Could you imagine Homer Simpson without his donuts? The character is the epitome of laziness, but maybe it isn't so much a character flaw as it is the fault of that high-carbohydrate diet of his. Could you give up carbs if it meant putting your body to work for you? Carbs don't just make you lazy, they make your body lazy; cutting down on your potential to naturally burn fat. Is the ketogenic diet the answer?
Ketogenic Diet: The Good and the Bad
What is the Ketogenic diet?
When following the ketogenic diet, you are encouraged to adapt your eating habits to be heavy in high fat foods and scarce in carbohydrates. The benefits of this diet are said to include weight loss, improved overall health, and increased ability to develop muscle. Some proponents of the ketogenic diet cite research that shows that ketogenic diets have benefits against diseases like cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s.
However, health benefits like these can be cited across many different dietary camps. There is a strong association between healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. The more focus and dedication that you put into your dietary habits, the stronger your immune system and the better your chances against so many different chronic diseases.
The Good
The Ketogenic diet is not the first of its kind. Similar in some ways to the Atkins diet, the ketogenic diet aims to reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your body so significantly that your body is pushed into a state of ketosis, which puts your body at its peak ability to burn fat for added energy. The result is that you are more awake, more likely to lose weight, and better able to tone and build muscle. What’s more, by cutting down carbohydrate intake to almost nothing you can also naturally cut your sugar intake. Many people who follow a ketogenic diet experience massive reductions to their blood sugar and insulin levels.
The Bad
While there are pretty evident health benefits to adapting to the ketogenic diet, that doesn’t mean that it is the right diet plan for absolutely everyone. Diet is a highly personal game. The best way to determine the best dietary plan for your personal health needs is to consult a nutritionist or dietary specialist. For some, the transition to the ketogenic diet is difficult, filled with the symptoms of carbohydrate withdrawal, which could include feelings of fatigue, intense headaches, and irritability. What’s more, the high-fat dietary guidelines of the ketogenic diet is sometimes not recommended for people who have a history of heart disease.
The Bottom Line
There is no magic diet out there that is going to solve all of your fitness and weight loss woes. The ketogenic diet works well for some people, but sometimes not so well for others. Before making any severe changes to your diet make sure you consult with a nutrition specialist.
