Do you want to lose weight by following the ketogenic diet? The common fad diet; keto diet helps you shed those extra kilos and is a perfect option for those who want to lose weight quickly. Apart from this, the diet improves your cholesterol, blood pressure and lowers your blood sugar levels, reduces your appetite and lowers your triglycerides. The keto diet focuses on healthy fats, low-carbohydrates and moderate amounts of protein. Through a process called ketogenesis, the liver converts fats into ketone bodies. The brain and other cells in the body can use ketones for energy. This is commonly referred to as a state of ketosis. During ketosis your body effectively breaks down fats into ketones to use as energy.
Foods you can eat while on a keto diet:
1. Healthy fats like coconut oil, whole eggs, cottage cheese, heavy cream, olive oil, butter, nuts and seeds and ghee should be included in the keto diet
2. Vegetables that are low in carbohydrates should be consumed. These vegetables include spinach, eggplant, mushrooms, asparagus, lettuce, olives, cucumber, cabbage, broccoli, avocado and bell peppers
3. Meat is also acceptable on a keto diet. But lean cuts of meat and processed meat should be avoided. Chicken breast, ham, turkey, beef and lamb can be incorporated in your diet
4. Dairy products high in fat are a good option if you are on a ketogenic diet. These include sour cream, cheese, full-fat milk, Greek yoghurt and heavy cream
5. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, brazil nuts and peanuts are acceptable while on a keto diet. Nut butters like almond butter and peanut butter can also be considered
6. Sea food like salmon, tuna, lobsters, crabs and trout can be included in your diet
7. Fruits to eat on a keto diet are avocados, black berries, blue berries and green olives
Foods to avoid if you are on a keto diet:
1. Some fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, mango, plums, lemons, peaches, watermelon, melon, pineapple, cherries, pears, limes, grapefruits should be avoided
2. Vegetables that are high in carbohydrates like carrots, beetroots, potatoes, turnips, sweet potatoes and yams are not acceptable if you are on a keto diet