As I mentioned in my previous blog, “Diet Is Not a Bad Word,” the term ‘diet’ has been widely misunderstood for many years. A diet simply refers to a person’s nutritional plan or what is most commonly consumed. However, I prefer to avoid the word ‘diet’ because it often implies weight loss.
While I enjoy discussing natural ways to improve health, the widespread obsession with the ‘Keto’ diet has piqued my curiosity.
The Keto Diet: An Overview
The term ‘Keto’ is short for ketogenic, a metabolic state known as ketosis that occurs when the body is deprived of carbohydrates. This diet increases metabolism and often results in significant weight loss.
The standard keto diet typically consists of:
- 75% of daily intake from fat
- 20% from protein
- 5% from carbohydrates (i.e., avoid sugar!)
Although many specialists promote consuming healthier fats, I find this challenging. The notion of consuming 75% of your diet from fat can lead to an overindulgence in unhealthy fats. Majority of holistic doctors and the latest research suggests that a low-fat diet is best for hearth health. This is a big topic right now since heart disease is the number one cause of death for Americans.
Health Benefits of the Keto Diet
The ketogenic diet originated in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy, as ketosis forces the body to use fat as fuel. When not focused on weight loss, the extra fat intake can support neurological brain function. This has shown benefits for neurological disorders such as autism, Alzheimer’s, migraines, and Parkinson’s disease.
Additionally, some studies suggest the ketogenic diet can lead to behavioral changes similar to those seen with antidepressants (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Other benefits include reducing inflammation and curbing sugar addiction.
Diet vs. Lifestyle
‘Diets’ are often temporary solutions, not long-term plans. While the keto diet can help with serious neurological disorders, it can also cause brain fog for some individuals. Removing natural sugars from your diet can deprive the brain of necessary fuel, and initial weight loss is often water loss due to detoxing.
Changing eating habits can be exciting if your goal is weight loss, but sustaining a diet that avoids fruit and complex carbs is challenging. Fruits contain essential micronutrients, water, and fiber, while complex carbs are a great source of fiber.
Other known side effects of the keto diet, which vary by individual and are usually caused by long-term adherence, include:
- Digestive issues
- Bad breath
- Kidney stones
- Clogged arteries
- Fatigue
- Malnutrition (lacking micronutrients and minerals)
The Fruitarian Diet
Fruitarians or frugivores focus on a diet primarily based on fruit, influenced by our close genetic relationship with chimpanzees. Our shared craving for sugar, carbohydrates, and alcohol aligns with this belief. However, transitioning to a fruitarian diet can be challenging, especially for individuals with conditions like Type 2 diabetes.
According to Dr. Greger of NutritionFacts.org, avoiding fruit can lead to severe nutrient deficiencies, potentially shortening lifespan. It’s crucial to balance fruit intake with other nutrient-rich plant-based foods to ensure optimal health.
Research Before Starting Any Diet
Before embarking on any diet, conduct thorough research. Consult multiple sources, including medical journals, rather than relying on self-proclaimed gurus. Your health should focus on long-term well-being rather than just weight loss. Ask yourself: Can I maintain this diet for the rest of my life? Is it a diet or a lifestyle?
Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
Would you like to learn more about transforming your diet into a sustainable lifestyle? Book a session with me to embark on a journey towards lifelong health and wellness.
Be well always, Cynthia Moon