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Ketosis and The Ketogenic Diet
Nutrition | September 09, 2014
What is Ketosis?
Ketosis occurs when we limit our carbohydrate intake to minimal levels in favor of a high fat diet or when we fast. Once we’ve depleted our liver of glycogen by diet or fasting – that is, glucose stored as energy – our bodies utilizes ketone bodies from fatty acids and, in turn, use them as a temporary source of energy. Essentially, the lack of carbohydrates in our body forces it to convert fat into fuel. This is why people often feel surprisingly energetic for a limited period of time after a period of fasting even though no food has been eaten for an extended period of time. Their bodies are in a state of ketosis. Of course, there are varying levels of ketosis depending on one’s metabolism and dietary choices.
The idea of a putting our bodies in a state of ketosis on purpose first came about as a method to treat epilepsy in the 1920’s by researchers at the Mayo Clinic. According to significant amount of scientific research, epilepsy shares a somewhat mysterious relationship with metabolism. Having individuals fast or greatly limit their carbs is viewed as an effective treatment of epilepsy. In fact, Dr. Gary Yellen, a neurobiologist at Harvard Medical states: “The connection between epilepsy and metabolism has been such a puzzle. I’ve met a lot of kids whose lives are completely changed by this [ketogenic] diet. It’s amazingly effective, and it works for many kids for whom drugs don’t work.”
The Ketogenic Diet
As the explanation of ketosis suggests, the ketogenic diet is low in carbs and high in fats. By utilizing the body’s stored fat it can be an effective, relatively quick way to lose weight as well. However, the weight can easily be put back on if the diet is not strictly followed. Even when treating epilepsy, Dr. Yellen cautions, “Diets in general are hard, and this [ketogenic] diet is really hard.”
While the ketogenic diet is quite similar to diets such as Atkins, there are some differences. For example, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center, a strict ketogenic diet has a daily caloric limit while The Atkins Diet does not (this is especially true in the treatment of epilepsy).
It’s important to remember that ketosis is a metabolic state. While this state can be triggered through a ketogenic diet of low carbs and high fats, ketosis also occurs when fasting.
Is a ketogenic diet effective in the treat of epilepsy? Absolutely. Is it for everyone, especially individuals trying to lose weight? That depends on an individual and if they can be disciplined enough to follow it. Do competitive athletes and all of us who love high intensity training need carbs to fuel their muscles? Can a low carb diet negatively effect our ability to perform? Dr. John Berardi, founder of Precision Nutrition and the PN Certification Program, backs his “controlled carb diet” approach with extensive research and hundreds of show cases based around his experience as a personal coach and athlete. His method is based around a low carb diet as well, however it appears to be more easily sustainable lifestyle for most people, because you can earn your starchy carbs with a high intensity workout.
Dr. David Jockers has been training professional athletes as much as the regular population, and is a huge fan of high intensity workouts himself. He’s the author of Supercharge your life, Supercharge your brain, and talks about the ketogenic diet as the Supercharge diet, that can take your performance, energy, and overall health to a whole new level.
I have tried both, the Keto and the Low Carb. While the Ketogenic diet can deliver a great amount of energy that lasts all day, more focus, clearer thinking, and better looking skin, I found it super hard to stick with for hundred percent, which is the only way this diet can work. Jesse on the other hand, has been on Keto diet for over a year and loves it. Talking about someone with amazing discipline… I prefer the idea of eating lean and clean for most of the day and then earn my starchy carbs with a high intensity workout. That way, I can satisfy my curiosity and cravings, while staying motivated with my training.
Private Member |
Hello Zuzanna I was wondering if Jesse can show us a brief look at what he eats during a day or two. It would be interesting to see how different his style is from other ketogenics enthusiasts. Also have you thought of making your own activewear line? I think your dedication and know how would make your company of activewear successful, maybe partner up with h&m or Target?
Just an idea. I figured if actresses can start an activewear line which in my opinion they don’t seem “athletic” I’m sure you would supersede their success.
Much love and have a great day!
Elizabeth.
Private Member |
I second that!
Private Member |
Hi Zuzana
I was wondering if I can eat Shirataki Noodles ( Japanese Noodles really low in carb, high in fiber and protein and has 20 calories in 100g)
Private Member |
It really depends on your daily net carb goal and whether or not your are in the induction phase.
Private Member |
Hi, there are now shirataki noodles that are made out of tofu. They are literally just made of soy beans so it is only protein. Try checking that out? I know Z doesn’t eat soy which can be hard for vegetarians but soy is a GMO product which isn’t ideal so I understand that. I am vegan and I eat tofu sparingly. I find eating a low carb diet hard because I have to eat lots of veggies and fruit (which are carbs by the way!) and I get all me protein that way. When I eat a high fat diet I feel a bit sick and lazy.
Private Member |
Hi, I have done some competitions where the bodybuilding diet is small amounts of carbs at breakfast, pre and post workout and I hated it!! First carbs ( starchy carbs) at breakfast set of your entire day and cravings. protein and high fats at breakfast give you energy and keep the cravings for sugary things away the whole day!!!! I do eat carbs ( 30g) post workout only. I find helps with glycogen recovery and not waist away lean muscle mass. I am curious to fully try keto for when I want to cut and drop body fat.
Private Member |
Zuzka, I love your outfits and pictures where we can see your well toned abdominals. But, for some reason I dislike no to see the head! you are so lovely that seen the pictures with your head is much much nicer! It is weird, but I find that uncomfortable.
Private Member |
I think it’s weird too. I get that you are trying to show your lean body as an example of the diet working for you but I want to see your beautiful face! It makes for a much nicer picture.
Private Member |
hi Zuzka,
Ketogenic diet is great for short periods of time for a person to lose weight and bodyfat.
However, if the person then starts to incorporate intensive workouts into their lifestyle after losing weight, you should include healthy carbs into your diet.
research has also show that ketosis is not healthy for thyroid and cortisol levels in your body.
300-600 grams of healthy good carbs is probably the way to go if your lifestyle incorporates intense workouts 🙂
Private Member |
Hi Zuzka = I really love the ketogenic diet, but unfortunately I can only stay on it for short short periods of time, and often the diets leads to a binge for me. I rebound at least 2% body fat and 10 lbs. I have tried carb back loading and that was worse, and I just cant seem to get my diet right. I eat mostly paleo but I really love popcorn a few times a week. (sorry) I am dismayed becuase the older I get the more body fat I develop. I still work out 6 days a week and have really cut back on my long term cardio – do you have any suggestions other than ketosis?
Private Member |
I just find this diet a little dangerous… keto acids low blood ph. When diabetic people have a super increase of sugar blood levels, they produce a lot of keto acids, which cause blood ph low down so much that it can actually kill them,. Of course this occurs in those situations when there is a huge keto acids increase. Maybe with a little to moderate keto acids increase there is no danger, but because of the lack of studies about that, I would chose to follow low carb diet.
Private Member |
HI Zuzka
how are u doing?
Im trying to start a ketogenic diet but I feel so low in energy and cranky… I would love to hear how u got into keto diet and if u had any struggles and how did u over come them… also a menu example for a day would be wonderful, I know u don’t want to push your diet into anybody but u are a role model for many of us and I think that would make our lives easier I appreciate if u reply
thanks
🙂
Private Member |
Zuzka,
Wow thank you for the information. My girlfriends daughter has recently developed multiple types of seizures and I had no idea about ketogenic diets. Most of the doctors just want to prescribe a pill and never has a single one mentioned diet to be an effective tool.
Again, Thank You Z
Private Member |
baltimore, md, united states
zuzka is that the same thing as the atkins diet the ketosis diet