The Ketogenic Diet
The Ketogenic Diet is a diet which is low in carbohydrates, moderate in Protein and Higher in Fat. The protein intake is usually kept within the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDA) for the individual’s weight and height while adjusting for fat and carbohydrates. This diet was originally used to treat medication resistant Epilepsy and has gained a lot of popularity in the past several years for various illnesses. The Ketogenic Diet has shown to be an efficacious tool in a whole host of diseases such as Obesity, Hyperlipidemia, Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Migraines, Depression, Anxiety and Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause.
The Physiology of Ketosis
The Ketogenic Diet shifts the body’s metabolism from utilizing Carbohydrates, which is our body’s main fuel to the utilization of fat and ketone bodies. To get into a state of Ketosis, Carbohydrates need to be restricted whilst levels of healthy fats should be gradually increased. The use of supplements and electrolytes may be recommended to help the individual get into ketosis faster. The diet is prescribed by “ratio”, which describes the amount of fat given in comparison to the amount of carbohydrates and protein.
For example:
1:1 Ketogenic Diet = 1 gram of fat : 1 gram of protein + carbohydrates
The ratios recommended will depend on the individual needs of the client, activity levels, body weight and the health concern for the client etc. The final ratio will depend on blood ketone levels and tolerance to the diet. Each meal will be carefully planned on a specific calculator and approved by me. As the client, you will learn how to use this calculator and how to adjust your diet based on your ketone needs. Once you are more keto adjusted, you have the liberty to eat intuitively but keeping in mind that therapeutic ketosis needs to be achieved.
I recommend investing in a Keto-Mojo blood ketone monitoring device to help you measure your ketones while you are working with me. Click the button to purchase one.
A well formulated Ketogenic Diet can take time and experimentation and that is where, I come in and guide you. It is important, whilst on the ketogenic Diet that you are choosing the right foods that feed your gut microbiome. Good lean sources of protein are just as important as getting in good amount of healthy fats. The transition from the utilization of Carbohydrates to fats should be a slow and gradual process. Through this process, I will help you with:
Meal planning
Ratio or ‘Macro’ determination
Caloric needs
Vitamin/mineral supplementation
Side effects
Compliance
Book a complimentary, 30-minute discovery call with me
I offer a complimentary, no-obligation 30-minute phone call to better understand your health goals and to gauge if I would be the right practitioner to help you. If I am unable to help, I will happily refer you on to another therapist or a GP that would better be suited to your needs.