Many consider the keto diet a magical dietary regimen, and it’s one that has remained popular for several decades. The original ketogenic diet actually began in the 1920s as a low-carb and high-fat consumption strategy to reduce seizures in patients with epilepsy. The specific purpose of developing this diet method was to offer an alternative to fasting, which has become a mainstream movement. To understand further, let’s take a closer look at how to use healthy fats on a keto diet.
The basics of a ketogenic diet mimic the metabolism that takes place during fasting. The traditional approach to this diet consists of a ratio of fat to protein and carbs, divided up into percentages of consumable calories. In the keto diet, 70% to 90% of calories come from fat, while 6% to 25% come from protein and 4% to 5% come from carbs. The emphasis on the consumption of healthy fats is clear. Then, ketones instead of sugar fuel your body and you enter ketosis. A guide exhibiting a keto diet for beginners is important to manage these ratios appropriately and experience all the benefits of a keto diet.
The Different Types of Fats
As many people know, dietary fats can come from both plants and animals. Your body needs fats, as their primary function is to produce energy. However, this fat can come in various forms. The four main dietary fats are trans fats, saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats.
Many nutritionists consider solid trans fats and vegetable oils harmful. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, on the other hand, are more beneficial for your health. Even though they have been demonized for decades, now we know that saturated fats are good for the body and are not associated with a risk of cardiovascular disease. While health benefits can differ due to substance, the best fats to eat are those that occur naturally within food. These so-called healthy fats are necessary to maintain a steady regimen of the keto diet.
The Role Healthy Fats Play in Your Body
If you’re looking for the best way to use healthy fats on a keto diet, it’s crucial to consider the role these fats play in your own body first. The keto diet is all about utilizing a diverse fuel in your body. Instead of traditional sugar, aka glucose, from carbs, a ketogenic method focuses on ketone bodies that come from the liver. This fuel comes directly from stored fat in your body. For those who use the ketogenic diet, consumed dietary fats produce results beyond weight loss, such as better alertness and higher energy levels.
What To Consume
We now know that healthy fats are at the head of a healthy diet and play a key role in the keto diet. There are a wide variety of healthy fats you can include in a ketogenic diet. A favorite option is avocadoes, which are a staple, nutrient-dense item. Organic cold-pressed coconut oil and organic butter are a great option for cooking while olive oil is wonderful for salads. Also, don’t forget about nuts, oils, seeds, fatty fish, and grass-fed meat. Even gourmet wagyu beef fits into your diet and it’s beneficial.
The Bottom Line
While a keto diet can be restrictive and may not work for everyone, the bottom line remains: nutritious sources of healthy fats are always the best option for dietary changes.
To a Fitter Healthier You,
The Fitness Wellness Mentor
