Keto Diet Benefits
A ketogenic diet is a reduced carbohydrate diet where you train your body to use Ketones as fuel instead of glucose/fructose/sugar.
Ketones are a preferred fuel for the brain. Given a choice, the brain will always use Ketones over Glucose. In fact when a baby is born, its brain is fed Ketones almost exclusively.
Ketones are produced when fat is burnt and used as energy by our body. Fat is a much more stable form of energy and will not make you hungry as often as when you are running on glucose. The primary reason why the body stores fat is to utilise it as energy in time of need. In our modern eating habits, we do store fat but that time of need never arises because we do not fast and tend to eat as soon as we get hungry. Many times we eat out of compulsion. Like it's 8am and time for breakfast. Whether you are hungry or not you are supposed to eat because it's time to eat !
So how do you train your body to utilize fat as energy without disrupting your metabolism and feeling utterly lousy and hungry as happens when you go on a crash diet? Yes it can be done and the easiest way is to eat less frequently and by not snacking between meals. If you will give your body a chance to use fat as energy the first and most powerful change you will feel is that your hunger will be gone and your energy level will rise. It is something like a changeover switch. Burn fat when there is no glucose and use glucose when available by switching off fat.
Initially it may take a while but the transition period is not long. Of course it depends on how insulin resistant you are or if you are a diabetic. Mostly 3-7 days is enough. Giving up eating breakfast may be the easiest option for most people. Having two meals in an 8 hour window between 12 noon to 8 pm is the best option. Eat a balanced diet and do not be afraid to include fats. Do NOT eat low fat varieties like low fat yoghurt and Skimmed Milk and be careful to supplement with sodium and electrolytes. Initially as your body transitions your urine output may increase as sodium binds to water and the body will tend to dump water. You may lose some electrolytes and its best to use sugarless electrolyte salts.
Its a good idea to go for a prolonged water fast of 48 or 72 hours once or twice a year to recycle old damaged cells and proteins. Such a fast will become very easy if your body is trained to use fat as energy. Remember hunger is just a sensation like feeling hot or cold. If you feel hungry and you have a glass of water or Apple Cider Vinegar or black coffee chances are that your hunger will disappear. And if you really want to succeed, you have to stop eating sugar in every form, be it jaggery, honey, fruit juice or sugary drinks. Cutting down on Carbohydrates depending on your insulin sensitivity or resistance is another essential point.
Your healthcare provider will be able to run a test of your Insulin (not blood sugar) and determine your metabolic health condition.
Vibhuti Misra
Holistic Health Specialist
+91 813 088 2160
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