Understanding Carbohydrates and the Keto Diet

Understanding Carbohydrates and the Keto Diet

So, let's talk about carbs and keto for a minute. First, while keto is fantastic and sustainable, it isn't the best diet for many people. Many people, particularly women, require carbs. Furthermore, there is no such thing as slightly keto; you are either keto or you are not. I see a lot of people attempting to do keto lite, which is always a horrible idea. Carbohydrates should be as close to zero as possible, or no less than 25% of your macros. So either skip it totally or make it a regular part of your diet.

Eating fewer carbs will not cause you to lose weight while still allowing you to consume carbs. It will make you feel sick, weary, weak, have cognitive fog, and be hormonally unstable. The body operates in such a way that it either burns carbs or fat for fuel. Because it is easier to convert carbohydrates to glucose, that is the system that the body will employ if you allow it. The trouble is that switching between fat and carb burn is difficult, so you must choose one. Now, I'm not saying you should eat sweets. You can maintain your sugars at zero and your carbs at 40% if you wish, and I typically do.

Keep in mind that not all carbohydrates are created equal. From a physiological and insulin response standpoint, your body treats fiber and sugar quite differently. For example, the keto pizza I eat from thin slim foods has approximately 56 carbs per pizza, however they are all fiber and do not count. However, they do not count for anyone; this is not a keto issue. Remember that carbohydrates are classified into four types: sugar, fiber, complex, and simple. These are defined by how rapidly your body converts a carbohydrate into usable glucose, or sugar, for your body. So, if you're going to consume carbs, choose the proper ones and don't try to play games with them.

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Dr. Matt Chalmers

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Before taking any action based on this information you should first consult with your physician or health care provider. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions regarding a medical condition, your health, or wellness.

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