Carbs or no carbs? A nutritionist talks Keto.

KETO. As an immersed member in the health and wellness world, I can't go a day without seeing an article referencing a keto recipe or reading a post where some says they think they want to "do keto." 

A ketogenic diet is a HIGH fat, low carbs 25-50g, and moderate protein intake. I acknowledge the ketogenic diet's ability to help people lose weight and assist diabetes BUT if you are one of those people whose considering joining the craze, I'm now asking you to hear me out for a moment. So often, people connote the word diet negatively... "low carb, low fat, no grains, no carbs..." it's all about what CAN'T be had, rather than focusing on filling a plate with healthy nutrient dense food. Our "diet" is what we choose to consume on a daily basis to fuel our bodies. Speaking personally, my diet includes lots of fruits, veggies, lean protein, some grains and beans, and sometimes a shot of tequila or a donut (or two). My personal philosophy and the guiding principle of my health coaching: Everything in moderation, including moderation. 1. The keto diet encourages its followers to double down on fats, with up to 70 to 80 percent of calories coming from fat. Not all fats cause heart disease, but higher fat intake leads to higher trans and saturated fat intake which increase complications like cardiovascular disease and stroke. 2. Keto diets encourages dieter to remain between 25-50g of carbs a day, depending on the regimen.. causing decreased portions in vegetables and fruit. Vital nutrients, vitamins, minerals are being missed from lowering intake levels, most importantly, causing a low DAILY FIBER INTAKE. 3. Keto diet experts warn their followers that eating foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes will prevent ketosis due to their carbohydrate content and recommend avoiding these foods entirely to gain the benefits of the ketogenic diet. If one were to get rid of certain foods from the standard American diet, getting rid of some of the healthiest foods in our diet isn't the place to start. 4. The keto diet, like many other extreme nutrition protocols, comes with its fair share of risks—including kidney stones, pancreatitis, acidosis, mineral deficiencies and risks of "keto flu" aka the body adjusting to carb starvation. 5. Last but not least, DO YOU REALLY WANT TO DO A DIET WHERE YOU HAVE TO PEE ON A STICK? Proteins, fats, and carbs were created to work within unison in our body... Protein - to build the body, Fat - to keep up feeling full and satisfied, and Carbs - the most readily accessible source of energy. The healthiest and safest diet for humans is one that emphasizes eating whole, plant-based foods, of which there are many healthy variations.