4 Common Misconceptions about Weight Loss and the Keto Diet
Don't believe the hype, learn the facts.
The weight loss industry is filled with misconceptions, conflicting information and ‘broscience’ (opinions passed off as facts). It’s no wonder so many people are confused and spinning their wheels not knowing what to do when trying to lose weight.
The ketogenic diet has seen its popularity increase by leaps and bounds over the past few years as more and more people realize just how effective it is. Just like any other diet, it has its pros and cons… and no diet is perfect for everybody.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the common misconceptions about using the ketogenic diet as a tool to shed excess fat and look good.
Misconception # 1: It’s easy
Not really. The term ‘easy’ is subjective and it all depends on the individual. We are not selling a dream that you will drop weight fast and without struggle. You will need to break old habits, learn new information and be consistent.
Most people are addicted to sugar and carbs. Switching to a diet that gets 80 to 90 percent of its calories from fat can be challenging.
Misconception # 2: You’ll DEFINITELY get faster results with it
All diets will yield results if followed correctly. Speed of weight loss will vary from individual to individual. Will you lose more fat with the ketogenic diet? You might, if you follow the diet with a high level of compliance.
However, even then, it will take time to shed the fat. Weight loss is a slow process and you’re not going to lose 15 pounds in a week. Just remember that the weight was not dded on during one day, one week or one month. So this will be true for dropping the weight too.
The keto diet will get you faster results than many other diets, but within a reasonable time. Give yourself at least 2 months to see visible results. You might as well stay the course. The time is going to pass anyway.
Misconception # 3: The keto diet is dangerous
If followed correctly, the keto diet is not a dangerous fad. In fact, it’s extremely healthy. You will lose weight much more effectively, your blood sugar levels will stabilize, your bad cholesterol levels will decrease, your heart health will improve while your risk of cancer decreases and so much more. Check with your doctor if this diet can work for you.
It’s important to know the difference between the good fats and bad fats. Cold-pressed coconut oil is a good fat. Hydrogenated canola oil is a bad fat that’s high in monounsaturated fat, causes inflammation and accelerates the aging process.
When you’re on a keto diet, you MUST educate yourself well on what the good fats are. Then you’ll be able to consume the omega-3 fatty acids that your body needs and avoid the omega-6 fatty acids that are inflammatory. If you are unclear how to start a ketogenic diet or if you're doing it right, you should definitely grab your copy of the Keto Pinkprint Ultimate Keto Guide.
Misconception # 4: Will I get ketoacidosis?
This issue is probably the biggest worry that people on the keto diet have. When the ketones in your body are too high, ketoacidosis can occur. However, this is quite rare and tends to affect only those with type one diabetes. This is pathological ketoacidosis and not a nutritional one.
If you wish to err on the side of caution, you can purchase a set of urine strips from the chemist and monitor your ketosis. If your ketones are too high, you can consume some complex carbohydrates and that should reset things to normal. There’s no cause for panic.
These are 4 of the most common misconceptions surrounding the ketogenic diet. In another article, we’ll examine another HUGE misconception about whether the ketogenic diet raises your cholesterol level. Be sure to subscribe to our email and text list to be notified when that is published.
For now, just know that this is a safe and highly effective diet with many health benefits than can be accrued if you adopt it. Do give it a go and watch your waist size shrink and your fat disappear (with time).
