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A Guide to the Keto Diet

How To Lose Weight Safely and Effectively

By MichelePublished 3 years ago 6 min read
A Guide to the Keto Diet
Photo by David B Townsend on Unsplash

Keto diet, also known as low-carb diet–is made up of meals that are mostly composed of high-fat, moderate protein-composition and low-carbohydrate foods. This type of nutrition plan focuses on using the body’s stored fat as fuel, so that it does not depend on burning glucose for energy. By limiting carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat, the keto diet is said to put the body into a metabolic state known as “ketosis”.

Ketosis is thought to have several advantageous effects on the body, such as improved mental clarity and focus, reduced hunger, increased fat burning, and increased energy. Keto diet is particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes, as it can help manage their blood sugar levels and can also aid in weight loss. It has also been shown to benefit those with hypertension and high triglycerides levels, as well as athletes and bodybuilders who need to regulate their glucose levels and triglycerides.

However, before starting any form of new diet, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. The keto diet is not suitable for everyone and there can be side effects if not done correctly. It is also important to note that the effects of the keto diet may not be permanent and that long-term success can only be achieved with a consistent and healthy lifestyle. Although the results of keto diet vary from person to person, it remains one of the most popular diets used today and has been shown to be highly effective for a variety of health reasons.

Thought to have originated in the 1920s as an alternative treatment for epilepsy, ketogenic diets have resurged in popularity as a way to lose weight quickly and effectively. Through a set of strict dietary guidelines, the ketogenic diet shifts your body’s primary source of fuel from carbohydrates to fats, leading to a “state of ketosis” wherein your body utilizes stored fat for energy instead of glucose.

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Here’s a guide on how to do a ketogenic diet the right way.

Calculate your daily calorie and macronutrient needs

Calculating your individual needs is the first step in adopting a ketogenic diet. Based on your age, sex, activity level, size, and other factors, you can use online calculators to discover how many calories and how much of each macronutrient (fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) you should be consuming each day. Generally, when trying to reach a state of ketosis, it is recommended to consume between 20-30% of calories from fats, 25-35% of calories from proteins, and 45-60% of calories from carbohydrates.

Cut your carbs

Start by cutting your carbs to the recommended level of 20-50 grams of net carbs (total grams of carbohydrates minus the grams of dietary fiber per day).

Cutting carbs is an important part of a healthy diet, as carbs can cause spikes in your blood sugar, leading to high levels of insulin and other hormones that contribute to weight gain and other issues like type 2 diabetes. When starting your low-carb diet, it is important to start off by reducing your net carbs to the recommended levels of 20-50 grams of net carbs per day. During this time, focus on vegetables and healthy fats while limiting or avoiding sources of carbs such as grains, starches, sugars, cereals, and snacks.

In addition to reducing your net carbs, be sure to replace the lost calories with healthy sources of fat and protein, such as eggs, meats, fish, nuts, seeds, and avocados. Incorporating some of these foods into your meals can help to keep you feeling fuller for a longer period of time, while they also provide essential nutrients and vitamins essential for overall health. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water

Click Here To Learn How To Unlock Your Ideal Weight

By Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Increase your fat intake

When you cut your carbs down, you need to increase your fat intake to make up the difference.

Healthy fats like olive oil, avocados and animal fats can help you meet your calorie needs while keeping your carb intake low. Eating healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, coconut oil and animal fats can be a great way to increase your fat intake while cutting down on carbs. Excellent sources of animal fats are grass-fed beef, pastured poultry and eggs, wild-caught fish, raw, full-fat organic dairy, ghee and lard and tallow from grass-fed animals. These fats provide your body with essential nutrients and energy, and can help to balance your blood sugar levels. Additionally, these fats can help your body absorb other vitamins and minerals that are found in the food you eat. By increasing your fat intake, you can make sure your body has enough energy while reducing your carb intake. This can lead to a healthier lifestyle and improved overall health.

Track your progress

To ensure you are on track, monitor your ketone levels and make sure you are getting enough protein. To track your progress and make sure you are sticking to a ketogenic diet, it is important to measure your ketone levels and make sure you are getting the right amount of protein. Additionally, you may want to measure your caloric intake and track your bodyweight to ensure your diet is working and you are getting the desired results. Being able to measure and track your progress is essential to stay on a ketogenic diet and reach your goals. Keep in mind that too much protein can increase blood sugar levels. When the body consumes too much protein, the excess amino acids are converted into glucose through a process known as gluconeogenesis. This increases the amount of glucose in the blood, which will be used as a source of energy or stored as fat. In the long run, excess protein consumption can lead to elevated blood glucose levels and contribute to the development of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, diabetes, and other health issues.

Click Here To Learn How To Unlock Your Ideal Weight

Reassess your macros and implement periodic changes.

Within the context of a ketogenic diet, reassessing your macros and implementing periodic changes to your macronutrients is essential to ensure that you are meeting your goals. Typically, a ketogenic diet requires high amounts of fat, moderate amounts of protein, and very low amounts of carbohydrates. As you reach your desired goal, or as your body adapts to the diet, it may be necessary to reassess your macros. This could include increasing or decreasing the percentages of fat, protein, and carbohydrates depending on your needs. Periodic changes can help you to adjust the diet, to control hunger and satiety levels, and to continue progressing towards your target or maintaining your desired results.

Exercise and Movement

An effective form of exercise when following a ketogenic diet is HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), which is a form of interval training with short bursts of intense activity followed by short periods of rest. This type of exercise has been found to be particularly effective when following a ketogenic diet as it helps to increase fat burning, while preserving muscle mass. Additionally, it increases the body’s ability to use ketones for energy, which is a key component of a successful ketogenic diet.

Another effective form of exercise is walking. Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise. It requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere. It can be done at any age, and is free and easy. Additionally, walking can provide a number of physical and mental health benefits. Physically, walking can help to improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce blood pressure and improve endurance. It will also help to strengthen bones and muscles, as well as improve balance and coordination. Mentally, walking can enhance mood and reduce stress and anxiety. It can also improve concentration and thinking.

Following a ketogenic diet can be a great way to achieve a healthier lifestyle. This diet plan has been known to help with weight loss, reduce inflammation, and even control and improve one's mental and physical state. While it may not be the right dietary plan for everyone, those who adopt the ketogenic diet have the potential to reap many health benefits. It is important to remember, however, that while a ketogenic diet can be an excellent way to improve health, one should always consult a medical professional before embarking on any diet plan.

Click Here To Learn How To Unlock Your Ideal Weight

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