What in the heck is the Ketogenic Diet? (Part 3 of 6)

Last week we talked about utilizing fat for energy as opposed to sugar. Today we’ll talk about some of the benefits of being a fat burner. The primary benefit is that you don’t need to eat as much as a fat burner. Again, think back to our ancestors. As hunter gatherers, there were many meals and even many days that they needed to go without food. Contrary to what the Flintstones show us, there were no convenience stores, or fast food places. People needed to eat when there was food, and they needed to fast when there wasn’t. Asking someone to skip a meal in modern-day America is like asking someone to cut off a finger. The look of horror on most peoples faces tell you in no uncertain terms that it’s not going to happen. The reason missing a meal seems so difficult is because of the sugar craving that goes along with being a sugar burner. As a fat burner, this just isn’t the case.

Because fats are such a cleaner, more efficient source of fuel, they tend to satisfy us more. As our bodies become nourished the appetite begins to curb. This completely makes sense. Can you imagine our ancestors stuck in a cave somewhere in the middle of winter and having a sugar craving? It would be sheer torture to have to go through this, and ultimately, we may not have survived as a species if we were all cooped up together in the winter as sugar burners.

Now there is specific way you want to start to make the conversion from sugar to fat. The way to remember what to eat, is by eating your hands! I know that sounds crazy, but, it isn’t. Eating your hands is the way we remember how to portion things out. Cup your hands together like they do in the Allstate commercial (You’re in Good Hands with Allstate). You should eat two handfuls of mostly green vegetables. Look at the palm of your hand, you should eat a palm to about a palm and a half of protein (chicken, turkey beef, fish, etc.), and about two thumbs worth a fat (cheese, sour cream, butter on your vegetables, etc.). And that’s the way you should eat. It’s that simple. The truly great part about it is that you can never forget. If you’re not sure about something, just look at your hands. Next week we’ll talk about a specific regimen you can utilize to help lose weight, and live a cleaner, healthier lifestyle.

Remember with all of this, this blog is meant to gather information only. Everyone is different. Before you start making dietary changes it is imperative that you ask your doctor or health care provider. We can talk more about it next week.