Pros and Cons of Following the Keto Diet
The ketogenic diet plan doesn’t show any signs of slowing down in the coming year. It is a unique meal plan because of its adherence to a high fat and low carbohydrate intake, which is meant to put followers of this diet into a state of ketosis. When the body does not have enough glucose to use as energy, it begins to break down fat and create ketones as an energy source. Most people experience rapid weight loss by following this meal plan.
However, like any other diet, this diet has a few drawbacks.
1. The initial effect of the diet
When following a low carb diet, you will lose weight within a week as your body is getting fewer carbohydrates. This causes your body to use the fat stored to produce energy. You would continue to lose weight as long as you strictly follow the keto diet.
The most common side effect is bad breath with a fruity smell that may not be ideal when socializing. Simply brush your teeth and start taking eating mints that are sugar-free to avoid foul smell. It is essential to check labels on chewing gum as they could artificial sweeteners.
2. Increased energy and reduced hunger
People who are following the rules of the keto diet often feel full and do not have meals often. This is because the diet includes vegetables and proteins that cause hormonal changes and curbs hunger.
Your body is burning excess fat instead of carbs when switching to the low carb diet. As a result, your body burns ketones instead of glucose. This causes the body to take a few weeks to adapt and adjust to this change, as it is a vital fuel that provides energy to the brain. Gradually, the keto dieters develop good long-term memory and improve brain functioning. The insulin levels are also controlled.
3. A feeling of weakness and lack of physical fitness
In the initial stages of the keto diet, you may experience some weakness and a sense of fatigue, which may hinder you from working. The sudden switch from heavy carbs to no carbs makes you feel tired and many people stop discontinue the diet. However, to get rid of weakness, you should consume electrolyte supplements to compensate for the loss of water and reduce processed foods with high salt content. It might take 30 days for your body to adapt to this system.
Since you are not consuming but burning fats, your body may signal you to relax physically. You may fail to be a better athlete, as you suffer from low energy levels. But a prolonged keto diet may reduce weakness.
Nevertheless, the keto diet has a bundle of advantages only when followed continually. Achieving a level of ketosis may be difficult in the initial stages. Gradually, however, you may see the positive signs and start enjoying it.