What is the keto diet?

The keto diet (also known as a ketogenic diet, low carb diet or LCHF diet) is a low carbohydrate, moderate protein and high-fat diet. It is a great tool for weight loss. More importantly though, according to an increasing number of studies, it helps reduce risk factors for diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and more.

On the keto diet, your body enters a metabolic state called ketosis. While in ketosis your body is using ketone bodies for energy instead of glucose. Ketone bodies are derived from fat and are a much more stable, steady source of energy than glucose, which is derived from carbohydrates.

Entering ketosis usually takes anywhere from 3 days to a week after cutting carbs out (consuming 30 grams of net carbohydrates or fewer). Once you’re in ketosis, you’ll be using fat for energy, instead of carbs. This includes the fat you eat and stored body fat.

To learn more, please read our Complete Keto Diet Guide.