4 common mistakes keto newbies make

The Keto diet was first documented as a way to control epilepsy. Getting into a deeper ketosis is beneficial for those suffering from epilepsy and wanting to control seizures. Producing lots of ketones is not necessary for those of you wishing to lose weight, decrease inflammation in your body and gain energy. Of course, you want some as your fuel source but you do not need to drop your carb as drastically as most that start keto do. In fact, this can be detrimental to your health because of the lack of micronutrients. Think long term health! If you are monitoring your ketones aim for .4mmol/L or more. Remember if you exercise a lot your carb tolerance is likely to be higher. Age and gender are factors too.

The food you eat on Keto is very, very satisfying. This can lead to undereating for some which in turn can lead to hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies. As much as we would all like to lose weight rapidly, long term health is more important. If you find yourself undereating (losing your period or hair loss are common signs) try adding or increasing the exercise in your daily routine or increasing your carb slightly to stimulate your appetite – then eat more! Be wary of what some of the tracking apps recommend by way of calories. Most of these are way too low.

Eat plenty of green vegetables and make sure you get variety. Different vegetables contain different micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) required for long term health. It is ok to eat slightly higher carb vegetables such as pumpkin, carrot and onions in smaller quantities as this will ensure you get more nutrients in. The quality of our soil in the last 50 years or so has significantly diminished. It is worthwhile to supplement with a good quality multi nutrient formula. I highly recommend Nuzest Good Green Vitality powder.

Eating sugar free treats made from nutrient dense ingredients is absolutely fine when following a ketogenic lifestyle. Sugar is the addictive ingredient in most sweet foods. Replacing the sugar with sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol and monk fruit that don’t effect your blood sugar will not cause you to crave sugar. It’s important to enjoy the food you are eating. Food is fuel but it’s also an emotional experience for most of us. Sugar free treats can form a regular part of your keto diet. That being said please do be aware of some sugar replacements that do effect your blood sugar and can cause you to crave (maltilol is in a lot of sugar free foods). When in doubt make your own. Enjoy!

Comment below and let others know what lessons you’ve learnt or any tips you have for people just starting out on their keto journey.