Imagine being able to eat cheese, butter, and whipped cream and still lose weight! Well, it’s actually possible. In fact, even necessary while dieting on the ketogenic diet.

Keto in a nutshell

The ketogenic diet, or just keto, is a high fat, low to moderate protein, low carb diet. Keto can be highly restrictive but gives high and effective results.

By eliminating almost all carbohydrates and sugars, which are turned into glucose, your body learns to convert fat, which is turned into ketones, into energy instead of burning glucose. The object and end goal is to get into what is called “ketosis”, which is like a fat-burning state on autopilot.

There are amazing benefits that can be experienced through keto. However, there are some downsides you need to be aware of as well. These are some of the most common pros and cons of the Keto diet:

The Pros

Weight Loss

Keto has become popular in recent years because of its amazing and effective weight loss results. Although restrictive in some food groups, it is not restrictive in calories, and you can eat a healthy number of calories during the day while also experiencing fat burning which leads to incredible fat loss.

Blood Sugar Control

The ketogenic diet eliminates all sugars, including some natural sugars from some fruits and milk. And because carbs can be converted into sugar/glucose, this keeps your blood sugar from spiking high after eating a balanced keto meal. Because of this, you can experience more balanced blood sugar levels, and even stave off pesky sugar cravings without depleted energy levels.

Regulates Nervous System

Through implementing a ketogenetic way of eating in your life, this modulates the metabolism, which in turn regulates the nervous system, leading to better health and less disease. A regulated nervous system also improves cognitive function and helps to heal mental illness.

The Cons

Keto Flu

When you first begin keto, your body will go through a detox, which can often manifest with flu-like symptoms. This doesn’t last long, maybe a few days to a week. However, if you take a break from keto or have too many “cheat days”, you could find yourself in a cycle of keto flu all over again.

Mineral and Micronutrient Deficiencies

Keto diet definitely is beneficial in eliminating unhealthy foods like sugar and processed junk foods; however, it does come with a downside. There are some minerals and vitamins like fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, and more, that could be lacking in a keto diet. If you eat keto, make sure to find ways to supplement your diet. Try this zero-carb Magnesium Powder to increase your minerals!

Socially Isolating

Because the keto diet requires so many food and beverage restrictions, this could restrict the way you used to eat at gatherings centered around food. One dish with carbs or sugar is enough to throw you out of ketosis and having to restart for the next few days or weeks to back into it. It may limit what options you have when it comes to socialization, parties, and dinners.

A challenging yet great diet for healthy adults

You should not start the ketogenic diet without consulting your doctor if you have a pre-existing medical condition, especially related to the pancreas, liver, and kidneys. If you are an already somewhat healthy to healthy adult, beginning keto is probably safe and could even enhance your health with proper nutrition and exercise.

If you’re going keto or even just low carb, try shopping our ‘Keto’ section on our online store. You will find everything from keto staples like this MCT Oil, to keto treats and snacks. One of our favorites is this Sugar-Free Brownie Mix. Yum! Visit California Ranch Market for all your ketogenic goods!