Home » Medical Weight Management Library »What is the Ketogenic Diet?
The Ketogenic Diet is a high-fat, moderate protein and low carbohydrate diet. This diet forces the body to burn fat rather than carbohydrates. The liver converts fats into fatty acids and ketone bodies due to the relative lack of carbohydrates. This leads to a situation known as ketosis which has an anticonvulsant effect. This antiepileptic effect was used before the advent of anti-epileptic drugs in the case of pediatrics.
The standard Ketogenic Diet contains 80% fat and 20% protein and carbohydrate by weight. Foods high in carbohydrates such as bread, grains, pasta, starchy fruits and vegetables, and sugar are eliminated and replaced by high-fat foods such as butter and cream.
The Ketogenic Diet is not a diet that children and young adults can undertake lightly. Among the easily treatable side effects, patients may incur low-grade acidosis and constipation. Some patients may see their cholesterol increase by about 30%. Another problem is the much greater likelihood of kidney stones, affecting about 5% of dieters.
This is a diet approach that works for many people, and here are some benefits.
1. Being in ketosis allows the body to process fat and use it as fuel in a way that no other state allows as easily. Carbohydrates are much easier to convert and use as fuel, by providing plenty of these to the body, it is necessary to burn and use all of those before the body will finally begin converting and using fat as fuel!
2. Another benefit of being in a state of ketosis is those excess ketones are not harmful to the system in any way whatsoever.
3. When the body gets used to being in ketosis, it will begin to prefer ketones to glucose. This is the ideal state for the body to be in – no longer craving sugar whatsoever, and in fact, preferring protein as a fuel source as opposed to sugar.
4. Another benefit of a ketogenic diet weight loss is that being in a ketogenic state is very useful for controlling insulin levels in the body. Insulin is one of the substances that makes body crave food, particularly the sugar high, and so controlling it to healthy levels is one of the key elements of weight loss.
5. Last, but certainly not least, is that the majority of people who take advantage of a Ketogenic Diet report that being in a ketogenic state makes them feel significantly less hungry than when they are in a non-ketogenic state. This is because the ketogenic diet minimizes the increase in ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and increases satiety and appetite-controlling hormones. It is much easier to stick to a diet – any diet – when not fighting cravings and hunger every step of the way. In fact, hunger pangs can often be the thing that derails a person’s best efforts! Not having to deal with them makes it easier to meet your goals, all the way around.
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Although Ketogenic Diets may seem like a godsend to anyone who has struggled for a lifetime to lose body fat or has had their quality of life plummet due to metabolic or cardiovascular disease, there are some drawbacks:
1. Ketogenic Diets require an adaptation period that lasts 1 to 2 weeks. Depending on the state of keto-adaptation going in, this phase can be uncomfortable while the body gets its metabolic machinery up to par.
2. It is a restrictive way of eating and some people just don’t like the idea of living (even for one day) without higher carbohydrate foods.
3. Although it’s completely possible to eat a ketogenic diet at restaurants or at social gatherings, it does require some restraint and forethought.
4. Athletes in sports with a high anaerobic energy component, such as basketball players, mixed martial artists, or soccer aren’t going to have the high rate of energy production necessary for maximal performance from running their bodies on ketones. The maximum rate of ATP resynthesis from ketones is only about 0.40 mol/min, whereas aerobic or anaerobic breakdown of glycogen can resynthesize ATP at a rate of 1.0 to 2.0 mol/min.
Some of the best-tasting, most fulfilling foods are part of this plan, including lean meats like beef and chicken, healthy sources of protein and high-quality fats like eggs, butter, olive oil, coconut oil and avocado. Also, delicious leafy-green vegetables like kale, chard, and spinach, as well as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
These foods can be combined with seeds, nuts, sprouts, and a wide range of other amazing foods that lead to incredible health benefits that give your body the protein, healthy fats, and nutrients it needs while providing metabolism-boosting meals for easy cooking at home or on the go.
On a Ketogenic Diet plan, the main foods to avoid are those high in carbohydrates, sugars, and the wrong types of fats. These foods can be toxic to the body and create excess glucose levels that the body turns into stored fat. These foods increase the level of insulin and blood sugar in the body and will prevent fat loss even if you are putting a lot of energy into exercise. To avoid these foods, limit intake of grains, processed foods, vegetable oils (canola, corn, soybean, etc.), milk, margarine, and other high-carbohydrate, high-sugar foods.
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The Ketogenic Diet offers potential benefits for weight loss, insulin control, and reduced hunger, but it also presents challenges in terms of adaptation and dietary restrictions. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on this diet to ensure it aligns with individual health goals and needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general knowledge only and should not be considered medical advice. For any questions or concerns about your health or medications, please consult your physician or healthcare provider. They are best equipped to provide guidance specific to your medical needs.
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