You've heard it before. You mentioned to a family member or friend you're eating keto. Their first response.. 'you can't really do that long term..that's not healthy!' Yup. We've heard it too, and we're here to dispel some myths about eating keto long term. Short answer, yes. You can maintain a healthy ketogenic lifestyle long term. Let's dive in more!
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that has been used for decades to treat certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a weight loss and general health strategy. To answer your question, yes, it is possible to follow a ketogenic diet long term.
5 Myths About Eating Keto Long Term
One of the main fears about lower-carb and higher-fat diets has been a possible increase in the risk of heart disease. However, interventional studies so far indicate that on average, most cardiovascular risk factors appears to improve!
Just like there are many myths around the dangers of fat, there is a long-standing believe that carbs are necessary for proper brain function. Some healthcare professionals also believe this, and may worry if you mention you're eating keto. Although people are not wrong in saying the brain needs a lot of energy and requires glucose, when you eat a keto diet the liver provides any energy needed by the brain in the form of glucose. This process which is called 'gluconeogenesis' literally means 'making new glucose'.
There is a misconception that athletes or individuals engaged in intense exercise cannot effectively follow a ketogenic diet. While it's true that carbohydrates are the body's primary source of fuel during high-intensity exercise, some athletes and individuals have successfully adapted to burning fat for energy through a process called keto-adaptation.
One of the most prevalent myths is that saturated fat directly causes heart disease. While early research suggested a link between saturated fat intake and heart disease risk, more recent studies have questioned this association. Current evidence indicates that the relationship between saturated fat and heart disease is complex, and factors such as overall diet quality, individual genetics, and lifestyle choices play a significant role in cardiovascular health. It's important to recognize that saturated fat is not inherently unhealthy. Some sources of saturated fats, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil, are part of a healthy diet and can provide essential nutrients
There are many more examples we could discuss that dispel myths about eating long-term. One of our favourite ways to recognize the power of keto eating is when we talk to someone who has been eating keto for years. We speak to so many amazing people who have adapted this as their lifestyle.
Have questions about keto? Book a free consult with our nutritionist!