You may have heard the Keto diet mentioned as a way that some celebs (and other mere mortals) are losing weight. But what, exactly, is the Keto diet, and how does it work?
This diet is low in carbs (which make up 5% of a meal), moderate in protein (25%), and high in fat (75%). Also known as the LCHF (low carb high fat) diet, this plan aims to force the body to start burning fats instead of carbs, eventually entering a state of “ketosis.”
The Ketogenic diet has many benefits, including weight loss, increased mental focus, better control of blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and decreased insulin resistance. It has actually been used to control formerly uncontrollable epilepsy since the early 20th Century and is known as a cure for acne.
So what can you eat? Avoid refined carbs like bread, cereals, and pasta, as well as starches. Avoid fruit, potatoes, sugars, and grains. Do eat meats, seeds, and nuts, avocados, berries, fats such as coconut oil, butter, cream, and hard cheeses.
Leafy greens are particularly important. Pile your plate high with spinach, bok choi, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, collard greens, kale, steamed green beans, and lettuce, all of which are low in carbohydrates.
