Hello✨
I know recently there has been a huge wave of interest in the ketogenic diet. Now you can find keto recipes everywhere you turn.
I wanted to explain my personal experience with the diet and give you some background information on what the diet really is. I will also explain in my opinion, If I think it’s effective.
What is the ketogenic diet?
- There are all kinds of Keto diets out there. Some people follow more of a strict Keto diet where others are more flexible. A moderate Keto diet is considered 75% fat, 20% protein and 5% carbohydrates.
How does the ketogenic diet work?
- The aim of the Keto diet is to get your body into the state of Ketosis. Our bodies burn carbohydrates for energy however when on the Keto diet, since you’re restricting the amount of carbs you’re taking in, the body breaks down stored fat. This creates ketones which are used as fuel.
My Experience
I followed a moderate ketogenic diet for 9 weeks about a 1.5 years ago. This was around the time the Keto diet was becoming more popular, but there wasn’t a whole lot of recipes and information about it. Prior to the diet, I was eating fairly high carb and moderate fats. So in other words, it would be quite an adjument.
Once I began the diet, I didn’t notice any immediate changes. It was a struggle for me to eat because I’m not a meat eater and I prefer non-diary, which both are high fat foods. I found myself eating less (caloric deficit) ultimately leading to me losing weight. That is something I think most people don’t grasp. Fat has 9 calories per gram, so it’s more calorie dense compared to your carbs and protein (4 calories per gram). I was getting fuller faster because of how majority of my diet consisted of fats. I was strictly losing weight because of a deficit, not because of the ketogenic diet.
I found that I wasn’t craving carbs as much as I use to, however it was a daily struggle to find food and different things to eat. If you are a picky eater sometimes (like me) you’re going to find this diet difficult. It’s was not worth having to go out and not being able to have a glass of wine or bread or enjoy pizza night with my boyfriend.
Ultimately, I think the ketogenic diet is not worth it. Why? Because it’s not maintainable. I lost 10lbs…WOOOHOO! But jk not that exciting because I gained it all back after returning to my normal diet. In order to maintain a ketogenic diet you have to plan ahead 24/7, track everything you eat, not drink, order everything “special” and if you want a “cheat day” which is not even a healthy mentality to have, you have to avoid binging and feeling sick.
So in conclusion…
If you’re looking to lose weight. Eat in a calorie deficit. Make healthy choices but enjoy your food!!!! And exercise!!!! BE HEALTHY AND HAPPY!!!! ❤️✨
Hope this helps y’all understand the ketogenic diet and if you’re going to give it a try, good luck!
Elizabeth Ann
elizabethannfit 