National Keto Day

national keto day

On National Keto Day, January 5, we are reminded that people on ketogenic diets cut carbs out of their diet to an extent where the body starts to consume fat — instead of carbohydrates — for fuel.

The obvious benefit of fat used for energy is weight loss, but it also helps epilepsy patients avoid seizures, and is shown to increase cognitive brain function.

The ketogenic diet, also known as the "keto diet," is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been used for centuries as a medical treatment for certain medical conditions. It has become more popular in recent years as a weight loss and overall health and wellness approach.

Proponents of the keto diet claim that it can help with weight loss, improve blood sugar control, and reduce the risk of certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, the keto diet is not for everyone and may not be appropriate for all individuals. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.

On the keto diet, people consume very few carbs, typically less than 50 grams per day, which forces the body to use fat for energy instead of carbs. This process, known as ketosis, can lead to weight loss and other potential health benefits.

However, it is important to note that the keto diet is not for everyone and may not be appropriate for all individuals. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.

History of National Keto Day

The ketogenic diet was developed in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy. It is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been used to help control seizures in people with epilepsy, especially in children.

In 1994, Hollywood producer Jim Abrahams, whose son’s epilepsy was controlled by the keto diet, established the Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies.

The Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1994 by Hollywood producer Jim Abrahams. The organization was established to raise awareness of the ketogenic diet as a treatment for epilepsy and other medical conditions, and to provide support and resources for people who are interested in the diet.

The Charlie Foundation works to educate healthcare professionals and the general public about the ketogenic diet and its potential benefits, and to support research into the use of the diet for various medical conditions. The organization also provides resources and support for people who are following the ketogenic diet, including recipes and tips for success.

Two of the most significant perks seen with the keto diet:

The ketogenic diet has been shown to have several potential benefits, including weight loss and improved blood sugar control. Some other potential benefits of the keto diet that have been suggested by research or anecdotal evidence include:

  •      Increased energy and mental clarity: Some people on the keto diet report feeling more energetic and mentally clear after a few weeks of following the diet.
  •      Improved physical performance: The keto diet may help improve physical performance, especially for endurance athletes.
  •      Improved blood lipid levels: The keto diet has been shown to improve blood lipid levels, including decreasing triglycerides and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
  •      Reduced risk of certain diseases: Some research suggests that the keto diet may have a number of other health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of the ketogenic diet, and that the diet may not be appropriate for everyone. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.

What happens if you cheat day 1 on keto?

It is not uncommon for people following the ketogenic diet to have the occasional "cheat day" where they eat more carbs than they normally would. Depending on how much you cheat and how your body responds, there can be a number of potential consequences of cheating on the keto diet.

If you have only a small cheat, it is possible that you will not experience any significant negative effects. However, if you eat a large amount of carbs, it could kick you out of ketosis and it could take a few days to a week to get back into ketosis. This could lead to weight gain and other potential negative effects, such as reduced energy and mental clarity.

It is also important to note that the ketogenic diet is not for everyone and may not be appropriate for all individuals. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.

How long should you do keto for?

The ketogenic diet will depend on a number of factors, including their individual goals and circumstances.

Some people follow a ketogenic diet for a short period of time, such as a few weeks or months, as a way to lose weight or improve certain health markers. Others may follow the diet for a longer period of time as a way of managing a medical condition or as a lifestyle choice.

It is important to note that the ketogenic diet is not for everyone and may not be appropriate for all individuals. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program, and to ensure that the diet is nutritionally balanced and safe for you to follow.

Will I gain weight after keto?

It is possible to gain weight after following the ketogenic diet, although the likelihood of this happening will depend on a number of factors, including your individual circumstances and how well you stick to the diet.

Some people may gain weight after stopping the keto diet because they return to their previous eating habits and may overeat or consume more carbs than they were previously eating. Others may gain weight because they were not in a calorie deficit while on the diet and were consuming more calories than they were burning.

It is important to remember that weight gain can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, including engaging in regular physical activity and monitoring portion sizes. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.

If you are considering following the ketogenic diet, there are certain types of foods that you will want to eliminate or limit in your diet. These include:

  • Foods high in carbohydrates: The keto diet is a low-carb diet, so you will want to avoid or limit foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, rice, and cereals.
  • Foods high in added sugars: Foods that are high in added sugars, such as candy, cakes, and sweetened drinks, should also be limited or avoided on the keto diet.
  • Fruits: Many fruits are high in carbohydrates, so you will want to limit your intake of fruit while on the keto diet. However, some low-carb fruits, such as avocados, olives, and tomatoes, can be included in moderation.
  • Starchy vegetables: Vegetables such as potatoes, peas, and corn are high in carbs and should be limited or avoided on the keto diet.
  • Beans and legumes: Beans and legumes, such as lentils and kidney beans, are also high in carbs and should be limited or avoided on the keto diet.

It is important to note that the ketogenic diet is not for everyone and may not be appropriate for all individuals. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.