Colette's Blog

What is a Ketogenic Diet?

May 9, 2017

You may have heard the buzz about ketogenic diets—they are low in carbs and high in fat. This may sound very familiar to you, or, quite like Atkins. The difference is that Atkins has been around for 40 years, while ketogenic diets (or, rather, the term “ketogenic”) are relative newcomers to the low carb world, but still follow the basic premises introduced and proven by Dr. Atkins years ago.

  In other words, a low carb diet by any other name is still a low carb diet. And there’s research that continues to back the efficacy of low carb diets. In fact, I recently wrote about a study where 56% of 262 participants in a 10-week program consisting of a low carb diet (30 grams of carbs or less a day) and health coaching were able to lower their blood glucose to pre-diabetes levels. And, in the last couple years, ketogenic diets have even taken Silicon Valley by storm, where numerous executives have become intrigued by the idea of “hacking” their metabolisms in the interest of improving their health.

By tweaking the ratio of carbs, protein and fat that they consume (and eliminating the processed foods and sugars that lead to type-2 diabetes and contribute to our nation’s obesity problem) they start burning stored fat for fuel, instead of glucose (carbs). This metabolic state is also known as ketosis. The results? You reap the perks of stable energy levels and steady weight loss, and even improved athletic performance, plus the proven health benefits associated with a low carb diet, such as managing or eliminating type-2 diabetes and reducing your risk for heart disease, and more.

These are all things Atkins has stood the test of time ; now the word continues to spread. You truly are what you eat when you eat the right combination of high-fiber carbs, protein and fat while eliminating the sugars and processed foods that offer little nutritional value.

 

More From Colette

New Research on the Nutritional Adequacy of Low Carb

Science continues to support the safety and efficacy of low carbohydrate eating, and low carb eating is more popular than ever. Despite this, misconceptions about the low carb approach and its ability to meet essential dietary needs persist. A new study aimed to demonstrate the nutritional adequacy of three low carb plans differing in carbohydrate

Read More »

A Day in the Life: Atkins 100

Atkins 100TM is a flexible, easy-to-follow low-carb plan that allows up to 100 grams of Net Carbs daily. It’s perfect if you want to maintain weight, lose weight at a slower pace while having more flexibility with food choices or embrace a healthy low carb lifestyle. Here’s a typical day on Atkins 100, including a

Read More »

The Link Between Inflammation and Heart Disease

You’ve likely heard a lot about high cholesterol and high LDL levels and their connection to heart disease, but inflammation is another factor to consider. In simple terms, inflammation is one of your body’s natural defense mechanisms, helping to protect you from harmful substances. For example, when you get an insect bite, your body releases

Read More »