Ahhh January. The month of good intentions. Many people start the month with a commitment to improve their health. That commitment usually includes weight loss. The KETO Diet is still currently the most popular diet in the U.S. Its popularity is due to appealing to a wide variety of the population from people with diabetes to CrossFit enthusiasts. If you don’t mind cooking and can hang in there during the transition period when you may have sugar/carb withdrawals, this could be a great fit for you.

The ketogenic diet, or Keto as it commonly referred to, induces ketosis in your body. Ketosis is a state where your body is primarily burning fat and ketones for energy instead of consumed calories. This occurs by lowering your carbohydrates and replacing them with an extremely high fat intake. Normally on a Keto diet, about 80% of your daily calories come from fat, 15% protein and only 5% from carbs.

The positive side of the Keto diet is that when followed properly, an improved overall performance and body composition normally follow. Most people look leaner and have reduced body fat without the energy crash associated with most reduced calorie and higher carb plans. If you want to maintain energy throughout the day without having to count calories or go to weigh-ins, this plan may work well for you.

The initial transition to this diet can be challenging for some. You may experience what some call “Keto Flu” which can include side effects such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and occasional constipation. These symptoms usually disappear within 14 days. Once ketosis is achieved and your body adjusts, you will feel the benefits quickly. Some people even report neurological benefits like memory improvement, although some can find low carb diets result in mood swings. It’s also important to stay hydrated and make sure your supplements include electrolytes. One of the biggest complaints with Keto is bad breath. This can be avoided with extra vigilance in oral hygiene and a good mouthwash several times a day. Short breaks can be beneficial as long-term ketosis can put extra stress on your kidneys and possibly increase your risk for kidney stones. Keeping your hydration up should be a priority as well as monitoring your electrolytes.

Keto is more of a lifestyle than a diet. Suzanne’s offers everything you need to be successful on the keto diet including organic veggies, protein powders and supplements. Here is a link to plenty of recipes to get you cooking with Keto! Remember, it’s always recommended to see your doctor before starting any weight loss plan. And as always, come in with any questions you may have. Good Luck!