The ketogenic diet is like a dream for many people. If you can skip potatoes and sugar, Marla Ahlgrimm says going keto can help you lose weight, improve your blood sugar, and may improve your overall energy levels. But, is it right for all women?
Q: What is keto?
Marla Ahlgrimm: The ketogenic diet is a popular diet plan used by people from all over the world, and especially those that need to lose weight quickly. It effectively tricks your body into using fat as energy instead of sugar.
Q: How do you get your body into ketosis?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Reduce your carbohydrate and sugar intake. It can take days to weeks, and many people experience what is known as the keto flu, but once in ketosis, weight loss is often rapid. One study found that women lost 16% more fat over the course of three months on a ketogenic diet than those utilizing low-fat and high-fiber.
Q: Can a ketogenic diet help with other health conditions?
Marla Ahlgrimm: When you are obese and lose weight, you are at a lower risk of other significant health conditions, including hypertension and diabetes. Eating a low-carb diet may also, in itself, be beneficial for helping to reduce the symptoms of diabetes. Reducing carbs can also inhibit certain types of cancer cells from growing.
Q: Is a ketogenic diet safe for women?
Marla Ahlgrimm: First and foremost it is important to know that all diets come with some risks. However, overall, eating a low number of carbs and much less sugar is healthy. Ultimately, no matter what type of diet you choose, use common sense. If you lose too much weight too quickly, you may find that it’s difficult to keep up momentum. Talk to your doctor before making any significant changes to the way you eat or exercise.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,