Ketogenic Diet
Ketogenic Diet and Ketosis Health
The keto diet is easily the most effective diet for weight loss. As I found out personally by easily losing 25 pounds without being hungry in a matter of a few weeks. This diet works by using fat as the primary source of energy. There are multiple advantages to using fat as fuel. The first is it is slow-burning fuel, so you don't get ups and downs in your energy or appetite like you do when you are burning carbs. The mind works better with more consistent energy. The ketogenic diet is ideal for those suffering from any kind of cognitive or other brain issues. It is by far the best diet for diabetics often reducing their need for medication.
However, weight loss is the primary reason most people want to try the keto diet. The keto diet help keep your internal chemistry in balance. Improving the balance of your internal chemistry can improve metabolism and reduce your requirements for certain medications
So how can nutrition help? The best way to monitor your level of ketosis is with a blood ketone test kit. These use test strips like are used for measuring blood glucose. A good level of ketones for weight loss is 0.5 to 1.5 mmol/L. We used a ketone meter to test these products. In less than an hour, I measured the ketone level in my own blood going from 0.9 to 2.1 Mmole/L doubling my level of ketosis using Metagenics Exogenous Ketone Salts.
There are basically two types of ketones the endogenous ketones your body makes during ketosis and the exogenous ketones you take to help your body get and stay in ketosis.
Getting Into Ketosis
Why is using exogenous ketones helpful? Because increasing the level of ketones in the blood helps you transition from carbohydrates as fuel to ketones. Probably the hardest part of the diet is the transition to ketones as a fuel. You can also have some unpleasant symptoms like bloating during this transition period. Exogenous ketones raise the level of ketones in the blood in a short period of time. You will notice better brain function and less hunger when blood ketone levels are higher.
Exogenous ketones are very helpful getting into ketosis after you have been using carbs for fuel. They also help boost energy. The key to these products is that they supply enough exogenous ketones to be effective.
Staying in Ketosis
- Minimize carb intake.
- Try adding coconut oil to your diet.
- Add more physical exercise and activity.
- Increase healthy fats.
- Try fasting for short time or a fat fast.
- Sustain enough protein in your diet.
- Keep track of ketone levels and change your diet as needed.
