“Fats are bad and carbs are good!” For many years, this myth has been so widely thought true that those of us from the last generation feel as though it were tattooed upon our brains. Today, as we walk down the grocery aisles we still recognize its influence in the remaining “Fat Free” product labels. Thankfully, the world is becoming more aware that fats are essential for good health and sugars are the real problem. This is evident by the recent explosion of “Sugar Free” marketing labels found on food products of all kinds. We are obviously reaching a turning point that will forever change our views concerning the benefits of fat in our diets. Science has only reached the tip of the iceberg with respect to the diverse health benefits of a “high fat low carb” diet.
Understandably, it is hard to trust science when we are still utilizing chemotherapy to treat cancer with only a 15 percent survival rate! Yet, the truth is physicians prescribe chemo, scientists develop solutions and publish results. The scientifically tested, “ketogenic diet” is becoming the latest rage. Yes, it’s a diet that allows you to eat BACON! What meat eating hippie would NOT be inspired by that? It is an extremely simple yet hard to understand, multifaceted process, which in a nutshell comes down to this: A body deprived of carbohydrates it will enter a state of ketosis!
Our body is a highly effective machine. It employs several different pathways to produce fuel. Glucose, which is produced by the breakdown of carbohydrates, is our body’s primary fuel source. Without getting into too many details, when glucose levels are inadequate, the body turns to fats as an alternative resource. Our cellular communication and nutritional flow is based on lipids (fats). The idea that we would deprive our body of fats is horrifying especially once one understands how our neurons communicate and how our cells are structured.
Sugars, carbs, and glucose are the main fuel source for multiple diseases. Once that fuel source is cut off our body regains the upper hand. The human body operates in a ketogenic state in a decidedly efficient manner. Ketones are the fuel produced by the breakdown of fats. They are known to starve cancer cells, increase neurological function, increase satiation, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol.
Now that you are sold concerning the benefits of the “Keto Diet” with plenty of reliable facts, the diet regulations are the next questions which require answers. Macros is a hard concept to grasp for most people. To put it as simply as possible, the Keto Diet allows for limited carbs with a regulated amount of protein and increased allowable fat grams. The macro nutrient breakdown would consist of 5% carbs, 20% protein, and 75% fats. Calculating the proper macros is based on your goals, weight, and body fat percentage. There are plenty of free Keto Calculators found on the internet that will help determine the correct macros.
Keep in mind, everyone’s body is different in reference to how resistant we are to ketosis. My recommendation is to start a ketogenic diet in a fasted state with 20 percent less fats than are suggested. Depleting the body’s glycogen would be ideal before starting the diet as well. In order to deplete your body of glycogen, perform cardiovascular or High Intensity Interval Training while you are fasting. Additionally, make sure to drink a minimum of a gallon of water per day to assist your body in eliminating metabolic waste and toxins.
Ketogenic dieting is increasing in popularity now that well-known actors and athletes are bragging about the benefits. Yes, this diet will bring about a more aesthetically pleasing figure, but what it does for individual health far exceeds the benefits of enhanced appearance.