The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. The reduction in carbs puts your body in a metabolic state called ketosis. During the ketosis process the body gets very efficient at burning fat for energy and at the same time turns fat into ketones in the liver supplying energy to the brain.
On a ketogenic diet, your entire body switches its fuel supply to run almost entirely on fat. Sugar-reducing hormone levels become very low, and fat burning increases dramatically. The diet promotes accelerated weight loss more effectively than most other diets because it teaches your body to burn fat more efficiently by entering a metabolic state rather than simply cutting out carbs, sugar products or reducing calories which most regular diets go by.
The diet can easily be adapted to fit in with a raw vegan diet. At The LifeCo, we have a raw plant-based Ketogenic program – a nutrition plan during which the body gets all its energy from plant-based fats instead of sugar and carbohydrates.
Who can do the Ketogenic diet?
The ketogenic diet is suitable for most people except those with chronic health problems especially those on medication who are advised to seek medical attention before starting the diet. It is not advised for those including pregnant women, children, people at risk of hypoglycemia, people with a very low BMI, and those with conditions that a ketogenic diet may exacerbate.
Benefits of Ketogenic Diet Program
A ketogenic diet program is an effective tool for those who want to lose weight because of the dramatic decrease in carb intake which forces your body to burn fat instead of carbs for energy.
There’s even science-based speculation that a keto diet plan could increase longevity and help treat or reduce the risk of cancer.
Mental clarity and increased cognition
Improved energy levels
Less hunger
Steady blood sugar levels from little to no intake of carbs
Improved skin especially for those with acne
Improved triglyceride and cholesterol levels
Hormone regulation and less severe PMS symptoms
What you can’t eat
Grains – wheat, corn, rice, cereal, etc.
Sugar – honey, agave, maple syrup, etc.
Fruit – apples, bananas etc.
Root veg – potato, yams, etc.
What you can eat
Leafy Greens – spinach, kale, etc.
Above ground vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
Nuts and seeds – macadamias, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc.
Avocado and berries – raspberries, blackberries, and other low glycemic impact berries
Other fats – coconut oil, high-fat salad dressing, saturated fats, etc.
