BY MICHELLE BORTHWICK
The Keto diet is well-respected in so many areas of health/medicine and is finally losing its “fad diet” status. If you are considering the Keto diet in 2022 here’s a primer on the top health benefits of the diet. It’s vast – with everything from weight loss to reduced appetite to reduced inflammation to improved heart and brain health to lower glucose, the keto diet is far more than a lose-weight-quick diet. In fact, it’s more of a lifestyle change, with benefits far outweighing simply looking good in a bathing suit.
As a keto expert and coach, one of my primary goals for 2022 is to “leverage the newfound respect for keto as a lifestyle”. You’ll be hearing lots more from me about how this is possible, and it doesn’t have to be difficult. Look at the top 7 benefits below and see what Keto might have in store for you to reach your 2022 goals for health and well-being.
- Weight Loss
Keto and weight loss have become synonymous. They go together like hand in glove. With keto, weight loss is real and effective for one simple reason: it helps people convert from a carb-burning diet to a fat-burning diet. When you eat a diet high in carbs expect bloating, weight gain, and poor health. On the other hand, a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low carb diet severely reduces your appetite, allows you to eat until you’re satiated, and burns fat from your body and your foods for energy.
The best part? You don’t have to starve yourself to get there. On a keto diet, you get to eat your fill of delicious and satisfying foods loaded with good healthy fats, which triggers a fat-burning metabolic process known as ketosis. Once your body is consistently in ketosis this leads to increased energy and improved ability for physical activity.
- Reduced Appetite
Imagine not feeling those food crashes and carb cravings. That’s the keto life. You eat, then you’re satisfied…for a long time! Once your body has settled into the diet, it works more efficiently, burning the fats in your food and your body and never embarking on the wild ride that is the highs and lows of a carb/sugar laden diet. Without the sugar peaks and crashes, cravings disappear, and you feel satisfied.
- Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural immune response to help heal and fight infection. But too much and persistent inflammation can cause pain, joint stiffness, swelling, fatigue, and more. When you’re on a keto diet and regularly in a state of ketosis, your body produces ketones, which is a strong anti-inflammatory chemical.
Another anti-inflammatory influence is the ketogenic diet itself; the keto diet helps promote the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods, such as eggs, olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, and other foods high in omega-3s, all of which have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Diabetes & Blood Sugar Control
Since you eliminate sugar and most carbohydrates on a keto diet, it’s not hard to understand why it’s great for blood-sugar control. The less sugar and carbs you eat, the less sugar in your bloodstream. Therefore, after starting a keto diet, most people will notice a decrease in their blood sugar almost immediately. In fact, the effects are so immediate, it’s recommended that diabetics beginning a ketogenic diet work with their health care provider so they can adjust their medication as needed.
- Heart Health
The term “heart health” conjures images of little heart icon that appears on whole grains and cereals and promotes carbs/low-fat foods. But, in fact, a diet low in carbohydrates and higher in fats has been shown to drastically improve the biomarkers associated with heart disease.
- Brain Health
The brain loves keto just as much as the heart. The Keto diet has begun to be studied as complementary intervention for various neurological disorders. And while many scientists within the neurological field state that the brain prefers glucose over ketones, the brain does over time (with age) lose its ability to efficiently fuel itself with glucose alone. This is where ketones come into play.
Ketones have been shown to increase mitochondrial efficiency and production, which helps to protect brain cells from strokes and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Migraines
Migraines, a recurring type of headache that can cause severe pain, plagues 12 percent of Americans. So naturally, those that suffer with migraines are willing to try most solutions to rid themselves of them. While migraines may not have been their primary reason for starting the ketogenic diet, many migraine sufferers on the keto diet have reported a significant decrease in migraines, including, in some cases, becoming migraine free!
Bottom line: the ketogenic diet has significant health benefits in a variety of areas, from metabolic health to heart and brain health, and more. As studies continue and more is understood about the body’s reaction to the ketogenic diet and how it can be leveraged for a variety of wellness initiatives, there will surely be more discoveries of the benefits of the high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb ketogenic lifestyle. Regardless, always check with a dietitian or your primary care physician before making dramatic dietary changes.
Seriously Considering Keto? You’re Invited to Sign up for my free 14 day “Get Back into Your Jeans” Challenge that starts January 10. You’ll have my support, a powerful group of ladies, QuickStart basics, food lists, an initial private consultation with me and everything you need to jumpstart your Keto to reach your goals. The program is free but there is a fully refundable $49 deposit to hold your spot. After you successfully complete the challenge, you will receive your deposit back!!! Great incentive to push forward and finish the program. There will be prizes and incentives along the way. Limited to 30 women. Email me at ketoiseasy@gmail.com if you’re interested.
About Michelle Borthwick:
Michelle Borthwick, known more widely as Michelle Keto, is the foremost expert in living the Keto lifestyle and the go-to coach for Keto women. Her 1:1 coaching, and DIY Keto digital programs have helped hundreds of women from 25 states and 4 countries lose over 6,000 pounds while eating foods they love. This foodie’s motto, and business name, is “Keto is Easy” and she’s one of the only Keto leaders who promotes full customization for long term success. For a complimentary 30-minute coaching consultation please schedule at: https://ketoiseasycoach.com/
