The Pros and Cons of a Keto Diet

It feels like everyone is talking about the Keto diet right now. And with so many people boasting its benefits, it can sound like an exciting train to jump on. However, before beginning a new diet plan it is always a good idea to do your research and weigh the pros and cons of the diet, as well as speak to your doctor about whether or not it is a good plan for you.

The Ketogenic Diet is a plan that emphasizes high-fat and low carbs. It is primarily designed for weight loss, which happens by eliminating most carbs from meals. Doing this puts your body in a state of ketosis, which makes your body burn fat to use as energy.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the pros and cons of the Keto diet below to help you understand more about the diet and decide if it is right for you.

In a normal diet, your body burns carbohydrates for energy.  However, when you restrict carbohydrates, your body will begin burning fat to use for energy instead. This means that you lose body fat more quickly. Additionally, the Keto diet’s method of increasing foods that are high in fat can help eliminate cravings and feelings of hunger.

Some people – especially athletes – need to eat a high carb diet in order to keep their bodies in shape for their exercise routines. The Keto diet could result in less energy and endurance in athletes.  A high carb diet, however, tends to promote better performance and energy.

Unless you are an athlete, you probably don’t do much intense exercise.  Instead, many of us spend our time sitting at a desk, in front of a computer.  In this case, your body doesn’t need as many carbs and could function on a low carb diet such as the Keto Diet.

Many people don’t realize that our bodies need sugar in order to function properly. The body requires sugar in order to give you energy and help your brain work correctly. If you aren’t eating carbs, glucose cannot enter your bloodstream, causing you to feel low on energy and unable to focus.

Some studies have shown that there may be a link between very low carb diets and cancer prevention. However, this is still being studied, and there is not yet enough evidence to show how accurate the claim may be.

Many of the foods that make up the Keto diet are high in saturated fats and meats. These can increase cholesterol, which often leads to a risk of heart disease.

When the pros and cons of the Keto diet are held up next to each other, one might conclude that the Keto diet is beneficial for certain people for a short amount of time. While athletes and people with a greater risk of heart disease may want to try a different diet, the keto diet – when followed for a short amount of time – can help with weight loss and have some other potential health benefits.

However, before you begin the keto diet, talk to a doctor about if it is a good choice for you. The doctors at Crisp Regional’s Weight Loss Center will be able to advise you about what weight loss strategy will be most beneficial for your body and lifestyle.