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So you want to go keto? Here's what you need to know.

Read this article to learn more.

By Andre and Gail McLeanPublished 3 years ago 6 min read
So you want to go keto? Here's what you need to know.
Photo by Yoav Aziz on Unsplash

Are you considering the ketogenic diet? If so, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the information out there. Don’t worry! This blog post will walk you through the basics of the keto diet, so you can get started on your journey to optimal health and wellness. From understanding the fundamentals of ketosis to stocking your pantry with the right foods, here’s what you need to know about starting the keto diet.

Defining the Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet, also known as the “keto diet”, is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This diet plan focuses on eating foods that are high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates. The primary goal of the ketogenic diet is to get your body into a state of ketosis, where your body uses fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

When following the ketogenic diet, your daily food intake should be made up of approximately 75% fat, 20% protein, and 5% carbohydrates. It is important to note that not all types of fat are equal. When following the ketogenic diet it is important to prioritize healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado oil, nuts, seeds, and fish.

In order to achieve ketosis, it is recommended to limit your carbohydrate intake to between 20-50 grams per day. This may sound daunting, but it is actually quite manageable when you plan your meals properly. Foods such as leafy greens, vegetables, non-starchy vegetables, and some fruits are allowed in small amounts. While starchy vegetables and grains should be avoided.

To help you stay on track with the ketogenic diet it is important to keep track of your daily macronutrient intake. Doing so will help you maintain your desired macro ratios and ensure that you are staying in ketosis.

Why People Go on the Diet

The ketogenic diet has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people wanting to take advantage of its health benefits. There are a number of reasons why people might decide to try a ketogenic diet, ranging from weight loss and improved overall health to reducing inflammation and improving mental clarity.

Weight Loss: Weight loss is one of the most common reasons that people begin a ketogenic diet. This is because a ketogenic diet helps to reduce hunger and cravings, while also encouraging the body to burn fat rather than carbohydrates for energy. This can lead to significant weight loss over time.

Improved Health: The ketogenic diet can have a positive effect on overall health as well. By reducing inflammation and promoting healthy cholesterol levels, the ketogenic diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In addition, it has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve blood sugar levels, and improve brain function.

Reduce Inflammation: Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a number of different health conditions. A ketogenic diet can help reduce inflammation by encouraging the body to produce anti-inflammatory molecules. This can help reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Mental Clarity: Many people who have adopted a ketogenic diet report an increase in mental clarity and focus. This is likely due to the increased amounts of healthy fats in the diet, which are known to help improve brain function. It may also be due to the reduced levels of sugar in the diet, which can prevent “brain fog” or other cognitive impairments.

Before You Start the Diet

The ketogenic diet is a great way to get your body in shape and lose weight, but it is important to understand the basics before you start. There are a few things you should consider before you begin a ketogenic diet:

1. Talk to your doctor: If you are considering a ketogenic diet, it is essential to talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help ensure that the keto diet is the right fit for you, and can provide any necessary guidance or advice about the potential risks.

2. Research: Learn as much as possible about the ketogenic diet before diving in. Take the time to read through various online sources and books to understand what this diet involves, and how to make sure you’re doing it safely.

3. Get support: Have a friend or family member who is interested in the ketogenic diet? Consider joining forces with them! Not only will having a support system keep you motivated, but it will also help hold you accountable when it comes to sticking to the diet.

4. Track your progress: Track your progress throughout your journey by noting the foods you eat and how they make you feel. This will help you adjust and adjust your diet as needed, as well as give you insight into what works best for your body.

5. Adjust your expectations: The ketogenic diet can be tough at first, so make sure you are realistic about your expectations. Don’t expect to be dropping pounds overnight – it takes time for your body to adjust to the new lifestyle.

By understanding what the keto diet entails, and taking some time to prepare before beginning, you can ensure that your journey on the ketogenic diet will be a success!

During the Diet

When you’re on the keto diet, it’s important to make sure that you are eating enough of the right foods. Your goal should be to get 70-75% of your daily calories from healthy fats, 25-30% from protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. When counting your macros, it’s important to remember that all fats are not created equal. You want to focus on healthy, unsaturated fats such as those found in avocados, nuts, and seeds.

It’s also important to get adequate protein during the diet. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, which can be lost during the diet due to decreased calorie consumption. Aim for at least 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day.

The majority of your carbs should come from leafy greens and low-carb vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Fruits and whole grains should be avoided as much as possible since they are higher in carbs.

When it comes to supplements, a multivitamin and fish oil are recommended to help ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients you need. Additionally, exogenous ketones can be taken to help boost energy levels and promote fat burning.

Finally, staying active while on the keto diet is essential for success. Exercise helps to increase energy levels and metabolism while also helping to maintain muscle mass. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week.

After the Diet

Once you have been on the ketogenic diet for a while, you may find that you feel better and are beginning to see results. It is important to remember to stay consistent with the diet, even after you have reached your goals. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

1. Re-evaluate Your Goals: After you have been on the diet for a while, it is important to take a step back and reassess your goals. Make sure that they are still realistic and achievable.

2. Track Your Progress: Tracking your progress is a great way to stay motivated and on top of your goals. This could be anything from weekly weigh-ins to tracking your food intake and energy levels.

3. Reward Yourself: Make sure to reward yourself for your hard work and accomplishments. Celebrate any successes and don’t forget to take breaks and enjoy life.

4. Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is essential for any diet, but especially on a ketogenic diet. Make sure to drink enough water every day, as well as electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or sports drinks.

5. Exercise: Exercise can help keep your metabolism high and make sure that your body is using the food that you eat efficiently. Try to incorporate different types of exercise such as weightlifting, cardio, and yoga into your routine.

6. Don’t Give Up: It is easy to get discouraged if you are not seeing the results that you had hoped for. Remember that this is a lifestyle change and it will take time to adjust and see progress. Stay patient and don’t give up!

If you want to learn my #1 way to master the keto diet, click here now.

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About the Creator

Andre and Gail McLean

For the love of expressing, teaching and growing...

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