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KETO diet for beginners

is it worth trying?

By Rafi IbrahimPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
KETO diet for beginners
Photo by Farhad Ibrahimzade on Unsplash

If you've been paying attention to health and fitness trends lately, you've probably heard of the keto diet. The ketogenic diet, or keto for short, is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has gained popularity in recent years. If you're interested in trying the keto diet for yourself, here's a beginner's guide to get you started.

What is the keto diet?

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that is designed to put your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. Normally, your body uses glucose (a type of sugar) as its primary source of energy. However, when you follow a keto diet, you drastically reduce your intake of carbohydrates (which are broken down into glucose) and increase your intake of fats. This forces your body to switch from using glucose as its primary fuel source to using ketones (a type of molecule that your liver produces from fat) instead.

Why do people follow the keto diet?

People follow the keto diet for a variety of reasons. Some people follow it for weight loss, as the high-fat content of the diet can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time and reduce overall calorie intake. Others follow it for its potential health benefits, such as improved blood sugar control and decreased inflammation.

What foods can you eat on the keto diet?

When following the keto diet, you'll want to focus on foods that are high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Good sources of fat include:

• Avocado

• Olive oil

• Coconut oil

• Nuts and seeds

• Butter and cream

• Fatty cuts of meat (such as bacon and steak)

Foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, and rice, should be avoided or eaten in very small amounts. Instead, focus on low-carb vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach) and small amounts of low-carb fruits (such as berries).

What are some potential drawbacks of the keto diet?

While the keto diet can be effective for weight loss and other health goals, it's not for everyone. Some potential drawbacks of the diet include:

• The "keto flu": When you first start the keto diet, you may experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea as your body adjusts to the new way of eating. This is often referred to as the "keto flu" and usually goes away within a few days to a week.

• Difficulty sticking to the diet: Because the keto diet is so low in carbohydrates, it can be difficult to stick to in social situations or when eating out.

• Nutrient deficiencies: Because the keto diet restricts certain food groups (such as fruits and whole grains), it can be challenging to get all of the nutrients your body needs. It's important to work with a healthcare professional to ensure that you're getting all of the necessary vitamins and minerals.

• Potential increase in cholesterol: Some studies have suggested that the high-fat content of the keto diet can lead to an increase in LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. However, other studies have not found this to be the case.

Should you try the keto diet?

If you're interested in trying the keto diet, it's important to do your research and talk to a healthcare professional before making any major changes to your diet. The keto diet can be effective for weight loss and other health goals, but it's not the right choice for everyone. Additionally, it's important to make sure you're getting all of the necessary nutrients while following the diet.

Overall, the keto diet can be a powerful tool for improving your health and achieving your weight loss goals. With the right guidance and support, you can successfully follow the diet and reap its many benefits.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE OUR QUIZ TO KNOW IF THE KETO DIET IS SUITABLE FOR YOU

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