So What Does Keto Actually Mean?

1. So what the heck is keto?

Keto is short for ‘Ketogenic’ which is a style of eating that places a large emphasis on eating fat, moderate amounts of protein and a minimal amount of carbohydrate. Where does the Ketogenic Diet get its name from? The metabolic state that the body enters when carbohydrate intake is significantly low is called Ketosis. Essentially, when the body is not able to obtain energy from carbohydrates, it then begins to break down stored fats instead. In short, when your body begins to break down fat for fuel, the liver releases ketone bodies which provide energy to the brain and the rest of the body. The aim of a Ketogenic Diet is to keep the body in a sustained state of Ketosis.

2. What are the apparent benefits?

Some studies following people consuming a Keto Diet have reported that participants often report feeling ‘less hungry’ than when consuming their regular diet, this could be due to the fact that, as a macronutrient, fat is more satiating and may leave you feeling fuller for longer than a diet more balanced in carbohydrates. Similarly, some people find that due to their appetite being lessened when following the Keto diet, they may experience weight loss as a result.

3. And so your thoughts?... Yay or Nay?

Although Keto diets can accelerate weight loss and there are millions of supporters, there are mixed opinions about the Keto diet. The Keto Diet is restrictive, and can omit many healthy and nutritionally beneficial components from one’s diet - your wholegrain foods, starchy vegetables, fruit and dairy products are all either very minimally included or excluded all together. By removing all those food groups from one’s diet, it can make it a whole lot harder to meet your nutrient needs.

By restricting the inclusion of foods containing carbohydrates, this reduces the amount of fibre in one’s diet. By limiting wholegrains, cereals, legumes, starchy vegetables and fruit, it it may decrease the frequency of bowel movements.

Finding sources of dietary fibre to ensure those on a Keto diet are still meeting their daily needs is super important. Many Keto dieters choose avocados, chia seeds, specific nuts and even cauliflower. For those looking for the most delicious snack with a excellent source of dietary fibre, the FUNDAY range contains 7g of dietary fibre per 50g serve (equivalent to 28% of a female adults OR 23% of a male adults recommended dietary intake) so it's a great way to enjoy some candy while getting a great dose of dietary fibre!

So, like most diets it is Yay for some, and Nay for some depending on their personal circumstances and needs. I would advise people considering the Keto diet to speak to a nutritonist or dietitian and talk through their health goals and see whether the Keto diet is right for them!