At this time of year, many of us are still hibernating under our duvets, wrapped in our jumpers, and consuming comfort foods that are both comforting and filling. The spring season will be before we realize it, and our thoughts may turn to losing a few pounds in order to achieve that coveted “summer body.” There is a summer body for every body shape and size, of course; however, if you are looking to reduce weight, you may have heard of the keto (ketogenic or ketogenic-style) diet.
What Exactly Is The Ketogenic Diet?
Foods that are high in fat and low in carbs are the foundation of the keto diet. It is extremely similar to the well-known Atkins diet, at least in the beginning stages. It is popular for people to undertake it on their own, while some want to adhere to a more structured eating regimen. We are fortunate that these days, there are many foods out there to support this kind of diet, even down to treats – you can try the best keto snack box in the UK to keep those hunger pangs and cravings at bay.
When we eat foods that are high in carbohydrates, our bodies release insulin and glucose into the bloodstream. Sugar (glucose) is turned into and utilized as energy by the body, and because this is a naturally occurring process, glucose is considered to be our body’s “favored” source of energy. The lipids that we consume are not utilized and are instead stored, which contributes to weight gain.
As a result of eating a diet that is low in carbohydrates, our bodies enter a state known as ketosis. This is the stage at which we make ketones, which are produced as a result of the breakdown of fats in the liver, and we begin to lose weight.
What Are The Advantages Of Following A Ketogenic Diet?
The ketogenic diet has been shown to offer numerous health benefits. These are some examples:
Weight loss is, without a doubt, the most important benefit that people are looking for. It is because of ketosis causing your fat cells to shed any surplus water that they have been holding onto that you experience the initial weight loss. Once this has occurred, the fat cells are small enough to travel through the bloodstream and into the liver, where they are transformed to ketones by the enzyme ketoacidosis.
Affective appetite control: Carbohydrates are the root of many food desires because they elevate insulin levels, which in turn reduces blood sugar levels, as previously stated. When you have stopped or lowered the number of carbohydrates that you consume, the craving goes away, making it much simpler to maintain control over your appetite.
Improved mental concentration: This is related to the prevention of blood sugar levels from dropping too low. When our blood sugar levels rise and fall in an erratic manner, our brain finds it difficult to retain concentration and clarity of thought.
Treatment for type II diabetes: Type II diabetes is characterized by increased insulin production, which is the primary cause. Because the keto diet eliminates sugars from the diet, it has been shown to lower HbA1c levels and even reverse the condition.
Increases energy levels: Your body can only store a limited quantity of glycogen, and when that supply is depleted, your energy levels begin to decline. When you follow a ketogenic diet, on the other hand, your body is burning fat stores, which are plentiful, to power itself, therefore the energy supply never runs out.
General, the keto diet is one that has multiple additional benefits in addition to weight reduction, so if you are looking to lose a few pounds while also improving your overall health, it may be worth looking into more.