If you've been eating keto for a while, I bet you have had a few well-intentioned people give you "advice". They may be trying to tell you that they heard that eating this way will make you gain weight or will give you a heart attack. Or maybe you've been thinking of trying it, but wonder if it's healthy? When it comes to the keto diet, there are a lot of misconceptions out there.
There are millions of people on the keto diet right now. Doctors and scientists are singing its praises. Hardcore athletes swear by it for good health and sustained energy. I think these guys might know just a bit more than your Aunt Bertha.
So let's debunk the top 5 myths about the keto diet.
Myth #1: You cannot survive without carbs
Your brain only requires 120 grams of glucose per day, but that glucose does not need to come from carbs. Protein and fat can be converted into glucose when needed, which means that carbohydrates are not an essential nutrient.
Myth #2: Keto causes kidney stones or kidney damage
Dr. Jason Fung is a nephrologist (a kidney specialist) who believes that eating keto and intermittent fasting is the healthiest way to eat for just about everyone. Not only does he not believe that a keto diet is bad for your kidneys, he believes that the ketogenic diet may actually reverse kidney failure in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. What can cause some kidney issues are very high protein diets; the keto diet is NOT a high protein diet.
Myth #3: You'll lose muscle on a keto diet
Um, hello! The keto diet actually has the complete opposite effect; a true ketogenic diet will actually preserve muscle mass. Why is this? When you are fat adapted, your body burns your own fat stores for fuel instead of burning muscle. Keto is a muscle preserver!
Myth #4: You can't be a vegan and follow keto
This could not be further from the truth. Just search the internet, there are communities out there dedicated to vegans following a keto diet. Cocoa butter, olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, MCT Oil (US | Canada) and macadamia nut oil are just some of the beneficial fats you can have as a vegan. Protein examples are flax, chia, pumpkin, pecans, almonds, and tempeh. So being vegan is not a good reason to not try keto!
Myth #5: Keto will have a negative effect on your cholesterol
Genetics play a much more significant role in your cholesterol level than what you eat. There have been many studies done that prove that food has minimal impact on our overall cholesterol levels. There is now a ton of proof out there about the benefits of good fat vs. low fat when it comes to cholesterol.
I believe that, like anything, we need to think for ourselves. I cannot tell you how many times in my life a well-intentioned person was against something natural that I wanted to try. Once you try keto, you will be amazed at how the fat melts off your body, and your energy levels soar.
Don't let Aunt Bertha's opinions stop you from trying keto!
Need more keto facts before you jump on the bandwagon? My Facebook group is full of all the keto information you could ever need!
You got this!
Leta ~ Intentionally Bare
DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. The content in here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard here.
