If you’re hoping to get ready for swimsuit season with a summer bod or lose weight for the long term, you’ve probably scoured the internet for the best diet plans to help you achieve your goals. In doing so, you have likely stumbled upon the ketogenic diet or simply, keto diet. 

If you’re here wanting to learn more about this popular diet – and to find out if it is right for you – congratulations! You have come to the right place! Our Spring Hill weight loss experts will shed light on this diet plan in today’s blog.

 

What is the Ketogenic or Keto Diet?

Since time immemorial, carbohydrates have been humans’ main source of fuel. However, excess glucose from carbs that we consume is stored in the liver. Thanks (but no thanks) to insulin, it is converted into fatty acids that circulate to other parts of the body where they get stored once more as fat. 

Now, the idea behind keto diet is to restrict your body of carbs to force it to look for another fuel source to burn for energy. Here’s a simple definition of the ketogenic diet: it is a high-fat, low-carb diet plan. When you follow this diet plan, there are high levels of fat in your diet. As a result, your body will begin to recognize fat as its main source of fuel. Once the fat from your meals are depleted, your body will begin burning stored fats.

What is Ketosis?

The Keto diet is based on the idea that your body burns fat as an energy source when it runs out of carbohydrates. This process is called ketosis. When your body starts burning fat, it produces ketones, which are water-soluble molecules oxidized for energy.

 

Is Keto Right for You? The Pros or Benefits of the Keto Diet

One of the first things to check when wanting to know if a diet plan is right for you is its benefits. Below are the known benefits of keto diet.

1. It can be effective for weight loss.

Many people doing the keto diet lose weight. After all, ketosis is not just an imaginary process. When your body enters ketosis, it really burns fat. As such, it can result in the quicker loss of body fat. 

2. It can help curb cravings.

A low-carb, high-fat diet can help you feel less hungry and eliminate cravings for sugary and starchy foods. Once you find that you are less hungry, prolonging fasting hours becomes easier, which is good if you also want to maintain intermittent fasting. Having less cravings also means avoiding unhealthy eating and snacking.

3. It can help lower blood sugar.

People who are insulin-resistant often have higher blood sugar levels because their bodies do not respond properly to insulin. Research suggests that keto diet may help in blood sugar regulation. Since you consume less carbs and sugar, your body will also require and produce less insulin.

 

Reconsidering Keto: The Cons or Disadvantages of Keto Diet

Of course, no diet is perfect and keto is no exception. Below are some of the cons or disadvantages of the keto diet that you may want to consider before starting this diet plan.

1. It can cause keto flu

A common short-term side effect of keto diet is the keto flu. This is the collective term for symptoms that may appear within the first week after starting a keto diet. The symptoms include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Stomach upset
• Skin rash
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping

2. It puts you at risk for nutrient deficiencies

Removing sources of carbohydrates — including those that have been known to be healthy such as whole grains, fruits, and root crops — from your diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies. This is a typical negative side effect of many popular diets. 

3. It can be difficult to sustain

Keto is a highly restrictive diet. As such, many people have trouble sticking with it. This is problematic because it can cause yo-yo dieting.

The Best Approach to Weight Loss

Indeed, keto diet offers a number of benefits and if it’s simply weight loss you’re after, it could be worth a try. 

However, if your goal goes beyond losing weight and you want to be healthier for the long term, it’s best to consult a local nutritionist in Spring Hill, FL, who can recommend the best weight loss plan for your health status, personal preferences, and lifestyle. It is possible that your nutritionist may actually suggest keto. However, you will get professional guidance, which can ensure success.

Batista Weight Loss is Your Partner in Healthy Weight Loss

Many diets don’t work because of a variety of reasons. You can avoid these by seeking the right support system. Batista Weight Loss is home to highly qualified and certified weight loss experts who can help you lose weight and keep it off in a healthy and sustainable manner. 

Our Registered Clinical Dietitian, Susan Batista, and in-house physician Dr. John Batista, will work together to monitor and guide you as you achieve your weight loss goals. 

Here at Batista Weight Loss, you can enjoy the benefits of:

• Custom weight loss plans
• Diet management
• Glutathione injections for weight loss
• Slim shot injections for weight loss

 

Furthermore, you don’t have to give up on your weight loss goals during this pandemic. You can schedule an appointment with our virtual weight loss doctor so you can get professional weight loss coaching safely from home. 

Book an appointment today to get started with your healthy and safe weight loss journey! You may also call us at (352) 600-3476 to learn more or visit us at 497 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34609, USA.

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.