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How to do a Keto Diet: The Complete Guide
Have you been looking for a way to improve your health and lose weight? The keto diet might be the answer for you. The keto diet, short for ketogenic, is a low-carb, High-fat diet that aims to put your body in a metabolic state of ketosis.
But what exactly is ketosis? When our body consumes a limited amount of carbohydrates from food, it turns to stored fat to use as energy instead of glucose. This process, known as ketosis, can not only help you burn excess fat but also minimize your appetite and control blood sugar levels.
One of the reasons for the keto diet‘s popularity is the effectiveness in weight loss and the countless health benefits that come with it. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to do a keto diet, including three different methods to try.
Method 1: Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD)
The SKD is the most used and recommended ketogenic diet for beginners. It requires you to consume 75% of your calories from fat, 20% from protein, and only 5% from carbohydrates. On average, this means you need to eat about 20-50 grams of carbohydrates per day.
Foods to Eat:
– Meats (beef, pork, lamb, chicken, etc.)
– Fatty Fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna, etc.)
– Low-carb vegetables (Spinach, Cauliflower, Broccoli, etc.)
– Dairy (Cheese, Butter, Cream, Full-fat Yogurt, etc.)
– Nuts and seeds (Walnuts, Almonds, Chia Seeds, etc.)
– Avocado and Coconut Oil
Foods to Avoid:
– Grains (wheat, rice, corn, etc.)
– Sugar and sweeteners (Maple Syrup, Honey, etc.)
– High-carb fruits (Bananas, Apples, Oranges, etc.)
– Processed foods (Chips, Crackers, Cookies, etc.)
Method 2: Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD)
The CKD, also known as a carb cycling diet, is an advanced form of the keto diet suitable for athletes or bodybuilders. It involves five to six days of consuming the standard keto diet, followed by a high-carbohydrate day for replenishing their glycogen stores.
Foods to Eat:
– Same as the SKD
Foods to Avoid:
– Same as the SKD
Method 3: Targeted Ketogenic Diet (TKD)
The TKD is like the CKD, only that instead of high-carb days, you eat carbs before exercising. This strategy helps provide your body with enough energy during your workout while maintaining ketosis.
Foods to Eat:
– Same as the SKD
Foods to Avoid:
– Same as the SKD
Tips on Starting a Keto Diet
1. Consult your doctor: Before starting any significant dietary changes, please consult your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.
2. Increase your fat intake gradually: Don’t jump into high-fat meals. Your body needs time to adapt. Start with a moderate amount of fat, then gradually increase your intake over time.
3. Track your macro-nutrients: Calculate your daily fat, protein, and carb intake to make sure you are staying within the keto guidelines. Use an app or tool like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer.
4. Stay hydrated: Carbs store water in our bodies. Therefore, reducing carbs means you’ll lose water weight. Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and potential electrolyte imbalances.
5. Consider supplementing: Eating a restricted diet like the keto diet may cause nutrient deficiencies. Consider supplementing with vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a way to improve your overall health and reduce weight, the keto diet is a great option. It can help you lose weight while feeling full and satisfied without cutting out all of your favorite foods. It’s essential to choose the type of keto diet that works for you and to follow it correctly. Remember to track your macros, stay hydrated, and supplement accordingly to reduce the risks of nutrient deficiencies. Before starting the keto diet, be sure to consult your doctor to ensure that it is safe for you.
Are you ready to try the keto diet? Give it a shot and see how it changes your life. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so find what works best for you, and stick to it!