Updated: March 29, 2024
The ketogenic diet, also known as the keto diet, has become increasingly popular in recent years. This diet is most commonly believed to promote quick weight loss, leading some individuals to think that they’ll quickly achieve the body of their dreams. From your favorite weight loss influencers to your closest friends, nearly everyone has tried the keto diet at some point in their lives. However, it is not without its fair share of controversy. Let’s explore the pros and cons of this diet and why we believe the CardioMender, MD way of life is a better alternative.
What is the Keto Diet?
The keto diet is a very low-carbohydrate and high-fat food regimen. This eating plan aims to force your body into a state called “ketosis,” in which it burns fat for energy instead of sugar or carbohydrates. Ketosis usually occurs when you’re fasting or on a very low-calorie diet — but in this case, you’re giving up carbs and increasing your fat intake so that your body can enter ketosis more quickly.
To achieve ketosis, not only are you reducing your carbohydrate intake by nearly 90-95%, or about 5% of your total caloric intake, but you are required to consume 75% of your calories from fat and only about 10-30% from protein.
Is the Keto Diet Safe?
In the short term, the keto diet is considered safe and can be useful in most patients (excluding diabetics without proper physician guidance) to safely initiate fat burning and weight loss. When attempting to continue the keto diet for the long term, however, it can be unhealthy and, generally, is not sustainable. In fact, many people often gain back more weight than they lost once stopping the keto diet, coupled with additional health consequences.
According to Harvard Health, potential keto risks include:
- Nutrient deficiency
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Constipation
- Brain fog
- Mood swings
Although this diet may provide short-term benefits, the risks associated with this diet outweigh the benefits. According to another study, the ketogenic diet increases intake of foods that are linked to chronic disease risk, including liver disease, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
When following the keto diet, you can expect to consume healthy unsaturated fats, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil. But unhealthy fats, such as saturated fats, are encouraged in high amounts while on the keto diet. Another con of the keto diet is that fruits and vegetables, which are rich in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are very limited, as they contain carbohydrates.
How CardioMender, MD Integrates the Ketogenic Diet Principles
At CardioMender, MD we use the same principles of the ketogenic diet, minus the high fat component. Once fat burning begins, which is marked by ketosis or the presence of ketones in the body, we advance to a balanced, low-glycemic, low-fat, moderate-protein nutritional food plan. This method is safe, effective and sustainable for weight loss and also for long-term maintenance.
Achieve sustained weight loss success the healthy way with CardioMender, MD, South Florida’s most trusted Cardiologist Supervised weight loss program. Our team of specialists can help create an individualized weight loss plan that works for you and your lifestyle.
Ready to lose weight and KEEP IT OFF? Contact us today!