The Ketogenic Diet (often called the Keto Diet) primarily consists of high-fats, moderate-proteins and very low-carbohydrates. This reduction in carbohydrates causes your body to enter a metabolic state called ketosis where your body starts burning fat for energy. To say that the Keto Diet is popular is a total understatement – Keto was the most searched diet of 2020, with over 25.4 million Google searches.

This will vary depending on factors such as your age, height and calorie intake. Typically, carbohydrate intake on a keto diet will be less than 50 grams, but this can be as low as 20 grams. Typically, 60-75% of your daily calories should come from fats, 5-10% from carbohydrates and 15-30% from protein.

The keto diet, like any, is only healthy if you ensure to eat a nutritious and well- balanced range of foods from a variety of different sources. Stick to unprocessed foods and healthy fats and if you’re eating meat (plant-based keto also exists) then try and opt for organic, grass-fed options. Keto-friendly foods include seafood, non- starchy vegetables like spinach, broccoli and cauliflower, cheese, avocados, meat, eggs, olive oil and nuts, seeds and berries.

Weight loss is the main reason why people choose to follow a keto diet. Research has shown that following this diet can encourage rapid weight loss; this weight loss effect becomes comparable to other dietary approaches after one year. There is also solid evidence showing that a keto diet reduces seizures in children with epilepsy and some research suggests that it can lower your risk of heart disease.