Keto Resources

I first heard about the ketogenic diet years ago thanks to the amazing Hayley of Health Starts in the Kitchen. I admit that I first thought it sounded so extreme and impossible. Over time, I watched her success and started to hear more and more stories about how keto helps people. Below, I'm sharing a few of the resources that helped me understand keto better and take the plunge! I did take the time to read a lot about keto, comparing it to other ways of eating and specifically low-carb high-fat, so I did not enter this blind. I encourage anyone hoping to attempt keto to read deeply, watch videos, and inform themselves.

Note: I am not a medical professional. I simply want to provide convenient access to resources. Please consult with a medical professional prior to beginning a ketogenic diet.

What is the ketogenic diet?


Basically, the ketogenic diet puts your body in a metabolic state that burns fat for fuel instead of glucose, which is what it burns when you consume carbohydrates. To do this, you eat low carb (around 20g per day), moderate protein, and high fat. People freak out about the high-fat part because they bought into the sugar industry's lie that fat makes you fat. Your body needs healthy fats and a diet high in healthy fats can improve cholesterol and hormone production. Lots of women who struggle with infertility find themselves pregnant when they start keto. There are a variety of benefits for this approach but since I'm not a doctor, I'll let you read about those on your own.




Is Keto Safe?


Many people balk at keto because of the high consumption of fats and the relative lack of research on the long-term effects of the diet. However, this diet was created by doctors in the 1920s to help manage epilepsy in children. Low-carb diets similar to this have been around for a long time, even before Atkins popularized them. Continued research shows a connection between keto reducing the symptoms of Alzheimer's, fatty liver disease, cancer, ALS, Parkinson's, diabetes, and more in addition to weight loss. Again, research the evidence from the medical professionals yourself. Many people come to keto when they are at the end of the rope and fear for their lives. More and more doctors and specialists recommend it and the results people experience can be astounding.



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So do I just eat bacon and butter?

The key to the keto diet is a lot of greens and vegetables, lots of healthy fats, and some protein. Think of most meals as containing lots of fresh greens and some pastured meats, especially fattier cuts like chicken thighs. Many people who begin eating ketogenically start by devouring dairy and meat, which leaves them feeling constipated and bloated. Dr. Berg even says we need to eat so many greens that we don't need to count them in our carbs. Basically, my love of vegetables and high-quality meats and fats plays perfectly into the keto diet, which is why I enjoy it so much! Many people do not any dairy on keto. On the other hand, there are lots of people who do "lazy keto," which allows for sugar-free ingredients, substitutes for baked goods, and protein bars. Each body is different and we each have to find the version of keto that works for our goals!

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