August Kitchen Corner

The keto diet is a low carbohydrate and high fat diet originally developed to reduce seizures in children with epilepsy. Recently it has been used as a “fad” diet for individuals wanting to lose weight quickly.  

Ketone Bodies: occur when the body is deprived of carbohydrates and can no longer use them as a main source of energy.  

The following two pie graphs demonstrate what the keto diet (left) provides daily and what the Institute of Medicine, like Canada’s Food Guide (right) provides daily. 

Research Shows: 

• Considerable short-term weight loss within the first 3-6 months.

• Decreased appetite due to ketone bodies which decrease the feeling of hunger leading to weight loss.

• Improved metabolic profile for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

• May decrease performance during high intensity activities.

• Short term side effects can range from: skin rash, muscle cramps, nutritional deficiencies, headache and fatigue.

Long Term Effects: 

• More likely to develop GI issues like constipation due to lack of fiber.

• If done incorrectly, it may raise cholesterol levels and increase risk of heart disease.

• May lead to kidney damage from overload of protein.