KETO

It’s no secret that a ketogenic diet turns ones body into a fat-burning machine.

With many proven benefits such as weight loss, improved cognitive function, possible treatment of major diseases, improved health, and significant performance benefits, you’d be quick to wonder why you haven’t dived in just yet. Bottom line?

If you’re ready to dive into the ketogenic lifestyle, this guide will show you everything you need to to know to get started.

So let’s get started…

but first click here => 1I am a footnote. Every time you see one of these gems you can click it to perhaps learn a bit more, read my thoughts, or to reference a study.

Don't have time to read all 5,000 words? Download a PDF to read offline at a later time.

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Chapter 1: Consistency of the fundamentals

Before diving into the intricacies of the ketogenic diet, we must first define the fundamentals to understand it

What is ketosis?­­­­­

Ketosis is when your body’s metabolism shifts away from glucose / sugar (carbohydrates) towards mainly ketone / fat utilization.

What is a ketogenic diet?

Essentially, the ketogenic diet triggers the production of ketone bodies by the liver.

The tipping point to a ketogenic diet is how much carbohydrates are restricted, causing a series of adaptations to take place.

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What are ketones?

Ketones (or ketone bodies) are the byproduct of the incomplete breakdown of free fatty acids (FFA) in the liver.

Under “normal” dietary conditions, the body draws energy from all of the macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) When you restrict carbohydrates or remove them all together, the body is forced to find an alternative fuel to provide energy.

One of which is free fatty acids (FFA) Most tissues in the body are capable of using FFA, but a select few major organs cannot – most notably the brain and nervous system.

However, break down those FFAs and now, the brain and other tissues can utilize ketones.

In fact, ketone bodies may be a preferred fuel source for the brain over glucose due to greater energy efficiency.

This may explain the improved cognitive function many experiences on a ketogenic diet. Now that you have a basic understanding of what ketosis is and what ketones are, how can this benefit YOU?

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Chapter 2: Benefits of a ketogenic diet

Everyone has their own reason for going keto, even you.

While keto may not be the easiest diet to get started on due to years of various eating habits we’ve accumulated, it offers a TON of benefits if you’re willing to commit.

If you’re willing to give keto a fair shot you can look forward to feeling amazing, looking fantastic (more fantastic), and possibly recover from chronic health issues you may be plagued with.

Here are a few of the benefits of a ketogenic diet.

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Increased fat loss

One of the biggest benefits of the ketogenic diet may be its effectiveness in massive weight loss.

Ketosis isn’t “magic,” though some would say that it is; instead, it generates a combo of synergistic effects that make dieting easier for the individual.

Here are just a few…

A keto diet reduces insulin, increases mobilization of stored body fat, and decreases, maybe even completely suppress appetite. 2 Ketosis, ketogenic diet and food intake control: a complex relationship. Antonio Paoli et al. 2015

This is important because the overwhelming drive to eat as a result of cravings when dieting is the BIGGEST impediment to weight/fat loss, and the reason why most diets fail.

This is why ketogenic diets appear to be more beneficial for the long-term maintenance of weight loss compared to low-fat diets. 3Very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet v. low-fat diet for long-term weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Bueno NB et al. 2013

At the end of the day, almost all diets will work, but if you can’t keep it off then what’s the point? We’re after both effectiveness and sustainability.

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Increased energy / Improved cognitive function

Once your body has shifted to utilizing ketones for energy you’ll begin to notice increased, uniform energy throughout the day.

Being in a state of nutritional ketosis results in a steady flow of fuel, to the brain, thus avoiding the sugar swings and crashes most people experience on a “standard diet.”

This is why many people claim feelings of mental clarity on a ketogenic diet. In adults with bad memory, adding ketones improves cognition.

In fact, the higher the ketones, the higher the scores. Many people also report a sense of euphoria and well-being, which I too have noticed.

Moreover, many individuals use keto diets specifically for the sole purpose of increased mental performance.

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting a ketogenic diet may be beneficial for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, and even depression.4The ketogenic diet: uses in epilepsy and other neurologic illnesses.Barañano KW et al. 2008

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Increased physical performance

Ketogenic diets increase energy efficiency.  At any given intensity, a keto-adapted athlete will burn more fat and less carbohydrate (glycogen) than not keto-adapted athletes. This allows glycogen to be spared for when we really need it.

Our bodies store glycogen (sugar) in our muscles and liver, but there is an upper limit of approximately 2000 – 2500 calories.

This is why you may see, or have experienced, hitting “the wall” during prolonged endurance events such as a marathon or ultra-marathon. Your body simply runs out of its stored energy.

This wouldn’t be the case if you were fat adapted (keto-adapted) The below table illustrates that carbohydrate stores are minimal compared to protein or fat.

The average person has enough energy stored as body fat to exist for weeks, even months, without food intake.

In fact, in one study 5Features of a successful therapeutic fast of 382 days' duration, a 27-year-old male fasted for 382 days! (under close supervision of course) As a result, the individual went from 456 pounds (~207kg) to 180 pounds (~82kg) for a total  loss of 276 pounds (~125kg) 

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Disease treatment

DIABETES

Since a ketogenic diet manages blood sugars fairly well, it is excellent for prevention, managing, and even possibly reversing type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.

CANCER PREVENTION / TREATMENT

Ketogenic diets are currently undergoing study as they have been shown to reduce tumor growth and improve survival. Ketogenic diets may even increase the effectiveness of standard cancer treatments. 6Effects of a ketogenic diet on tumor metabolism and nutritional status in pediatric oncology patients: two case reports. Nabeling LC et al. 1995

EPILEPSY

The ketogenic diet first emerged as a tool for clinicians to treat patients with epilepsy.  It remains the only method with the consistent ability to prevent seizures through a variety of mechanisms.

• Normalize blood pressure
• Less acne (In my case, completely eliminated my lifelong struggle)
• Reverse or manage PCOS
• Fewer sugar cravings

As you can see, a ketogenic diet provides a slew of benefits with very minimal, if any negative effects.

Now that you have a general understanding of what a ketogenic diet is and how it may benefit you, The next chapter will discuss the how.

We will show you how to get started and set up your diet for success based on your goals.

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Chapter 3: How to setup your ketogenic diet

There are right ways, yes… ways as in more than one, and wrong ways to implement a keto diet.

What’s wrong or right is subjective, of course.

BEFORE GETTING STARTED As always, you should always consult with a medical professional before starting any diet.

However, there are a few groups I’d strongly recommend consult a medical professional or employ a more moderately balanced diet (also open to interpretation) If you belong in any of these groups the diet is not generally recommended for you:

• Type 1 diabetics and diabetics taking medication.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers
• Young adolescent children

While the above groups MAY be able to safely employ a ketogenic diet, it is advised you do so under close medical supervision.

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Ketogenic diet: DO IT RIGHT

Depending on your underlying reason for implementing a ketogenic diet…

i.e. disease treatment vs general health and weight loss

You may need to vary the percentages of calories coming from certain macronutrients (fat, carbohydrates, and protein)

In general, while a ketogenic diet is nearly the same for everyone in how it is set up, those using the diet to treat serious neurological diseases want to maintain high levels of blood ketones.

This means sticking to very low carb AND erring on the side of lower protein ~10-15% of calories.

Then again, if this applies to you then please consult your physician or another qualified medical professional.

For those doing keto for general health, weight loss, and/or performance, you may be able to handle more protein and/or carbohydrates and still remain in ketosis.

In fact, I would suggest a more moderate protein intake for active individuals (and if you’re not active then there is also an argument for why you should be)

But more about that at another time…

For now, let’s get to the nuts and bolts of the diet.

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Getting started prologue

A ketogenic diet is a major change for some, if not most people. You’re literally telling your body to switch over from one fuel source to another.

It’s like taking your car’s petrol engine and switching it to a diesel engine. 

Or better yet, strapping a tanker truck to you with unlimited energy.

With that being said, it may take some getting used to. Make sure you are well prepared both mentally and physically on the journey you are about to embark on.

My top 3 recommendations to ease your transition and make it as enjoyable as possible.

1. Get plenty of electrolytes

(sodium, potassium, magnesium) You can easily accomplish this by salting your foods liberally and eating foods rich in potassium and magnesium such as leafy greens or avocados.

You can also achieve this by supplementing electrolytes as well.

2. Eat extra fat the first few days and maybe even the first couple weeks

While this may slow fat loss down if that is your intended purpose, increasing fat can accelerate keto-adaptation. Of course, dial it down after you’re adapted according to your goals.

Exactly how much fat you should eat on a ketogenic diet will inevitably be determined by your overall calorie intake and other macronutrients.

3. Exercise

Lift weights and perform a low-level aerobic activity.

Why? because it’s good for you that’s why.

While a ketogenic diet in and of itself is nitrogen sparing (muscle sparing) lifting weights helps prevent muscle breakdown and you may even increase muscle (depending on a lot of other factors such as your training age, overall calories, and workout routine)

Ok, I said 3… but lastly, make a minimum commitment of 4-6 weeks. 

Everyone responds differently to the diet. The first couple of weeks may be difficult for some, while a breeze for others.

In my experience, the longer you’re on the diet the more benefits and breakthroughs you will experience in health, weight loss, and performance.

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Getting started – The Nuts & Bolts

Just because the ketogenic diet is a “high-fat” diet doesn’t mean you have an all-access pass to eat unlimited quantities of fat.

 Establishing a metabolic state of ketosis is more about the lack of carbohydrates, not eating copious amounts of fat. 

By default, a ketogenic diet is considered a “high fat” diet because once protein intake is calculated and carbohydrates are restricted, the remaining calories will be comprised of fat calories.

Since it’s easier to know exactly how much and what to eat, from a percentage standpoint this will usually leave an individual at:

• 50-85% of calories coming from fat
• 15-35% of calories coming from protein
• 5-10% of calories coming from carbohydrates.

With that being said, let’s get started.

In general, the guideline for a ketogenic diet, keto diet, ketosis diet is high fat, moderate to low protein, and low to no carb.

So exactly what does that entail? In general, we like to stick to the (K.I.S.S.) approach at The Art of Keto “Keep it simple…”

STEP 1: Set your total calorie intake depending on your goal

The amount of calories boils down to what your goals are concerning fat loss or muscle gain. If you are looking to lose fat you want to eat less than your body burns on a daily basis to be in a negative energy balance.

When trying to put on muscle, you want to eat more than your body burns on a regular basis to be in a positive energy balance.

To give you a general starting point and a better understanding of tracking calories you can see the what and how many calories you should eat on a ketogenic diet?

Or if you prefer plug and play visit our handy keto macro calculator that will help individualize a breakdown that fits your preferences and goals.

Below is an easy graphic to get you in the ballpark and make adjustments based on actual results

STEP 2: Determine your macronutrient breakdown

You will see a lot of conflicting information when it comes to a keto diet macro breakdown. As stated previously, the percentage breakdown usually is a byproduct of setting our protein and carbohydrate targets first.

With that said, we shouldn't look to strive for a certain percentage of any macronutrient (carbohydrates, protein, or fat) albeit unless the use of a ketogenic diet is for therapeutic purposes where the percentages originated.

One of the main reasons you should not base your diet on percentages is better understood given our recommendations of how much protein should you eat on a ketogenic diet which is based on a person's lean body mass (total weight – fat weight).

Someone who carries more muscle and lives a highly active lifestyle given the same weight as another individual who is inactive and has a higher bodyfat would have a higher need for protein and likely carbohydrates.

STEP 3: Track and adjust.

As with any new endeavor, you want to make sure you are heading in the right direction.

What gets measured get's managed. It shouldn't matter if you're using a ketogenic diet for fat loss, muscle gain, improved cognitive function, or decreased inflammation… make a note of any changes you observe.

The only way to continually improve is through small changes over time that compound into MASSIVE change.

Some questions to ask yourself depending on your goal(s).

Do I look visibly leaner?

Do I look more muscular?

Am I getting stronger?

Am I less sore?

Am I less tired?

Is my thinking clearer?

Do my clothes fit better?

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Chapter 4: Types of ketogenic diets

Generally, there are 3 types of ketogenic diet protocols. We will discuss them briefly below:

1. Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD) is what most think of as the ketogenic diet. The majority will utilize a standard ketogenic diet while avid exercisers and athletes might tend to gravitate toward the other 2 methods below.
2. Targeted Ketogenic Diet (TKD) is your standard ketogenic diet (SKD) with carbohydrates consumed generally before and/or after exercise.
3. Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD) is when you alternate between periods of eating a standard ketogenic diet (SKD) and introduce 1-2 days of high carbohydrate intake.

Let’s delve into each protocol a tad more, but briefly, to give you a better understanding of each.

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STANDARD KETOGENIC DIET (SKD)

As previously mentioned, a standard ketogenic diet (SKD) is what most people think of or refer as a ketogenic diet. In general, it is a diet low in carbohydrate and moderate-high in both protein and fat. An SKD forms the foundation for both the TKD AND CKD.

TARGETED KETOGENIC DIET (TKD)

The targeted ketogenic diet serves as a compromise between your standard ketogenic diet and full-blown carb up (period of greatly increased carbohydrate intake) as used in a cyclical style ketogenic diet.

Primarily based on anecdotal experience, a TKD allows individuals to perform high-intensity exercise such as weight training or even endurance type training without interrupting ketosis for a long period of time… if at all

(unlike a CKD, which is coming next) With a targeted ketogenic diet you would typically ingest a few fast digesting carbohydrates before and/or during and after your workout. 

Without delving too deeply into the intricacies of a targeted ketogenic diet, many people have reported having better energy levels and therefore more productive workouts by utilizing this strategy.

CYCLICAL KETOGENIC DIET (CKD)

Unlike a standard or targeted ketogenic diet, a cyclical ketogenic diet employs a full 1-2 day period of high carbohydrate eating with the goal of refilling muscle glycogen.

Based on a standard 7 day week, you alternate 5-6 days of ketogenic dieting (SKD) with 1-2 days of high carbohydrate eating.

The theory behind the carb load is to refill muscle glycogen and sustain exercise performance for the next cycle while even possibly providing an anabolic response (muscle gain/re-gain in our context)

Unlike the targeted ketogenic diet, a cyclical approach employs HIGH carbohydrate intake over the full course of a day or two (and possibly even longer).

The carbohydrate scheduled days are usually preceded by a very intense and specific workout protocol.

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Chapter 5: How to know you're in ketosis

So the question now is how do you know if you’re in a state of ketosis?

While there are actual test methods (blood, urine, breath), there are also telltale signs that don’t require any testing. 

 In the end, remember that we’re after results.  7There is no magical ketone level that indicates you are losing more fat. Therefor, there is no need to strive for a certain level. If your fundamental purpose for a ketogenic diet is therapeutic in nature then you may require the monitoring and testing of ketones

For a variety of testing methods visit my article on how to measure ketosis.

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Testing methods

It’s possible to test for ketones in the urine, blood, and your breath.

There are drawbacks to each, but as previously stated, unless you have an underlying medical condition that requires that you stay at a certain level of ketones, it may be unnecessary.

In the end, we are big advocates of testing, at least in the beginning to draw any correlations to weight, mood, and/or performance related to ketone levels.

We’re also just big analytical data nerds.

Also, note that for certain individuals, eating under 100 grams of net carbohydrates is sufficient to reach a state of nutritional ketosis, but for others, they may need to go as low as <20 grams.

This is why testing can be beneficial since everyone responds and is affected differently.

Bottom line – it’s not necessary to test for ketones depending on the person, it may even lead some to become obsessive with constant measuring.

Read more about How to Measure Ketosis.

On to the different test methods.

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BLOOD KETONE METERS

 Blood ketone meters are considered to be the “gold standard” as they are the most accurate way to measure your level of ketosis.  It uses beta-hydroxybutyrate (a type of ketone body) as the indicator for this test.

Pros: 

• Most accurate

Cons:

• Ketone test strips can be pricey $1 – $2 / strip
• Only measures levels in your blood vs actual utilization.
• You must prick your finger to produce a drop of blood for measurement.
• Usually not available at your local pharmacy (depending on where in the world you are)

Suggested Meters

Recommended: Keto Mojo Blood Ketone Meter

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URINE STRIPS (KETOSTIX)

By far, the cheapest and easiest method to measure ketosis is via urine strips. You can find these at your local pharmacy such as CVS or Walgreens or order them on online sites such as Amazon.

I do apologize for folks outside of the U.S. since I am unfamiliar with the popular chain pharmacies… but I am sure you can grab these at your local pharmacies as well.

The urine strips are likely the first option for most beginners. You simply hold the sticks in your urine stream for a few seconds and watch it change color.

Then, you compare it to color on the side of the bottle which corresponds to a ketone level.

Pros:

• Cheap
• Available locally

Cons: 

• Not very accurate, especially the longer you are in ketosis.
• Hydration levels can give you different readings.

Suggested Strips :

• Recommended: Perfect keto urine test strips

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BREATH METER

Breath meters measure the level of acetone in your breath which gives you an indicator of actual fat utilization.

Breath meters are usually connected to a PC or Mac via USB (although bluetooth ones are being made now)

While not completely conclusive, this method may give you more real-time indicators of how different lifestyle factors and dietary changes affect your state of ketosis.

Unlike urine or blood testing, the breath analyzer is reusable and can potentially save you money over time.

Pros:

• Measures actual fat being burned (whether from the body or diet)
• No need to constantly purchase testing strips

Cons:

• Larger upfront cost $150 – $300
• Not always accurate
• Does not always correlate well with blood ketones

Suggested Breath Meters :

• Recommended: Ketonix breath meter

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What if you don't want to test?

Each method of testing will help you gauge your ketone levels, however, when used separately, does not paint the whole picture.

 There is no conclusive evidence that more ketones equate to more fat loss or more muscle gain.  However, higher ketone levels generally have more therapeutic benefits in the treatment of certain medical conditions.

How to know without measuring

Once you’re keto-adapted (fat-adapted) and your body becomes more efficient at utilizing ketones, you might not see the big numbers on your measuring devices that you once saw in the beginning of your ketogenic journey.

Or, if you’re of the (K.I.S.S) keeping it simple as possible mentality,  simply go by how you feel along with the results or the lack thereof you're experiencing

(basically… be intuitive, which we should all strive for).

Below are some physical signs many people on ketogenic diets have experienced.

Reduced hunger

Many individuals, myself included, experience a marked reduction in hunger. In fact, some people who used to have bottomless pits report feelings of satiety with less food.

Increased energy

Depending on the individual, for the first few days (or weeks) during the acclimation period, you might feel tired aka “keto flu”.  This is your body learning to use fat vs carbohydrates for fuel.

After the hump people experience a clear increase in their energy levels. Some even report a sense of euphoria and mental clarity.

It goes to show, sometimes we’re so used to feeling bad and having the dreaded “brain fog” that we don’t realize how bad it is until we experience what it’s like to feel good.

Keto breath

You may have heard about the dreaded ketone breath. It can make a person’s breath smell “fruity,” or like nail polish remover.

Increased Urination

As the body burns through stored glucose (glycogen) you’ll be excreting a lot of water in the process. When insulin levels are kept low, the kidneys excrete sodium at a higher rate which also leads to additional water loss.

This is why it is important and suggested to increase sodium while following a ketogenic diet.

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Chapter 6: What do you eat on a ketogenic diet?

The key factor in reaching ketosis is the restriction of carbohydrates. In theory, the lower the carbohydrate intake, the greater degree of ketosis.

In fact, the fastest way to nutritional ketosis is simply to fast.

Fasting for 24-72 hours will get you into a state of ketosis the quickest.

For everyone else, it is generally advised to stick to under 20 grams of net carbohydrates per day to allow for adaptations to take place.

So, what does this look like?

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Ketogenic foods to eat

CARBOHYDRATES

As a general rule, you want all your carbohydrates from low GI sources such as vegetables with trace carbohydrates coming from nuts and dairy.

Dark leafy greens are generally a good rule of thumb with small amounts of berries (raspberries, blackberries, etc.). Remember how many carbs you should eat on a ketogenic diet? The main goal is to stick to under 20g of net carbohydrates (total carbohydrate grams – fiber grams)

PROTEIN

Just about any meat, especially organ meats (liver, tongue, heart, etc)  as they are highly nutritious, is fair game. This will include beef, poultry, bison, fish, eggs, etc.

FATS

• Nuts and seeds (especially macadamia and pili nuts)
• Avocados
• High-fat dairy (heavy cream, butter, hard cheeses, etc,)
• Oils
• Coconut, Avocado, MCT

SWEETENERS

• Stevia
• Erythritol
• Monk fruit
• Allulose

DRINKS

All the drinks listed below are unsweetened, but if sweetened with the above-listed sweeteners they are permissible.

• Water
• Coffee
• Tea
• Small amounts of wine and hard liquor may be permissible, though generally not recommended during the adaptation period.

For a more complete list of keto-friendly foods to incorporate in your diet and what to avoid, give our KETO FOODS LIST | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE a read.

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Foods to avoid

In most cases, you generally want to avoid all starchy and refined carbohydrates.

• Grains – rice, corn, wheat cereal, etc.
• Sugar – any caloric sweetener such as honey, agave, maple syrup, etc.
• Fruits – Almost all fruits aside from small amounts of berries
• Tubers – Potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, etc.

Failing to plan is planning to fail. When you begin your ketogenic diet, you will want to plan ahead.

Try to keep things as simple as possible in the beginning by eating foods that not only you enjoy, but provide satiety.

Once you become keto-adapted or have been on the diet for a while, feel free to experiment with different foods and/or carbohydrate intake to see how it affects you.

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Chapter 7: Common Q&A, Troubleshooting, and Resources

I'll be the first one to say that what works for one person may not work for the next.

If you decide on a keto diet and bodybuilding as your plan of attack, the best thing you can do is EXPERIMENT.

Every day is a chance to learn about yourself, your body, and make adjustments based on real-world results.

I believe a ketogenic approach is a great compromise between optimal health and aesthetics.

That said, I guess that makes it 6 tips.

🙂

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Will physical performance suffer?

There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to the ketogenic diet and physical performance.

While, in the short term, there may be small performance drops during the adaptation period, there are many promising longterm benefits from switching to a fat burning athlete.

In keto-adapted athletes, energy efficiency is increased. Meaning, at almost any given intensity of their V02max, they are utilizing more fat and less glycogen than their sugar-burning counterpart.

In fact, fat-adapted athletes have been shown to burn up to 2.3 times more fat at peak oxidation 8Metabolic characteristics of keto-adapted ultra-endurance runners. Volek et al. 2016 59% more fat overall than non fat-adapted athletes, AND at higher intensities.

As a result, there is less of a dependence on stored and/or external carbohydrate sources during exercise. Instead, glycogen is spared and stored for when we really need it, such as during higher intensity periods of activity.

This is crucial as we only store about 2400 calories worth of carbohydrates within our muscles and liver, while even the leanest of individuals may carry tens of thousands of calories of body fat.

Energy stores become virtually limitless on a ketogenic diet.

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Are there any side effects on keto?

KETO FLU

Common for those new to keto or low carb, but often fades after a few days.

While your body is transitioning primarily from sugar burning to fat burning people have reported bouts of fatigue, dizziness, headaches, cramps, etc. This is often in part due to a loss of electrolytes.

When you stop eating foods rich in carbohydrates, you’ll start to drop excess water and salt which may result in dehydration and the aforementioned symptoms.

You can minimize or mitigate dehydration completely by increasing your water and salt intake.

Muscle cramps

As with the keto flu, muscle cramps are typically a result of a loss of electrolytes. Aside from adding additional salt, make sure to eat foods rich in potassium and magnesium such as dark leafy greens and avocados.

You may want to also supplement with magnesium or potassium if you prefer to go that route.

Constipation

One of the most common causes of constipation is dehydration (starting to see the trend here?) The simplest solution is to increase water intake and make sure you intake an adequate amount of fiber from non-starchy vegetables. 

Also of note, you may be eating less “bulk” due to cutting out all the carbohydrates and processed foods you may have been eating previous to going keto.

As a byproduct, you will likely have less waste. Try not to confuse constipation with just not having the urge to go number two.

Keto breath

Some people experience the smell of acetone on their breath (or more often, the people around them do) This, in part, is due to acetone being one of the ketone bodies created during ketosis and often resembles the smell of nail polish remover.

This typically goes away for most individuals within 1-2 weeks after the body adapts to ketosis and stops inefficiently expelling them through the breath, sweat, and urine.

Keto rash

While there is no real scientific reason or explanation for the keto rash, a handful of people report bouts of rashes appearing once starting a ketogenic diet.

As with the keto breath, this may be due to skin irritation from the acetone excreted through sweat.

Another theory floating around is that the rash is a sign of toxins being released through the skin.

Since toxins are primarily stored within the fat cells and we are now mobilizing more fat and using it as our primary source of energy… the toxins are also being circulated and excreted out through our skin.

Possible solutions include loose-fitting clothing, showering immediately after exercise, and even possibly upping carbohydrate intake slightly. There is a site which delves more into this in depth.

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Some tips to help avoid keto side effects

As you can see, most of the issues are related to dehydration which also leads to a lack of electrolytes.

You want to ensure that you're drinking enough water, salting your foods liberally, and supplementing with additional electrolytes if you are engaging in substantial bouts of exercise or just tend to sweat more than the average. 

• Drink more water
• Increase electrolyte intake
• Eat enough fat

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Chapter 8: My top 3 takeaways

1. K.I.S.S.

Don’t over complicate the whole process. In general, one can achieve a state of ketosis simply by limiting carbohydrate intake to 20g of net carbs

(Total carbohydrates grams – Fiber)

Also, we would recommend keeping food choices basic at first before trying to re-create all your favorite food dishes in keto friendly versions. This means sticking to fatty meats, eggs, healthy oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, etc.

2. Increase water and supplement electroltyes

As you can tell from a lot of the “side effects” mentioned, a lot of it boils down to dehydration and electrolytes.

Strive for a  gallon of water a day and make sure you are getting enough:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium

You may get them from foods or supplement them in your diet. The above links are what we personally use here at The Art of Keto.

3. Track what you eat

What gets measured, gets managed.

Peter Drucker

When people track their food intake, they usually eat less (or more if weight gain is your goal) and are more likely to keep the weight off long term.

It’s also easy to over-consume carbohydrates as they are hidden in just about everything. Keeping a food log keeps your accountable regardless of your goals.

I recommend MyFitnessPal

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Saving money on a ketogenic diet

A common concern we hear about ketogenic diets is that they are more expensive in general compared to other ways of eating.

Yes and no.

An excellent grass-fed steak does cost more than a cheeseburger from the local fast food joint, but a ketogenic diet isn't as expensive as you may think.

Also, grass-fed meats aren't a requirement for this diet, but if you have the means to afford to do so, then we would recommend you opt for grass-fed over grain-fed.

In the end, I would much rather invest in my food quality and nutrition now then all the costly medical bills from a lifetime of subpar dietary choices.

With that said, a ketogenic diet doesn't cost more than any other “healthy” diet lifestyle. You may even find that you will spend less money and time overall when you fall into a groove and follow the tips below.

These are our recommendations for getting the most bang for your buck:

Search for deals

I don't know about you, but I get weekly mail from the all of the local grocery stores with the latest savings. Not only that, but almost every grocery store now has their own app now with coupons and the most current deals.

Don't hesitate to talk to your local butcher and ask if there is anything not on display or if you have any special requests. You'd be surprised how often you can find some hidden gems.

Buy in bulk

Costco is your friend. Buying food in bulk can reduce the cost per pound tremendously. Off the top of my head, you can buy hard cheeses, grass-fed butter, lots of veggies, and proteins such as steak and canned salmon from many food wholesalers.

Meal prep

People in the fitness industry are no stranger to Meal Prep Sundays. While it may seem convenient to buy pre-made food or eat out, the costs add up (both time and money).

Try cooking your veggies and proteins ahead of time. We like to prep our food twice a week, so we always have a fresh easy to grab meal ready to go.

Meal prepping is also a great way to set yourself up for success as we sometimes don't make the best food choices if we find ourselves tired after a long day of work and don't want to cook.

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