Gnc Sustain And Keto: A Good Mix?

The keto diet is a trending eating plan that includes lots of fat, a moderate amount of protein, and a small number of carbohydrates. The goal is to trigger a metabolic adaptation in the body, promoting a state of ketosis. While it was not originally intended as a weight-loss diet, many people use it for that purpose. GNC offers a range of keto-friendly products, including supplements, snacks, and ingredients. This includes keto-friendly brownies, beef and elk snack sticks, and MCT oil, which can be used to make bulletproof coffee. GNC also provides resources to help people understand the keto diet and how to implement it.

GNC keto-friendly products

GNC stocks a wide range of keto-friendly products. While it is not necessary to take any special supplements to enter ketosis, GNC offers a variety of products that can help those with a busy lifestyle to stay on track.

Keto-Friendly Supplements

GNC offers a variety of keto-friendly supplements, including oils such as fish oil, MCT oil, and coconut oil. Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a naturally occurring metabolite formed during fat digestion and is available as a supplement designed with the keto dieter in mind.

Keto Protein Powders

GNC recommends IsoPure, Quest, and NutraBio as good options for keto protein powders.

Sports Research 100% MCT Oil

MCT oil is often used in "bulletproof coffee," a drink popular among those on the keto diet. It is made from coconut oil and is said to support weight loss, boost energy, and fight off bacteria and viruses.

Codeage Keto Electrolytes

These supplements are recommended for relieving symptoms of the "keto flu," such as lack of energy and migraines. They can also be used to hydrate the body and relieve cramps.

Eat Me Guilt-Free Brownies

These brownies are a keto-friendly alternative to regular, sugar-packed brownies. They are made primarily from wheat protein isolate and coconut palm sugar, offering a taste close to the real thing.

Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps

These cheese crisps are a keto-friendly alternative to chips and crisps, which are usually made from potatoes or root vegetables.

Ostrim Beef & Elk Snack Sticks

These snack sticks are made from beef and elk meat, with small amounts of rice bran and raw cane sugar. They are a convenient option for those on the go who need to keep their energy up while on the keto diet.

GNC offers a variety of other keto-friendly products, including keto cookies, shakes, bars, capsules, and more.

Keto supplements

The keto diet is not new, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years. It was first introduced in the 1920s and involves eating a lot of fat, moderate amounts of protein, and very few carbohydrates. The goal is to reach a state of "ketosis," where the body uses fat-derived "ketones" as its primary energy source instead of glucose. While it was not initially intended as a weight-loss diet, many people use it for that purpose today.

There are various keto-friendly supplements available, such as oils with high-fat content and no carbs, like fish oil, MCT oil, and coconut oil. Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is another supplement that can be used as a fuel source for the brain, heart, and muscles when carbohydrates are scarce.

GNC, a health and nutrition company, offers a range of keto-friendly products, including supplements, snacks, and drinks. They provide various options for those following a ketogenic diet:

Supplements:

• KetoLogic® BHB: A dietary supplement designed for keto dieters, providing an energy-dense molecule that can fuel the brain, heart, and muscles.
• Codeage Keto Electrolytes: These supplements help relieve symptoms of the "keto flu," such as low energy and migraines. They are also good for hydration and cramp relief.
• Finaflex Ketone Strips: These strips help you determine if your body is in ketosis by detecting the presence of ketones in your urine.
• GNC Total Lean® KETO Protein: A keto-friendly protein supplement in a cinnamon bun flavour.

Snacks and Treats:

• Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps: These crisps are made from 100% cheese, providing a chip-like snack that fits within the keto diet.
• Eat Me Guilt-Free Brownie: A keto-friendly brownie made with wheat protein isolate and coconut palm sugar, offering a tasty treat with fewer carbohydrates.
• Quest Peanut Butter Cups: A sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation, although they do contain carbohydrates.
• Keto Wise™ Fat Bombs: These come in various flavours, such as Chocolate Pecan Clusters and Crispy Caramel, providing a sweet option for those on the keto diet.

Drinks:

• Keto Zone Shake: This shake provides an immediate source of fats and proteins to sustain your appetite throughout the day. It can be taken with other keto products like Instant Ketones and Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder.
• Bulletproof™ Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil: This MCT oil can be added to coffee to make "bulletproof coffee," a popular drink among keto dieters, providing weight loss support, energy boost, and antimicrobial effects.

Keto diet foods

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb eating plan that aims to put the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where fat is used as the primary energy source instead of carbohydrates. While the keto diet has become popular for weight loss, it was originally introduced in the 1920s and is still being investigated for its potential health benefits.

Foods to Eat on the Keto Diet:

• Meat: All meat is on the menu, including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, and veal. Fatty cuts of meat are preferable as they contain more fat and help you feel fuller. Bacon, sausage, hot dogs, salami, and pork belly are also allowed.
• Seafood: Fatty and non-fatty fish and shellfish are keto-friendly. Examples include salmon, trout, cod, halibut, tuna, shrimp, mussels, and crab.
• Eggs: A great source of protein and fat, and the yolks are especially nutrient-dense.
• Vegetables: Stick to non-starchy, above-ground veggies like avocado, spinach, kale, lettuce, cabbage, zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers. Some starchy vegetables like carrots and beets can be consumed in moderation.
• Fruits: Fruits should be consumed in moderation due to their natural sugars. Good options include raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, lemons, limes, and avocados.
• Dairy: Full-fat dairy products like cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, and heavy cream are recommended.
• Nuts and Seeds: Loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, nuts and seeds make a great snack. Examples include almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, and sunflower seeds.
• Beverages: In addition to water, keto-friendly beverages include almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, tea, and coffee (with heavy cream).
• Healthy Fats and Oils: Avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, butter, ghee, lard, and nut oils like macadamia and avocado oil are all excellent sources of healthy fats.
• Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powder: Choose dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa solids and consume in moderation.

Foods to Avoid on the Keto Diet:

• Sugar: Avoid all forms of sugar, including white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, and fruit syrup.
• Grains: All types of grains, such as wheat, oats, rice, quinoa, couscous, and corn, are not allowed. This includes bread, pasta, bagels, muffins, and flour-based products.
• Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, and other starchy vegetables are not keto-friendly due to their high carbohydrate content.
• Fruit: Most fruits, especially high-sugar fruits like mangoes, bananas, oranges, and apples, should be avoided due to their natural sugars.
• Processed Foods: Crackers, chips, cookies, cakes, ice cream, pancakes, waffles, and other processed snacks are not permitted on the keto diet.
• Sweetened and Caloric Beverages: Alcohol, sweetened teas or coffee drinks, and dairy milk are not keto-friendly.

Keto diet benefits

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein eating plan that triggers a metabolic state called ketosis. Here are some of the benefits of the keto diet:

• Weight Loss: The keto diet can help with weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing appetite. A 2013 meta-analysis of 13 different randomised controlled trials found that people following ketogenic diets lost 2 pounds more than those following low-fat diets over 1 year.
• Acne Management: Eating a diet high in processed and refined carbohydrates may alter the balance of gut bacteria and cause blood sugar to rise and fall significantly, both of which can adversely affect skin health. A 2012 study found that decreasing carb intake through a ketogenic diet could reduce acne symptoms in some people.
• Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers: The keto diet may help prevent or treat certain cancers. A 2018 study suggests that because the ketogenic diet reduces blood sugar, it could also lower the risk of insulin complications, which may be linked to some cancers.
• Improved Heart Health: Eating healthful fats, such as avocados instead of less healthful fats, such as pork rinds, can help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol. A 2017 review of studies of animals and humans on a keto diet showed that some people experienced a significant drop in levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol.
• Brain Function Protection: Some studies suggest that ketones, which are produced during the keto diet, provide neuroprotective benefits, which means they can strengthen and protect the brain and nerve cells. As a result, a keto diet may help prevent or manage conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
• Seizure Reduction: The keto diet may reduce seizures in people with epilepsy, especially those who have not responded to other treatment methods. A 2019 review supports the hypothesis that a keto diet can support people with epilepsy.
• Improved PCOS Symptoms: A high-carbohydrate diet can cause adverse effects in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), such as skin problems and weight gain. A 2005 pilot study of five women over 24 weeks found that a ketogenic diet improved several markers of PCOS, including the ratios of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and levels of fasting insulin.

Keto diet drawbacks

The keto diet, while popular, is not without its drawbacks. Here are some of the potential disadvantages and risks associated with the keto diet:

Restrictive and Difficult to Maintain:

The keto diet is highly restrictive in nature, eliminating or severely limiting many food groups, including whole grains, beans, fruits, and starchy vegetables. This restriction can make it challenging to stick to the diet and may lead to obsessive or disordered eating patterns. The diet ranked low on the US News 2018 list of "Easiest Diets to Follow".

Nutritional Deficiencies:

The exclusion of many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can result in nutrient deficiencies. The keto diet may not provide adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, such as folate, thiamin, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, and K. This can have negative consequences for overall health and well-being.

Gastrointestinal Issues:

Common side effects of the keto diet include gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Diarrhea is particularly prevalent, possibly due to the body's difficulty in absorbing the high-fat content of the diet.

Kidney Health:

The keto diet has been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones. The focus on animal-based and high-fat foods can lead to the formation of kidney stones and, for those with existing kidney disease, further long-term kidney damage. The diet may also worsen metabolic acidosis.

Increased "Bad" Cholesterol:

Keto diets have been found to raise levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol. This is concerning as higher LDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and strokes.

Dehydration:

The keto diet can cause water loss before significant fat loss, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can have various negative effects on the body and overall health.

Reduced Athletic Performance:

Research has shown that athletes who follow the keto diet may experience reduced performance in high-intensity sports. Participants in one study performed worse on cycling and running tasks after being on the keto diet for four days compared to those on a high-carb diet.

Short-term Side Effects:

Adopting the keto diet can lead to short-term side effects, often referred to as the "keto flu." These symptoms include exercise tolerance difficulties, fatigue, headaches, brain fog, and upset stomach.

Long-term Health Risks:

While long-term studies are lacking, there are concerns about potential long-term health risks associated with the keto diet, including kidney stones, osteoporosis, and liver disease.

Not Suitable for Everyone:

The keto diet is not recommended for individuals with certain health conditions, such as diseases of the pancreas, liver, thyroid, kidney, or gallbladder. It is also not advised for those with a history of kidney stones, eating disorders, or gallbladder removal.

Frequently asked questions