What is the Ketogenic Diet?
The ketogenic diet, also known as a low-carb high-fat (LCHF) diet, is a nutritional approach that involves consuming large amounts of fat and moderate protein while limiting carbohydrate intake. This dietary pattern promotes the body’s use of fats for energy instead of glucose from carbs, resulting in a state called “ketosis.”
Benefits of the Ketogenic Diet
Weight loss: The keto diet can help you lose weight by reducing your appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.
Improved blood sugar control: By restricting carbs, the keto diet helps regulate insulin levels and improve blood sugar control.
Reduced inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to many health issues such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that the keto diet may reduce systemic inflammation.
Increased mental clarity: Some people report improved cognitive function on the keto diet due to increased ketone production.
How to Follow a Ketogenic Diet
To follow a ketogenic diet, start by tracking your macronutrient ratios. Aim for a ratio of around 70% fat, 25% protein, and only 5% carbs or less per day. Here are some tips to get started:
1. Limit carb consumption: Focus on non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, and mushrooms. Also include nuts, seeds, avocado, and berries in moderation.
2. Eat plenty of healthy fats: Sources of healthy fats include butter, coconut oil, olive oil, eggs, fish, meat, poultry, cheese, cream, and nuts/seeds.
3. Choose quality proteins: Opt for grass-fed beef, wild caught salmon, organic chicken, turkey, lamb, bison, and shellfish.
Recipes for the Ketogenic Diet
Here are some delicious recipe ideas to try out on the keto diet:
1. Baked Salmon with Avocado Sauce – Ingredients: 4 oz salmon fillet, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt & pepper, 1 avocado, juice of half a lemon, chopped cilantro
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add salmon and cook until browned on both sides. Transfer to a baking dish and top with avocado sauce. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is fully cooked. Serve with additional cilantro if desired.
2. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto – Ingredients: 2 zucchinis, garlic, basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil
Instructions: Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant. Remove from heat and add pesto ingredients into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Toss zucchini noodles with pesto and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
