The keto diet is a popular way to lose weight, but it involves a lot of careful calculations. The basic idea is to shift your body's metabolism so that it burns fat and ketones instead of carbohydrates for energy. This is done by drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake and increasing your consumption of fats and proteins. The typical keto macro ratio is 70% fats, 5% carbohydrates, and 25% protein, but some dietitians recommend increasing fat intake to 75% and reducing protein to 20%.
The keto diet can be challenging to follow, as it requires careful planning and preparation. It is also important to note that a calorie deficit is more important than the macro ratio for fat loss. A balanced diet that includes a variety of food groups is generally recommended for weight loss and maintenance.
Before starting any new diet, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider or dietitian to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 4 calories per gram |
Fat | 9 calories per gram |
Protein | 4 calories per gram |
Typical keto macros | 20-25% of calories from protein, 70-80% of calories from fats, 5-10% of calories from net carbs |
Cyclical keto diet | Standard keto diet for 5-6 days, followed by 1-2 days of increased carbs intake |
Calorie deficit | Burn more calories than consumed |
Recommended daily intake of protein | 56 g for males, 46 g for females |
Healthy fats | Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats |
Unhealthy fats | Trans fats and some saturated fats |
Healthy carbs | Whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains |
Unhealthy carbs | Refined carbs, highly processed foods |
What You'll Learn
- The standard keto diet recommends 70% fat, 5% carbs, and 25% protein
- A cyclical keto diet involves 5-6 days of standard keto, followed by 1-2 days of increased carbs
- A targeted keto diet is for athletes and involves eating carbs before intensive physical activity
- A high-protein keto diet allows for more protein and less fat, with macros of 5% carbs, 60% fat, and 35% protein
- The keto diet is high-fat, low-carb, and moderate protein
The standard keto diet recommends 70% fat, 5% carbs, and 25% protein
The standard keto diet recommends a macro ratio of 70% fat, 5% carbs, and 25% protein. This means that 70% of your calories will come from fat, 5% from carbohydrates, and 25% from protein.
To achieve this macro ratio, you will need to consume foods high in ""good fats", such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, trout), dairy products (eggs, butter, yogurt, cheese), nuts and seeds, oils (olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil), dark chocolate, meat, and green and white vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, green peppers, salads).
It is important to note that reaching 70% fat in your macro intake may seem challenging at first, and you will need to make a significant change in your diet. In addition, you will need to cut down on your carbohydrate intake. Bread, grains, starches, fruit, sugary snacks, beans, and alcohol are all foods to avoid on the ketogenic diet.
The keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that promotes fat loss by restricting carbohydrate intake. As a result, your body relies on fat for fuel, and your liver produces ketones, which have various health benefits.
It is recommended to consult a professional dietitian before starting the keto diet, as it involves a significant change in your nutritional intake. Additionally, those with chronic diseases should speak to their doctor before embarking on this diet.
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A cyclical keto diet involves 5-6 days of standard keto, followed by 1-2 days of increased carbs
A cyclical keto diet is an alternative to the standard ketogenic diet, which involves adhering to the standard keto diet for 5-6 days, followed by 1-2 days of increased carbs. This diet is favoured by those trying to reduce body fat and build muscle mass.
On the standard keto diet, the macro ratio is typically 70-75% fats, 5% carbohydrates, and 20-25% protein. During the 1-2 days of increased carbs, the macro ratio changes to 55% carbs, 30% fat, and 15% protein.
The cyclical keto diet is a good option for bodybuilders and athletes on a keto diet as it helps to replenish glycogen stores, which can improve exercise performance and build muscle.
It's important to note that unless you are a very physically active person, the standard keto diet may be a better option, especially if your goal is to lose weight.
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A targeted keto diet is for athletes and involves eating carbs before intensive physical activity
A Targeted Approach to Keto for Athletes
The targeted ketogenic diet (TKD) is an advanced version of the standard keto diet. It involves eating carbs before intensive physical activity. This approach is designed for athletes who want to increase their performance while burning fat for fuel.
TKD is a tool for serious athletes who want to train intensively while eating low-carb. It can help athletes make extreme muscle and strength gains without putting on body fat.
TKD can be used to:
- Lose body fat and get shredded without depriving your body
- Build lean muscle and size while not getting fat
- Get stronger, faster, and more powerful as an athlete
- Improve mental focus and attain Jedi-like concentration
- Protect yourself against cancer, tumours, and coronary heart disease
- Increase your longevity and insulin sensitivity
- Experience mental clarity and feel amazing
- Have access to abundant energy all the time
- Reduce your hunger and lose sugar cravings for good
- Eat mouth-watering and delicious meals that leave you satiated for longer, including carbs
The targeted keto diet is a great tool for athletes who want to eat low-carb while still performing at their best physically and mentally. TKD can help athletes burn fat, build lean muscle, and increase performance.
The targeted keto diet typically involves the following macro breakdown:
- 10-15% of calories from carbohydrates
- 65-70% of calories from fats
- 20% of calories from protein
Some research suggests that the targeted keto diet may hurt athletic performance, especially for athletes involved in high-intensity, short-duration sports. A small study found that people on the targeted keto diet performed more poorly at anaerobic exercise tasks than those eating more carbs. Their performance was 4 to 15% lower than the high-carb group.
However, it's important to note that this is a small study, and more research is needed to understand the pros and cons of TKD for athletic performance fully.
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A high-protein keto diet allows for more protein and less fat, with macros of 5% carbs, 60% fat, and 35% protein
A high-protein keto diet is a great option for people who want to lose weight and gain muscle mass, such as bodybuilders and older people. This diet is also suitable for those who want to experience the benefits of the standard keto diet but have no serious medical conditions. However, people with liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor before starting a high-protein diet.
The high-protein keto diet allows for a higher protein intake, with 35% of calories coming from protein. This is in contrast to the standard keto diet, which includes only 20-30% of calories from protein. The high-protein version also includes 60% of calories from fat and just 5% from carbohydrates.
On a 2,000-calorie diet, this would mean consuming 100-150g of protein, 120-180g of fat, and 25g or less of carbohydrates per day.
It's important to note that the high-protein keto diet may not result in ketosis, as the body may convert protein into glucose for fuel. Additionally, this diet may be challenging to follow due to its restrictiveness, and it may lead to nutrient deficiencies if not carefully planned.
To ensure you're getting enough essential nutrients, it's crucial to find keto-friendly sources of vitamins and minerals typically found in carb-rich foods like fruits, milk, and whole grains.
Before starting any new diet, it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your individual needs and health status.
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The keto diet is high-fat, low-carb, and moderate protein
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb, and moderate-protein diet. The typical keto macro ratio is 70% fats, 5% carbohydrates, and 25% protein. However, some dietitians recommend increasing fat intake to 75% and reducing protein to 20%.
The keto diet involves drastically changing your diet to shift your body's metabolism. By reducing your carbohydrate intake, your body will switch from burning carbohydrates to burning fats and ketones for energy. This shift will put your body into a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of sugar.
The keto diet recommends that you eat foods rich in ""good fats", such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, trout), dairy products (eggs, butter, yogurt, cheese), nuts and seeds, oils (olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil), dark chocolate, meat, and green and white vegetables.
It is important to note that the keto diet restricts bread, grains, starch, fruit, sugary snacks, beans, alcohol, and most vegetables. This diet can be challenging to maintain due to its restrictiveness, and it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal keto macro ratio for weight loss is typically around 70-80% fat, 5-10% carbohydrates, and 10-20% protein. However, some dietitians recommend a ratio of 75% fat, 5% carbohydrates, and 20% protein.
To calculate your keto macros, you need to determine your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). Your BMR is the amount of energy your body needs to support its vital functions, and it can be calculated using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation. Your TDEE is the number of calories your body burns in a day and is calculated by multiplying your BMR by a factor corresponding to your physical activity level. Once you know your TDEE, you can modify it to create a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss.
To achieve and maintain ketosis, you should focus on eating foods high in healthy fats, such as fatty fish, dairy products, nuts, seeds, oils, dark chocolate, meat, and non-starchy vegetables. Avoid bread, grains, starches, fruit (except for small portions of berries), sugary snacks, beans, starchy vegetables, and alcohol.