake between 25 to 35 percent of total calories with only 7 percent coming by way of saturated fats.
Little nuggets like the ones mentioned above should caution you about the keto diet and hopefully help you to make a more informed decision about the things you’re putting into your body. Rapid weight loss can definitely cause a problem. Just take things one day at a time, remember what works for someone else may not work for you and most importantly, always remember to listen to your body and “trust YOUR process!”
