Ketogenic diet planKetosis diets are sometimes planned for a 30-day period but are totally sustainable long term and you can be on a ketogenic diet plan for the rest of your life if you want to. A rigorous low-carbohydrate diet is followed as all your energy comes from fat and protein sources during this period. A ketosis diet is basically known as a high-fat diet, though protein plays a significant role in the ketosis diet too. Fat is taken to fill you up as well as give both adequate calories and vital nutrients to the body. It is imperative to seek advice from your doctor before commencing on any diet. But be alert that some doctors are not up to date on recent studies and might be against a low carb diet, even if it has been shown it's very beneficial and not dangerous. You can check out
KrisKris (a medical student who blogs about nutrition, always cites concrete studies and knows what he's talking about) for more information. He also has a new site,
Authority nutrition.
KetosisWhen the muscle tissue has depleted all the glycogen stored (when you stop eating carbs), the human body releases ketones. This state is referred to as ketosis. Ketones are released in the mitochondria of liver cells. These ketones start the breakdown of fatty acids as a way of giving energy to the body. Carbohydrates hinder this production of ketones as they bring back glycogen to the muscles, providing the body with a substitute source of energy.
Fat LossWhen the body exhausts its carbohydrates reserves, it converts fat to energy. It is important to know that the aim of the ketosis diet is to
maintain muscle mass at the same time as burning fat. Consuming a moderate quantity of protein maintains the muscle tissue making the body to exclusively burn fat. Hence, the ketosis diet is the best method for burning fat rapidly. For some people like athletes trying to get that cut look a ketogenic diet plan goes for 30 days but you can stay on it as long as you like. I've been in ketosis for over a year and never felt better.
Avoid CarbohydratesA ketosis plan should not include but a very small amount of carbohydrates. It's not a zero-carb diet but it's good to limit carbs to around 5% of your daily calories. The ketosis diet only allows the intake of less than 20-30 grams of carbohydrates each day. Vegetables that grow above ground are the best source of carbohydrates and must be within the recommended quantity intake. Starchy vegetables like potatoes should be avoided as well as fruit it has high amounts of fructose. Stick with veggies that grow about ground, for instance zucchini, cucumber, lettuce etc. Here you can find my
Low carb vegetables list.
Consume FatThis one is really important when you're following a ketogenic diet plan. It might sound strange and even unhealthy (it's not) to switch over to eating 65% fat (30% protein, 5% carbs) because of all the "fat will kill you" propaganda you've heard in the past.
The major supply of calories on your ketogenic diet plan should be fat and protein. Examples of fat include olive oil, butter, cheese, cream and mayo, but also nuts, avocado etc. To meet every day calorie requirements, one needs to take a lot fat in his/her main meals along with moderate protein and a small amount of carbs. Try to avoid fats rich in omega 6.
Consume moderate proteinEat a moderate amount of protein while you're on the ketogenic diet plan. Suitable foodstuffs include poultry, cheese, beef, pork, and seafood, protein supplements, peanut butter, nuts, shakes and eggs. One should also take some non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers, lettuces, peppers etc. One should ensure he/she keep below 20-30 g of carbohydrates every day.
Typical ketogenic diet plan menuA typical day on the ketosis diet might include:
Breakfast: omelette (eggs, cheese, heavy whipping cream and spices for flavor) Avocado on the side.
Lunch: cheeseburger without the bun, prepared from ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, an egg and mozzarella cheese. Wrap it in lettuce to replace the bun.
Dinner: Steak, broccoli, salad and a cream sauce or bernaise.
Snacks: peanut butter, pork rinds, deli meat, cheese, boiled eggs etc.
Make sure you browse through my page, I have a few very delicious recipes. I'm also on
Pinterest and have gathered a ton of recipes there
My low carb store has a list of lot of great books to read and yummy low carb food so you won't feel like you're missing out.
I hope you enjoy your ketogenic diet plan. You might have a rough couple of days in the beginning so make sure you read up on the dreaded
keto flu and be prepared for it!
Comment: Some people don't tolerate foods such as nuts, and most dairy products are best avoided while healing the gut. For more information see our forum discussion Ketogenic Diet - Path To Transformation?.
Butter and a high-fat bone broth are excellent sources of fat during a ketogenic diet:
Stock vs Broth - Are You Confused?
The amazing health benefits of bone broth
Traditional Bone Broth in Modern Health and Disease
You'll find the scientific principles of this diet in:
The Ketogenic Diet - An Overview
The fat-fueled brain: unnatural or advantageous?
Is the Ketogenic Diet the cure for multiple diseases?
Ketogenic Diet (high-fat, low-carb) Has Neuroprotective and Disease-modifying Effects
Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets