A keto diet is a low-carb diet that allows your body to produce ketones in the liver that later can be used for energy. A keto diet, or keto lifestyle, is often referred to in other terms such as a low-carb high-fat diet, a low-carb diet, or a ketogenic diet.
Food that is high in carbohydrates will make your body produce both insulin and glucose. Glucose is your body's easiest molecule to convert into energy and therefore it is the first one chosen before any other energy source. Insulin is produced in your body to process the glucose that is in your bloodstream.
Since your body's primary energy source is glucose, any fats that are not being used will be stored. Anyone who is on a high carbohydrate diet will use glucose as the primary source of energy. However, when you reduce your intake of carbohydrates your body will be induced into a state which is known as ketosis. Ketosis is a natural and normal process that the body utilizes to survive whenever the food intake is low.
The main goal of a keto diet is to send your body into a ketosis state. This is not done by simply starving yourself but rather from starving yourself from carbohydrates. Our bodies are incredible and very adaptive. When you overload your food consumption with fats and eliminate the carbohydrates, your body will start to burn ketones instead of glucose as the primary energy source. An optimal ketone level will provide many health benefits such as weight loss and better mental and physical performance.
The ketogenic diet primarily will use your body's fat as an energy source. This will help you lose weight because as insulin levels drop your body will be turned into a fat burning machine. There are many scientific studies that show that a ketogenic diet will produce better results in the long term as in comparison to a high carb/low-fat diet.
A ketogenic diet will also lower your blood sugar levels so it is a great way to prevent and manage diabetes. Anyone who has type II diabetes or is pre-diabetic should seriously consider this type of diet. There are many examples of people who have experienced complete control over their blood sugar levels when on a keto diet.
Other people choose a ketogenic diet and lifestyle specifically because of the increased mental performance that it provides. One of the best fuels for your brain are ketones. As you lower your carbohydrate intake you will avoid big spikes in blood sugar. The elimination of these big blood sugar spikes will result in improved concentration and focus.
Another key feature of a keto lifestyle is that you will have normalized hunger and increased energy levels. This will help you to be more energized throughout the day. Studies have shown that the fat burned in a ketogenic diet is the most effective and best molecule to burn as fuel. In addition, using fat for energy will be more satisfying and keep you in a state of feeling full for longer.