Ask the Anytime Gal: Is the keto diet for me?

By: 
Jayme Smid, Anytime Fitness Club
Question: I’ve been hearing a lot about the keto diet. How can I know if it’s right for me?
Answer: You’re right—it does seem the keto diet is the newest “fad.” However, I’d say the ketogenic diet is more of a lifestyle choice than the next big diet fad. Generally, our bodies are carbohydrate burning powerhouses, using glycogen stored in the liver and muscles to fuel our day. But, when we deplete our carbs so low, our bodies are forced to burn fat for fuel. This causes our brain to go into “starvation” mode in the absence of sugar and it relies on the liver to derive the energy it needs to function directly from fat. This is the basis of the ketogenic diet and although it may seem new, it’s been around for many years. 
Based on a diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in fats and proteins, it was first introduced in 1970 as the Atkins diet. While there are many benefits of a keto diet for some, there can be risks, too. The keto diet is typically recommended for children with seizures who do not respond to medication and may offer better blood sugar control for individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, many are using this keto diet to induce weight loss, but it can raise concern among physicians due to the risks of very low macronutrient intake. The keto diet may lead to complications related to heart health and while further testing is still needed to determine long-term effects, it’s always recommended to check with your doctor regarding any diet that you may be interested in. My recommendation? Find food choices that will be sustainable because the best diet for you is the one you will stick with. Find a variety of different foods that are nutrient dense and remember, every food can be incorporated into a healthy diet in moderation!
About the author: Jayme Smid is the club manager at Anytime Fitness in Brandon. To submit a question for future articles, please contact the author at jayme.smid@anytimefitness.com

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