It’s a new year, and we have a new resolve to eat better and get healthy. One of the most popular diets people are trying this year is the Keto diet. Not only can it help you lose weight, but it can provide a number of benefits for your health in other ways. So, today we’re focusing on low-carb, high-energy foods, that are a staple of the Keto diet.
Potential Benefits of a Low-Carb, Keto DietÂ
Most of the well-known low-carb diets, like Atkins and Paleo, are essentially modified versions of a true Keto diet. Whichever you choose to follow, the general goal is to avoid most carbs, and focus on lean protein, healthy fats and lots of fresh vegetables. While the most popular benefit of these diets is effective weight loss, there are tons of other health benefits that could just be a bonus, such as:
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Increased Energy
- Decrease in Headaches and Brain Fog
- Reduction of Harmful Visceral Fat (Belly Fat)
- Higher Levels of Good HDL Cholesterol
- Improvements in Metabolic Conditions Like Diabetes
- Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
- May Limit Seizures in People with Epilepsy
- Possible Support for Brain Disorders
Eating Low-Carb Foods
While many food manufactures have gotten on board with the low-carb craze, it’s still recommended that you avoid highly-processed, packaged foods while following a Keto diet. Instead, focus on whole, organic foods that are naturally low in carbs and promote increased energy levels. Specialized supplements for low-carb dieters can also be beneficial. (Try Carb-Down by DaVinci Labs.) The foods detailed in a low-carb diet essentially fall into five categories:
Lean Protein
- Grass-Fed Beef
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Pork
- Free-Range Eggs
- Wild-Caught Salmon
- Trout
- Haddock
Vegetables
- Asparagus
- Chard
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Green Beans
- Bell Peppers
Nuts and Seeds
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Peanuts
- Nut Butters
- Sunflower Seeds
- Pine Nuts
- Cashews
Dairy (Non-Reduced Fat)
- Cheese
- Milk
- Butter
- Yogurt
- Heavy Cream
Fats and Oils
- Olive Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Peanut Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
Many fruits, such as apples and berries are okay to eat on a low-carb, keto diet. You’ll just want to limit your portions to once a day because of the natural sugar content found in fruit. You’ll also want to consider a high quality probiotic while your body adjusts to a new diet (such as Mega Probiotic-ND by DaVinci Labs), and a good daily multivitamin (such as Only One Liquid-Gel Multi without Iron from Irwin Naturals).
For quicker results with weight loss, try adding a carb blocker (such as Maximum Strength 3-in-1 Carb Blocker from Irwin Naturals) to your routine and at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise, five days a week.
How has a low-carb diet helped you meet your health goals? Tell us in the comments below!
