Much is said about food nowadays, especially when the goal is to lose weight and keep your body in shape. Have you heard of the ketogenic diet?
With a restricted menu, it promises a good performance in the loss of body fat. It is not for nothing that it has supporters worldwide.
But can it be done by everyone? What to eat? What are the side effects? If you want to find out the answers, read on. In this post, we clarify these and other doubts. Check it out!
After all, what is the ketogenic diet?
It is a diet that drastically reduces the amount of carbohydrates in meals. While the daily recommendation for this nutrient is 40% to 50%, it drops to 10% to 15%.
Therefore, rice, pasta, breads, cassava, potatoes, flours, fruits and other foods that belong to the carbohydrate group are off the menu.
What foods are allowed?
If you cannot consume the foods mentioned above, what to eat then? The answer is simple: fats and proteins.
In this diet, natural fats, such as lard, butter, olive oil, coconut, nuts, avocado and others, become the first source of energy.
In the protein group, there are meats of all kinds, offal, eggs, sausages and cheeses.
How does it work in the body?
Our body’s main source of energy is carbohydrate. When we deprive his body, the fat is burned to serve as fuel in its place.
Therefore, the mechanism of action of the ketogenic diet causes the elimination of body fat to be activated. This allows for marked weight loss.
Who is it indicated for?
At first, it was used to control and prevent seizures and seizures, and to treat some cases of cancer.
However, due to the burning of fat, it is also used in patients who need to accelerate weight loss.
Who is it contraindicated for?
It should not be done by: elderly people, underweight people, children, pregnant women, adolescents, hypertensive patients, those who have high cholesterol and / or stroke risks.
Therefore, to adhere to this diet it is essential that it be prescribed by a doctor or nutritionist.
Only these professionals are able to assess the risks and benefits, considering the particularity of each case.
What are the side effects?
Many people report some inconveniences that last for up to 15 days after starting the ketogenic diet. Side effects include:
- headache;
- nausea;
- weakness;
- bad breath;
- irritability.
It is important to drink enough water to help alleviate these discomforts. In addition, any reaction must be reported to the doctor.
As it is a very restrictive diet, many people are unable to follow it for a long time, which can lead to binge eating and the accordion effect.
The ketogenic diet can be a great ally in weight loss. However, it should not be done without professional guidance.
Did you like this post? How about receiving our news first hand in your email box? Subscribe to our newsletter and enjoy the content.
