In order to understand how the keto diet works, first you need to understand what it means to be in ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state of when the body burns fat for energy because it is deprived of carbohydrates. This happens by avoiding the consumption of sugar and carbs. The keto diet can help you improve your overall health and lose weight. Ultimately, this diet shifts the body’s metabolism away from using carbs and towards utilizing fat and ketones.
The beautiful part about this diet is that it is super non-restrictive. As you can see from the image on the right, you can basically eat anything– anything except carbs. The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet, which will induce your body to always be in ketosis.
All you need to do is follow the ketogenic diet breakdown below.
What is a ketogenic diet?
75% Fat
Yes, you are reading this correctly. 75% of your daily caloric intake should consist of fat. On keto, fat is your friend. And a lot of that fat will come from the protein you choose to consume. So indulge in that ribeye steak you have been resisting all these years, and don’t be stingy with the garlic butter sauce! Examples of healthy fats include: cheese, butter, lard, cream, coconut cream, olives, olive oil, avocado, avocado oil, nuts, fatty fish, grass-fed animals, eggs, and seeds.
Keto-friendly sweet treats:
SK New York cheesecake
Tiramisu
20% Protein
Since much of your fat intake will depend on the protein you consume. Choose omega-3 rich proteins such as: fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, and anchovies), grass-fed animals (including bacon and hamburger patties) and eggs.
5% Net Carbs
In order to reach ketosis, you must deprive your body of sugar so that it becomes dependent on fat as fuel. Often times, sauces and dressings contain sugars that we are used to overlooking, a helpful tip to avoid these hidden sugars is: if something tastes sweet in your mouth, it is likely to contain sugar (unless you know the sweetness comes from erythritol).
Diabetic-friendly low-carb keto breads:
THE Bread Loaf
SK Signature KetoBun
Do
WHAT TO EAT
• Grass-fed proteins such as ribeye steak, sirloin steak, and pork chops • Bacon • Eggs • Cheese • Cream • Butter • Avocado • Vegetables that grow above ground such as cauliflower, broccoli, and lettuce • Berries • Almond Flour • Coconut Flour
Don't
WHAT TO AVOID
• Sugar • Rice • Pasta • Milk • Fruits (other than berries) • Juice • Soda • Starchy vegetables that grow below the ground such as corn, potatoes, and yams • Chips • Cookies • White Flour • Wheat Flour
The limit on non-keto-friendly fruits does not restrict our creativity. This has led us to create a unique and popular CNY goodie, the “No Pineapple” Pineapple Tarts, that are low-carb, keto, and diabetic-friendly.