The Keto Craze

Have you ever heard of the Ketogenic Diet? No, this has nothing to do with Ketoacidosis. That is bad, this is not. Keto is hot hot hot right now, and for good reason; it works. It works in a way that is appealing to a perfectionist control freaky type, like I. It works in an all encompassing, hit every target, make life easy and efficient kinda way. Basically, Keto is a Cure-All. For real, y’all.

The Ketogenic Diet simply means that we have adjusted our macro nutrient ratios to allow our body to enter a state of Ketosis. Ketosis is a term used to describe the conversion of fatty acids into Ketone bodies. When in Ketosis, we use these Ketones, as opposed to the body’s primary fuel source; glucose, for energy. If we are consuming a S.A.D., or are eating even a ‘moderate’ amount of carbohydrates, our body will favor carbs over fat when burning fuel for energy.

In the absence of glucose or excess protein (which can be converted into glucose for energy through a process called gluconeogenesis), the body will use Ketones. Ketones are a much cleaner fuel source, discarding much less waste via free radicals than their counterparts. When we cut down our carb intake to a very low level, there aren’t enough carbs to burn for energy, and the body will switch naturally to a state of Ketosis.

Ketones move much more rapidly from the bloodstream to the brain and body, thus giving us boundless energy, and a sharper, clearer mind. They call it Keto Clarity for a reason, kids. Ketosis happens through fasting, and/or eating a high fat (60%-85%), moderate protein (30% max), low carbohydrate (15% max) diet.

Now, we could go deep into the science of Keto, and in the future we will, but to be brief, and so that our Keto Recipes have a proper introduction, I will lay down the basics and a few of the myriad of benefits to Keepin’ it Keto.

Keto cures disease: Keto kicks ass when it comes to curing diseases that are otherwise thought incurable. That which makes you well at the mitochondrial level is bound to heal you on all levels, because those little bastards control everything.

Keto slows aging: Oxidative stress results in aging. Keto puts a cap on that. Keto keeps us lookin’ fly.

Keto Curbs Cravings and Causes Major Fat Burn: Through the satiety of fat, we stay fuller longer. Due to the low and stable levels of insulin in the bloodstream, we aren’t yo-yo-ing with energy spikes and dips, or being nagged by the constant cravings that cry out for us to consume. Ketosis actually mimics a fasted state, therefore the benefits (which also cure and prevent disease) coming from a fast, can be reached through Ketosis. Major fat burn, no starvation, massive bonus.

Keto Blesses the Brain: The brain LOVES Ketones, and when given access to them, is akin to a Ferrari with the petal to the metal and an infinite tank of gas.

Keto is Delicious: Most importantly? It’s decadent. Think butter, coconut cream, avocado, salmon, and b-b-b-bacon. All that is keto. Now think cake with frosting, whip cream, cookies, ice cream, brownies, waffles, chocolate, and even bread. All that can be easily made deliciously, dangerously Keto.

Very soon, I will be showing you just how to compose these soul singing goodies. I cross my heart.

Fat is back, folks, and it is here to stay. As someone who has struggled with eating disorders all my life, Keto was a Godsend. It keeps me satisfied, uber-healthy, and my nonstop mind on point. On fleek. Do people still say fleek? What does fleek even mean?

Not since being a child have I felt such an abundance of energy, such a vibrant glow, and such a sense of calm and well being. This, in part, can be attributed to switching from a diet high in carb and low in calorie (more on that in the future), to a diet rich in healthy fats, low carbohydrate vegetables, moderate clean protein and so many polyphenols.

Keto is like constant Christmas. You just feel good. Keto is a sensational delight.  Even if you don’t cut your carbs down, eating more healthy fats will do your brain and body right. So please don’t fear fat! Fat is your friend, and Keto is Queen.

Comment below if you would like to hear more about what specifically I eat to stay so damn divine.

All of these images were taken by Cassidy, and are completely, criminally, Keto. Recipes to come.

written by cassidy

XX