Over the past few years, there have been much controversies on the keto diet as a general weight-loss plan. It is because there are various low-carb, high-protein, and weight-loss diets in the world. Atkins, Paleo, and South Beach diets are some of the most attention-grabbing diets. These diets are also sometimes referred to as Ketogenic diets but are entirely different from a true keto diet.

Unlike the high-protein and low-carb diet, which focuses more on protein, a true keto diet centers on fat. This fat, supplies over 90% of daily calories. Canada has one of the most abundant numbers of people that engage in a ketogenic diet. Let’s get to know more about the keto diet.

What Is A Keto Food?

Keto foods are meals used and included in a keto diet. A word keto is a short form of ketogenic. It originates from the Greek word ketogenesis, which means 'producing ketone bodies.' Keto diet is known to be a medical and therapeutic form of diet.

Some of the foods Canadians eat on a keto diet are seafood, low-carb vegetables, like cucumber, olives, lettuce, and many more. Cheese, avocado, meat and poultry, eggs, coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and nuts are other popular keto foods in Canada.

Types of Ketogenic Diets

Ketogenic diets are numerous as they have different levels of carbohydrate intake every day. Here, we shall be looking at three different types of keto diets.

1. Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD)

It is the most popular form of keto diet because it restricts the carb intake to fifty grams a day and sometimes lesser. This restriction helps to alter metabolism and makes the body seek for another fuel source, 'fats.' For individuals that are just starting a ketogenic diet, this plan is the best option.

2. Targeted Ketogenic Diet (KTD)

The TKD also restricts carb intake between twenty to fifty grams per day. It is suitable for individuals who needs a bit of carbohydrate to fuel their workouts.

3. Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD)

This type of ketogenic diet is popular among professional athletes. This diet follows the standard ketogenic diet of five to six days per week, followed by one to two days of a higher carb intake. Between these two days, you can consume up to four-hundred grams of carbohydrates to help refuel your glucose reserves.

How Does the Keto Diet Work?

The action a keto diet performs is called ketosis. When you restrict your daily carb intake to 50 grams or even lesser, your body then runs out of blood sugar or fuel; and you will eventually start to break down the protein and fat in the body. It will make you lose weight.

Who Should Not Do A Keto Diet in Canada?

There are mostly three groups of people that should never engage in a keto diet in Canada. The 2017 statistic in Canada shows that about 8.4% of people in Canada suffer from diabetics, so they should void ketogenic diets. Other persons that should avoid a ketogenic diet include those with high blood pressure and breastfeeding mothers.

Benefits of Keto Foods

Studies have shown that there are several benefits of eating keto food. These foods can help improve heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and brain injuries. Although there are other benefits of keto foods, these are the most popular among them.