We look into the new diet that is growing in popularity, the ‘Keto diet’, and answer some questions on the subject…
- What exactly is the Keto diet, what does it involve?
The keto diet or the ‘Ketogenic diet’ is a strict eating plan that consists of eating foods that are low in carbohydrates but high in fat. For this diet, in particular, it is important to keep a diary of what you are eating and read the ingredients carefully. By dramatically reducing your carb intake and replacing it with fat you induce your body into a metabolic state called Ketosis which helps you lose weight.
- What is ‘Ketosis’?
Ketosis is the state in which your body becomes increasingly effective at burning fat for energy. It also turns fat into ‘ketones’ that supply energy to the brain, drop insulin levels and blood-sugar levels.
- What can and can’t you eat on a Keto diet?
Here at Bootcamp we generally prefer to concentrate on a ‘common sense’ approach to eating and tend to recommend a limited amount of grains or starches, fruit, beans, root vegetables, alcohol and sugary food/drinks.
The typical keto diet suggests a diet of meat, fatty fish, eggs, butter, cheese, nuts and seeds, avocados, and low-carb veggies such as tomatoes, onions and peppers.
- Is the Keto diet safe, and would you recommend it?
Cutting carbs without advice can be dangerous so if you are concerned, consult with your GP before trying the keto diet. There are some side effects to this diet such as low energy levels and bad breath, see more here.
It is ok to experiment with different ways of eating to see what works for your body and your lifestyle. However, rather than trying sorts that offer quick fixes. It is important to get the basics right first: eating high quality, unprocessed food, eating an appropriate amount of calories and making sure we understand our macronutrients. Only then would we recommend experimenting with other ways of eating such as the Keto diet.
Visit Bootcamp for more nutritional advice and fun fitness sessions!
