Ketogenic Diet 101 for Dummies

The keto diet, also known as the ketogenic diet, is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, moderate-protein diet. The goal of the keto diet is to transition into a nutritional state called ketosis - where your body switches from burning carbohydrates to fat to support weight loss.

The ketogenic diet (keto diet) works by depriving the body of carbohydrates. When only fat is available, your liver uses fat as an alternative fuel and converts fatty acids into ketones. These ketones are then used by your body and brain for clean, effective energy that keeps you full - without slowing you down.

From your brain to your blood cells, glucose is usually the most readily available source of energy. We get glucose from the foods we eat - whether that's bread and refined sugars or those found in nature, like fructose from fruits. But to keep the body and brain functioning during times of starvation when carbohydrates aren't available, the human body can adapt to using ketones instead of carbohydrates for fuel. While switching from glucose to ketones may seem unnatural, your brain actually processes ketones more efficiently than glucose. Your brain is like a luxury car - why fill up on diesel when you can afford premium fuel?

But don't just take our word for it. The keto diet was originally developed to treat epilepsy in children and is still used today to treat children and adults with drug-resistant forms of epilepsy.

Definition of Ketosis: When your liver converts fats into fatty acids and ketones.

According to the NIH, "There is no doubt that there is strong supporting evidence that the use of ketogenic diets is effective in weight loss therapy." In fact, they agree that there are many other positive benefits as well, such as improved mood and protection from cognitive impairment due to obesity. For some, the keto diet can be easier to stick with than other diets because you can eat delicious foods like nuts, avocados, and cheese while still feeling full. Unlike many other diets that are socially difficult to maintain, the keto diet also allows for moderate consumption of wine and other alcohol. The keto diet is a great way to look and feel great.

On the keto diet, you should aim for 70% of your calories to come from fats, 25% from protein, and 5% or less from carbohydrates. This means eliminating sweet or starchy foods from your diet - not just sweets, but also grains, potatoes, and high-carbohydrate fruits like grapes or bananas.

If you have been curious about the ketogenic diet and would like to understand it in more detail or start getting into it, PowerDietKeto is the best complete guide to get successful results within 30 days. You will even get a free gift upon sign up: 10 Keto Diet delicious recipes for you to start your first week with.

Bear in mind that after starting the diet in the first week, some may experience what is called "keto flu". The keto flu is a term used colloquially to describe the general malaise experienced by some dieters at the beginning of the low-carb, high-fat diet.

Although not all dieters experience the keto flu, some symptoms may occur:

- Flu-like symptoms such as weakness or sore muscles

- Intense sugar cravings and withdrawal

- Changes in bowel movements such as constipation or diarrhoea

- Irritability

- Lowered libido

- Muscle cramps and poor concentration.

It is important to also note that the keto flu can be prevented or helped by making sure you get enough sleep, increasing your electrolyte intake, and reducing your consumption of dehydrating drinks like caffeine and alcohol so that you can feel the best you can be during the first week of your body's habit shift.

Good luck!

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