The rate at which Keto diets are rising in popularity makes it clear that the movement is here to stay. The Keto diet encourages eating healthy fats and significantly fewer carbohydrates.
This way, your body goes into a ketosis state which means it uses excess body fat as energy leading to you losing weight. The best way to reap the maximum benefits of Keto is by being well-informed. That said, this article details facts and myths of Keto you should note. By the end of the article, you will know if it is ideal for you and how to do it right.
Myth 1: It’s a One Size Fits All Diet
Fact: Every keto diet you find online might be worth trying. However, people never consider how low in carbohydrates the diet is, making it challenging to maintain discipline with the diet. Also, some people have genetic conditions that make the diet ineffective and unhealthy.
Therefore, you should work with a dietician who will draft a suitable keto diet that will make it easier for you to follow and suit your body’s nutritional needs.
Myth 2: Keto Diet Allows You To Eat As Much Fatty Food As Possible
Fact: While Keto diets encourage you to consume lots of fats, you can’t eat as much fat as you want. For example, if you overeat protein foods such as bacon, your body will get out of the ketosis state because the protein will be converted to glucose, defeating the purpose of the diet.
Also, it’s imperative to carefully choose the type of fatty foods you include in your diet for maximum results. For example, foods such as avocado and flax seeds are also high in fat and ultimately healthier than fried sausages and bacon.
Myth 3: This Diet May Lead to Ketoacidosis
Fact: Contrary to popular opinion, a keto diet is not affiliated with the ketoacidosis condition. Most people think it is because the keto diet puts your body into ketosis mode, which is where your body uses excess fat instead of glucose as fuel.
On the contrary, ketoacidosis is when your body produces too many ketones in your blood due to insufficient insulin. This condition is prevalent in people with diabetes or similar genetic conditions and is often life-threatening.
Myth 4: People With Diabetes Can’t Follow the Keto Diet
Fact: According to a recent study, people with diabetes can follow the keto diet to help with weight loss. However, it’s imperative for them( and for everyone really) to seek a professional opinion beforehand. This way, the expert can tweak the diet to suit their condition and lifestyle.
However, the study also noted that diabetic people tend to lose weight slower while on Keto than on other diets because of their medication. Therefore, keep that in mind before choosing this diet.
Myth 5: Keto Diet Has No Natural Scientific Backing
Fact: Keto was first introduced more than 100 years ago by scientists as a way of controlling epilepsy which causes seizures.
The theory lies in glucose, the brain’s primary source of energy. Since the brain needs energy to perform a seizure, the Keto diet can starve the brain of its main source of energy. Thus, the seizures reduce and eventually stop. Since then, medics have discovered other benefits of the keto diet, such as treating Alzheimer’s.
Myth 6: Keto Is Only Suitable for Weight Loss
Fact: The main reason Keto is popular is that it has been marketed as a sure way to lose weight. But, the diet is also beneficial for many other reasons.
For example, medics claim that it helps reduce and even treat certain types of cancer. It is because once your body goes into ketosis mode, the cancer cells will oxidate, causing them to die.
Besides genetics and habits, acne can also result from a bad diet. That said, according to a recent study, people on a keto diet tend to see a significant reduction in acne.
Myth 7: You Shouldn’t Exercise on a Keto Diet
Fact: Because a proper exercise regime requires ingesting lots of protein and carbohydrates, it’s a common myth that people on a keto diet don’t need to exercise. But that is not true. Like any other diet, supplementing it with a good workout is the best way to lose weight.
You can’t just continue your pre-diet workout routine, as energy reserves will be different. Therefore, consult a professional to help you tweak your workout accordingly. Most of the time, you will have to change up the portions of your keto diet too.
Myth 8: The Keto Diet Causes Flu-Like Symptoms
Fact: There is a common phenomenon known as the keto flu, where people just starting on the diet record flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, etc. While it is true that people experience such symptoms, this is a sign that the diet is working. In short, your body is trying to adjust from using glucose to fat for fuel.
However, don’t be alarmed; the symptoms should only last a week or two. If the symptoms last longer, you are eating way too little than needed and therefore need to adjust your portions.
You could also speak to your doctor cornering the symptoms and the recent adoption of the diet. With time, you should feel better while maintaining the diet.
Final Thoughts
The Keto diet is popular, especially for those people trying to lose weight. Unfortunately, everyone has an opinion on it, making it hard to know what is true and what is false. That said, you should avoid falling victim to the most popular myths.
Learning more about Keto diet facts can help you make an informed decision concerning whether to adopt it. In addition, facts ensure you are doing the diet right. Keep up with our informative blog for more information on this and other nutrition-related topics.
