To Keto or Not to Keto

Thanks for checking out and responding to my last blog guys- it’s much appreciated.

This week’s instalment will focus on the KETO diet.

So in layman’s terms what is the Keto Diet?  Keto is short for Ketosis; Ketosis is achieved by eating a low carbohydrate, moderate protein and high fat diet, which allows your body to switch from glucose to ketones for fuel.

This diet is commonly confused with the Atkins diet, but the difference is the Keto diet only allows good fats in the form of coconut oil, olive oil, grass fed butter and animal fats.  You can also add up to 20g of low carb foods a day, such as broccoli, cauliflower and avacado.

So how long can we maintain a Keto diet?

In my opinion, you can’t maintain this diet long-term. This is definitely a short-term, temporary diet that should last no more than 2-3 months – any longer will probably resort in you either cheating or reverting back to previous eating habits.

Not only do our bodies crave carbs they also need carbs to survive.  I believe carbs should be eaten in moderation and simple and complex carbs have a place in a balanced, healthy diet.

Tests have shown that the Keto diet is safe if done correctly. It even helps to reverse serious health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure.

However,  if the Keto diet is so great, why is it so controversial?  Fitness expert and TV personality, Gillian Michaels recently came out and aired her objections against the diet adding more fire to the debate for and against the Keto diet.  I do encourage you to watch the full videos of:

1. Gillian Michaels being interviewed and giving her views on why the Keto Diet is a FAD (below)

2. Dr Berg, an advocate for the Keto diet and who is contesting the views of Gillian Michaels (below)

In defence of the Keto diet, I must add that the diet strongly advises that this way of eating is a lifestyle change and not a short-term diet or fix.

Every year there is new research and therefore new diets and eating habits to try. I’m not going to touch on veganism just yet but I do believe it’s another subject that needs to be discussed and possibly the fastest growing diet/lifestyle at the moment.

Recently I took the Keto diet debate to my Instagram poll and the results came in as follows;

32% thought it was a healthy diet and 68% said it’s a FAD diet!

Although I dont believe the Keto diet is for the long-term, I do believe it is safe when done correctly and has numerous health benefits for some.  I have clients that have successfully used this diet to change their lives both physically and medically.  And  so I have to remain on the fence for now guys but as always I am openminded.

My intention is not to sway anyone’s opinion; it is purely my own personal opinion.  Nevertheless I will conclude by saying that before embarking on any major lifestyle/diet change, please do your own research and be thorough in this endeavour. The make up of our bodies are not the same, so what works for one may not work for another.

Thanks again guys and I look forward to your comments below.