(freelance sample) Keto Diet Summary

One of the most popular diet options is the “Keto Diet”. What does “keto” really mean though? Keto is short for ketogenic, and to put it simply, keto is a high-fat and low-carb diet that makes the body burn fat instead of carbs. The diet makes the body skip the function of turning carbs into glucose (sugar) and instead makes the liver turn fat into fatty acid and ketone bodies that replace sugar as a source of energy in a process called ketosis. The is mainly used to help people diagnosed with epilepsy by reducing the frequency of their seizures. The diet isn’t for everyone though- some reported adverse effects, such as constipation, stunted growth, high cholesterol, and even kidney stones. 

So, what can you eat on a keto diet? A large part of the diet is eating lots of eggs, red meat, and poultry to ensure that the body is still maintaining an adequate amount of protein. Other foods the diet consists of are green vegetables (due to the lack of carbs), fatty fish (like salmon), unprocessed cheese (usually cheddar or mozzarella), avocados, and nuts (the most popular being almonds). Most low-carb and high-fat foods are based on single-ingredients, so many of the meals within a keto diet are simple. Sample meal plans across the internet are breakfasts composed of bacon and eggs, lunches of green salads with olive oil, and dinners of fish or meatballs with broccoli or spinach. While these options sound pretty reasonable, meat with breading or items with bread (sandwiches) are out of the question.

In conclusion, the keto diet is not for everyone. It may be a good diet for those with epilepsy or conditions involving tremors, but maybe not for the person trying to find a healthy way to lose weight.