Keto Starbucks Drinks.... or Follow the Keto Diet?
The Keto Diet is all the rage these days because of the claims to lose weight fast! While many of the followers on this diet might lose weight fast, it’s not sustainable.
There’s usually a rebound binge on all the foods you were deprived of while on the diet (think pasta, bread, oats, popcorn, fruits, corn, vegetables). This results in not only regained weight, but usually packing on even more pounds than you started with. Yikes!
Healthy weight loss should be a result of incorporating a balanced diet of all food groups along with regular consistent physical activity. Let’s take a deep dive into the Keto Diet below:
HISTORY OF THE KETO DIET
The Keto Diet was discovered in the 1920’s as an alternative treatment for children with epilepsy when medications did not work to treat the condition(1). It was carried out under strict supervision of a dietitian and epilepsy specialist. It was observed that putting children in a state of ketosis (primarily burning fat for fuel) minimized seizures. The diet was never meant to be a weight loss method.
NOTE: It’s important to note that the body’s preferred fuel source is carbohydrate and not fat. The body has to work harder to obtain fuel from fat. This causes stress on the body. Stress of any kind can lead to inflammation.
KETO DIET PRINCIPLES
Followers of the Keto Diet must eat a diet high in saturated fats known to cause heart disease(2). Carbohydrates are prohibited and/or strictly limited, including carbohydrates from fruits, many vegetables, and whole grains. As a result, the diet lacks vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fiber. The beforementioned are all components to help meeting the body’s nutrient needs, homeostasis, regular bowel movements, and mood regulation. Phytonutrients keep the immune system strong and fiber regulates bowel movements as well as stabilizes blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
ARE KETO PRODUCTS BAD; KETO STARBUCKS DRINKS?
This post may contain affiliate links
While most licensed professionals will steer you away from the Keto Diet as a weight loss method, it’s totally acceptable to incorporate Keto products into your diet sparingly. Always aim to get a wide variety of food groups into your diet for optimal health. Examples of Keto products that are admissible are Keto pancake mix=made primarily with almond flour, tigernut flour, and coconut flour OR a Keto Starbucks drink= Tall (12oz) Caffe’ Americano, 3 creams, 3 pumps sugar-free vanilla syrup, 2 stevia in the raw.
TAKEAWAY
There will always be a new fad diet. If you’re trying to lose weight and feel like you’ve tried everything, don’t be discouraged. With the proper guidance, your goals ARE attainable. Work with a dietitian to figure out a customized meal plan that will keep you healthy and get those extra pounds off for good!
1. Wheless JW. History of the ketogenic diet. Epilepsia. 2008 Nov;49 Suppl 8:3-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01821.x. PMID: 19049574.
2. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats