Keto Diet for Beginners

A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that helps you to burn fat more effectively without feeling hunger. It is similar to many other low-carb diets like Atkins, Paleo, and Dukan. But a ketogenic diet aims to put you in ketosis by reducing carb intake. Although a keto diet has many benefits, there are side effects, too. If you are planning to start a ketogenic diet keep on reading. We have made a list of what to eat while on a ketogenic diet and a one-day meal plan for you.

What is Ketosis?

Ketosis is a metabolic process that happens when the body does not have enough glucose for energy. When the body completely uses its primary source of energy, glucose, and fat stores are broken down to produce energy. To go into ketosis, you need to eat fewer than 50 grams of carbohydrates a day. This requires removing certain foods like grains, milk and milk products, some fruits and vegetables, legumes, and all products containing sugar. Protein intake should be moderate and fat intake should be high. Be careful, though. Too much protein can interfere with ketosis.

Related: Track Your Ketone Level with Vivoo Urine Sticks

Foods to Eat

Here is the list of foods you can eat on a ketogenic diet:

• Meat: beef, chicken, turkey, unprocessed meat, pork, ham, bacon
• Fish and Seafood: salmon, shrimp, sardines, tuna
• Eggs
• Healthy fats: avocado, olives, olive oil, butter, coconut oil, 
• Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts, macadamia nuts
• Low carb vegetables: green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, asparagus, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, green peppers…
• Milk and products: sugar-free soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, coconut yogurt
• Berries: raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries (in moderation)
  

Foods to Avoid

• Grains: rice, pasta, cereal, oatmeal, 
• Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, quinoa
• Fruits: All fruits except berries
• Milk and milk products: cow’s milk, cheese, yogurt
• Root vegetables: potatoes, carrots, parnships
• Honey, jam
• All products containing sugar: soda, chocolate, gum, ice cream
• Alcohol

One-day Keto Diet Meal Plan

BREAKFAST

Omelet with olive oil

Sautéed mushrooms and spinach

Avocado or olives

Mixed greens

LUNCH

Smoked salmon

Zucchini noodles

SNACK

100 grams of coconut yogurt (7-8 grams of carbs)

3 strawberries (7 grams of carb)

Almonds

DINNER

Grilled beef with asparagus

Mixed green salad

Advantages of a Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet helps you to lose weight by increasing fat during ketosis. This diet helps to break insulin resistance and improve insulin sensitivity. In addition, a keto diet increases the feeling of satiety due to protein and fat content. Also, the keto diet also makes you feel less bloated and may decrease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. 

Side Effects of a Ketogenic Diet

One of the most common side effects of a ketogenic diet is a reduction in the intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The limitation of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains can also decrease the amount of fiber consumed, which causes constipation. Another side effect of a keto diet is that the increased amount of protein can cause the liver and kidneys to work harder. It also increases uric acid and blood lipids. During the diet, blood pressure may fluctuate. In addition, following a strict diet can be very difficult: that’s why it is not sustainable. To avoid the side effects, you shouldn’t be on the diet for more than 10-15 days.

A ketogenic diet is not recommended for people with Type 1 diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, liver and renal dysfunctions, hypoglycemia, or pregnant or lactating women. 

Practical Tips for Keto Flu

Keto flu is a common side effect of a ketogenic diet. It is usually seen when people start the diet. The symptoms are very similar to the flu and are caused by the body adapting to a diet that consists of very few carbohydrates. They include headache, dry mouth, increased thirst and urination, bad breath, nausea, lack of energy, and dizziness. These symptoms generally start on days 3-7 of the diet and last for a few days. If you don’t have a chronic disease, there should be no need to worry.

To avoid the keto flu:

• Drink plenty of water during the day.
• Increase sodium intake by consuming more salt.
• Drink mineral water every day.
• Increase your intake of green leafy vegetables.
• Avoid heavy exercise during the first week.

Related: 4 Ketogenic Dessert Recipes