Braxton Gilbert Fitness

Here at Braxton Gilbert Fitness, one of the most commonly asked questions today is in regards to the keto diet. The keto diet has become increasingly popular in the past few years, and our team of personal trainers in Mobile, AL, are often asked if this is a good option by their clients. Just as with any training program, diet is an incredibly personal decision, and no two individuals require exactly the same type of diet. To help you understand more about the keto diet and whether it’s a good option for your needs, we’re going to take a deeper look at this diet and share our top tips for getting started.

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What is the Keto Diet?

The ketogenic diet, which is usually shortened to keto, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. It was originally used primarily to treat children with epilepsy, however, it is now used by adults around the world looking to burn fat. The diet will make your body burn fat instead of carbohydrates and force your body into the metabolic state of ketosis. It has some similarities to other low-carb diets, such as Atkins, and you’ll work to replace your regular carbohydrate intake with fat. Your body will become more efficient at burning fat for energy and turns fat into ketones in your liver, which can help to provide energy for your brain. The keto diet is known to reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, and many individuals find they experience many health benefits when starting the keto diet.

Why Should a Person Pick This Diet?

When our personal trainers in Alabama are asked by their clients about the keto diet, they will quickly tell you that this diet is not for everyone. As with undertaking any new diet or fitness routine, we encourage you to do your research and prepare for this lifestyle change ahead of time. The number one reason individuals switch to the keto diet today is for weight loss. Initially, your body will lose weight from the loss of water as a by-product of reducing carbs. From there, your weight loss will continue thanks to the high-fat diet you follow. Many individuals who struggle with snacking and constant hunger pangs find they are more satisfied on this diet. If you are happy to follow a more restrictive diet that you’ll have to monitor very carefully, the keto diet may be a good option for you.

Why Shouldn’t a Person Pick This Diet?

As you can tell, the list of foods you can eat on the keto diet will be quite restrictive. For anyone who considers themselves a picky eater, this diet may become unhealthy and too regimented for your nutritional needs. On top of that, you’ll need to regularly monitor your progress to check you are in a state of ketosis. If you don’t have the time for this or the energy to prepare meals just for yourself, you’ll find this diet may become more of an inconvenience than a beneficial lifestyle change. While many restaurants today are offering good keto diet options, you’ll still want to ensure you are eating a balanced diet when on this program. 

Many people find they aren’t getting enough fruits and vegetables on the keto diet and are eating far too much protein and low-quality fats. If you have kidney disease, this is not a diet we would recommend, as it could make your condition worse. When you first switch onto the keto diet, you may feel tired or nauseous, but if this continues for too long, it’s a sign that your body isn’t reacting well to the diet change, and you may want to switch back to your previous routine.

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Top Tips for Individuals Starting the Keto Diet

For anyone starting the keto diet, there are certain tips we recommend following to have the greatest chance of success:

• Understand your food options – While the list of food you can eat on the keto diet may look restrictive, when you start exploring your options, you’ll find it’s not as bad as you may initially think. Many stores today have great keto-friendly ranges that will offer you some of your previous carbohydrate-rich foods in a manner that’s suitable for the keto diet.
• Try out new recipes – There’s a temptation with any low carb diet to rely on the same meals over and over again each week, but you’ll soon get bored and lose motivation. Try out new recipes and explore the various ingredients available to you on the plan. If you are cooking for your whole family, you’ll find there are some great keto-friendly options you can all enjoy without having to cook separate meals for everyone.
• Join a keto community – Here at Braxton Gilbert Fitness, we have a good number of our clients on the keto diet. Try to find a group of like-minded individuals so you don’t feel so alone with your new challenge. This is especially important if no one else in your family is embarking on the keto diet. A support group will offer you a place to discuss your struggles and wins and swap meal-prep ideas.
• Plan ahead – When you are traveling or heading to work for the day, you’ll want to plan ahead to ensure you are prepared to continue with the keto diet when you’re not at home. Before a vacation, look for restaurants with keto-friendly menus, so you won’t struggle to pick something to eat at dinner time. Keep snacks in your bag with you when you’re out and about to avoid reaching for a high-carb snack.

If you are thinking about starting the keto diet, our team of personal trainers in Mobile, AL, will be able to advise you on incorporating this lifestyle change into your current training regime. By planning ahead and ensuring you always have keto-friendly food on hand, the keto diet can be an excellent option for anyone trying to lose weight and increase their energy levels this year.