It’s the weight-loss phenomenon creating a buzz around the world – the ketogenic Diet, which is said to have been embraced by Hollywood A-listers such as Kim Kardashian West to Halle Berry. Here’s everything you need to know about it…
What is the keto diet?
The keto diet, with a low-carb, high-fat eating plan, involves drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. The diet results in putting your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. When this happens, your body becomes incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy. The diet is said to result in significant weight loss, but also improves mental focus, blood pressure, strength and reduces migraines.
The celebs that swear by it…
Many A-listers such as Kim Kardashian West, Halle Berry and Vanessa Hudgens have sworn by the positive results of a keto diet. After the birth of her second child Saint, Kim shed 27kg simply by switching to a low-carbohydrate diet that was rich in fats.
Actress Halle Berry also credits the keto diet for ensuring that her body is constantly in “fat burning mode”. “The idea of it is you train your body to burn healthy fats and so I eat healthy fats all day long,” she confirms.
Vanessa Hudgens also believes the keto approach of primarily consuming “high-fat, high-protein” foods has been transformational. “It’s what’s going to make you feel fuller longer,” Vanessa explains. “And your body can burn it and use it as fuel.”
What foods you should eat:
Natural fats (including butter and olive oil), meats, fish, seafood, eggs, cheese and vegetables that grow above ground.
The foods you shouldn’t eat:
The most important thing is to keep your daily carb intake under 50 grams – and ideally below 20 grams. The lower the carbs, the more effective the diet will be.
What foods to avoid:
Potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, chocolates, soft drinks, lollies and doughnuts.
What you can drink:
Water, coffee, tea (both with minimal milk and sugar) and the occasional glass of wine.
Tips to help you stay on track during the keto diet:
- Meal prep is key to success. Plan your meals a week in advance so you’ll stay on track, and make sure to include snacks, such as a Keto-Fit Shake, to keep you feeling full in-between meals
- Drink plenty of water to minimise cravings
- Just because you’re on a diet doesn’t mean your social life has to suffer. If you’re going out to dinner, check out the restaurant’s menu in advance so you’ll know exactly what to order while sticking to the Keto rules
- Join an online Keto community to swap tips with those who have experienced it before.