Are you looking for some new recipes to try out? Or maybe you want to start cooking healthier meals at home? Well, we’ve got good news for you! There are tons of delicious dishes that are low carb and high fat. In fact, these foods are often called ketogenic or keto-friendly.
Keto is a trendy diet plan that focuses on consuming lots of fats and very little carbohydrates. The goal is to get into ketosis, where your body starts burning fat instead of carbs for energy. This means your blood sugar levels stay stable, giving you more energy throughout the day.
There are several benefits to going keto, such as improved brain function, increased mental clarity, better sleep quality, and even weight loss. If you’re interested in learning more about keto, check out my video below.
But first, let’s talk about what exactly happens when we go into ketosis.
What Is Ketosis?
When you eat too many carbs, it causes your liver to produce glucose (a type of sugar) which gets stored in your bloodstream. Glucose is an important source of fuel for your cells, but if there’s too much of it circulating, it can lead to metabolic problems.
To solve this problem, our bodies enter a state known as “ketosis,” which is basically when the liver breaks down all the extra fat in our system into ketones. These ketones then become the main source of energy for our brains and other organs like the heart.
How Does Keto Work?
The idea behind keto is simple: Instead of eating large amounts of carbs, you consume moderate amounts of healthy fats and protein. Your body burns fat while producing less insulin, so you feel fuller longer, have more energy, and naturally lose weight.
In addition to losing weight, people who follow a keto diet also experience improvements in their cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. They may also improve their athletic performance because they have more energy during workouts.
The best part? You don’t need to count calories or measure anything else — just focus on getting enough healthy fats, proteins, and veggies in your diet.
How Long Will It Take To Go Into Ketosis?
It depends on how many carbs you’re eating each day. Some people will be able to drop into ketosis within one week, while others might take two weeks.
It takes time to adjust to keto, so give yourself plenty of time to see results. Don’t expect to look great after one week. It usually takes three to four weeks before you notice any major changes in your health.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Going On A Ketogenic Diet?
Going keto isn’t dangerous, but it does require some preparation. For example, you should make sure you’re not sensitive to dairy products or certain nuts and seeds.
You should also avoid taking medications that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or anti-inflammatory drugs (like Aleve).
You should also limit alcohol consumption, since it contains carbs. And if you’re pregnant or nursing, you should consult with your doctor before making any dietary changes.
Is Garlic Healthy?
Garlic has been used for thousands of years by cultures around the world for its medicinal properties. In fact, garlic was once considered sacred among ancient Egyptians.
Today, garlic is still widely used for treating infections, boosting immunity, fighting cancer, and improving cardiovascular health.
But did you know that garlic can help you lose weight, too? Here are eight reasons why garlic could be your new favorite food!
Garlic May Help Lower Cholesterol
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that adding garlic powder to your diet can significantly reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels.
Garlic Can Improve Heart Health
A study from the Harvard School of Public Health showed that consuming 1 clove of raw garlic per day reduced the risk of heart disease by up to 30 percent.
Garlic Helps Fight Cancer
According to a study published in the journal Molecular Carcinogenesis, researchers discovered that an extract of garlic called diallyl trisulfide inhibits tumor growth in mice.
Garlic Is An Antibiotic
According to a study published in Food & Function, when garlic is crushed, it releases allicin, which kills harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium.
Garlic Contains Powerful Antioxidants
One study found that garlic contains high amounts of antioxidants such as quercetin and kaempferol, which protect against inflammation, fight free radicals, and prevent cell damage.
Is Garlic Keto?
Garlic is a 100% keto friendly food. Below we have listed the nutrition facts for a 1/2 cup serving of chopped garlic. This amount is quite large, but it is also used in smaller amounts throughout the day.
Although garlic is high in carbohydrates, it is still considered a low glycemic index food. Garlic is a great source of nutrition for people who want to lose weight. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. People who follow the ketogenic diet should eat lots of garlic.
Can I Follow A Ketogenic Diet While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding?
Yes! As long as you’re not allergic to eggs, cheese, or milk, you can safely continue following a keto diet while pregnant or breastfeeding. Just keep in mind that you won’t get as many nutrients from food sources.
Instead, you’ll want to supplement with vitamins and minerals. This way, you can ensure that your baby receives the necessary nutrition.
If you decide to go keto while pregnant, you should first talk to your doctor about what foods are safe for you to eat. Then, you can work out a plan together.
What About The Ketogenic Diet During Menopause?
If you’re going through menopause, you shouldn’t worry too much about going on a ketogenic diet. In fact, there’s evidence that suggests that women who follow a low carb diet actually live longer than those who eat a standard Western diet.
However, if you do choose to start a keto diet, you should still check with your doctor before doing so. He or she can help you figure out whether you’re at risk for developing diabetes or high blood pressure.
Also, remember that there are no studies supporting the use of a keto diet during menopause. So, until further research has been conducted, we recommend sticking to a normal diet.
How Much Weight Can I Lose With Keto?
That all depends on your starting body fat percentage. If you weigh 120 pounds and have 20 percent body fat, then you could lose up to 15 pounds in a month.
But if you weigh 200 pounds and only have 10 percent body fat, you’d probably only lose around 7 pounds in a month. That said, you can always try this diet out to see if you like it.
Final Thoughts
The ketogenic diet has become very popular over the past few years. But, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. There are some benefits to eating a low carbohydrate diet, and garlic is luckily keto friendly.
