The ketogenic diet is one of the most popular diets, and for good reason: most people who follow this diet end up seeing significant weight loss and other health benefits. And while the thought of eating high-fat foods like cheese and bacon sounds like the perfect diet, there’s still a lot you need to understand about the keto diet before you jump in. If you’re interested in making this lifestyle change, here are five things you should know before starting the keto diet.
- Keto takes time.
You will hear stories about people who started the keto diet and lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. While this can happen to some people, it’s not always the case. In fact, those who lose a lot of weight right away on the keto diet are usually those who have a lot more weight to lose. If you are in decent shape, it may take longer for you to notice any significant changes in your weight or your body. Because of this, it’s very important that you don’t give up just because you’re not seeing immediate results. Be sure you can actually commit to the diet.
- Read the labels.
While you’ll likely read that eating bacon, cheese, and avocados are great for this diet, it’s still very important you become diligent on reading food labels. On the keto diet, you’ll need to stay within a certain number of carbs and watch the types of fat and amount of sodium and protein you consume. Reading labels will ensure you are sticking to the diet in the right possible way, and that means becoming accustomed to the types of snacks and drinks you can eat. Opting for organic or handmade foods is always good too. Check out sites like https://chopssnacks.com/ to find beef jerky or other snack-type foods that are perfect for the keto diet.
- Prepare Yourself for the Keto flu.
When you start the keto diet, you’ll be completely transforming your diet and your body’s way of handling it. This typically results in the keto flu, which is a flu-like feeling that hits some people towards the beginning of starting the diet. In fact, some people experience low energy, nausea, headaches, and just a feeling of “blah”. While you may not enjoy this feeling, it’s actually a sign you’re heading in the right direction. Drinking more water and ensuring you have plenty of sodium in your system can help you either skip the keto flu altogether or keep it from lasting long.
- Your bathroom habits will change.
The keto diet is more of a lifestyle change, and this means it will take an effect on your body. Many people notice a change in bathroom habits while on the keto diet, so you’ll want to be prepared for this. For instance, many people will find themselves urinating more frequently, as this is a sign of being in ketosis. In addition, you may experience diarrhea or constipation issues towards the beginning of the keto diet. This is due to the change in the food you eat and your body’s digestion. Once you have been on the keto diet for a decent amount of time, diarrhea or constipation issues will usually wean themselves out. Just be aware this could happen so you’re not surprised by how much time you spend in the bathroom.
- Keto is a lifestyle change.
While most people will assume keto is just a diet, it’s actually more of a lifestyle change. In fact, the keto diet is not something you can start and stop when you feel like it, as it has more of an impact on your body. If you are going to start the keto diet, it’s important for you to be fully committed to it, as the slightest change could kick you out of ketosis. In addition, keto is known for not just helping folks lose weight, but for also managing diabetes too. So if you have other medical conditions that could be treated with the keto diet, then you’ll need to be fully aware of the lifestyle changes this will have.
The keto diet is a popular choice for many reasons, but it’s important for you to fully understand what you’re getting into before you start. The more you know about the diet and the more you can plan ahead, the better chance of success you will have along the way.
