Keto Means
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What is the best exercise to do while on keto?

Jogging, biking, rowing, and doing yoga are just a few examples of physical activities that may be especially beneficial on keto. While you can also include any other activities that you enjoy as part of your workout routine, you may find some high intensity exercises a bit more difficult on the ketogenic diet.

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What is the healthiest popcorn to eat?

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How do you make shrimp taste without fishy?

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This article reviews some of the ways that the ketogenic diet could affect your workout. While some claim that keto can boost fat burning and enhance endurance, others note that it could drain energy levels and make muscle growth more challenging.

However, its effect on athletic performance remains a subject of controversy.

The very low carb, high fat, moderate protein ketogenic diet has been linked to a long list of potential health benefits, ranging from improved blood sugar control to decreased hunger levels ( 1 , 2 ). Studies show that the ketogenic diet may improve several aspects of athletic performance.

May improve endurance

Although the ketogenic diet may not be suitable for high intensity bursts of activity, some studies have found that it may enhance performance for endurance athletes. For example, one study in 39 athletes noted that being in a metabolic state of ketosis improved physical endurance due to the body’s ability to use fat as an alternative source of energy ( 3 ). However, this was observed in the context of providing ketone supplements — not through following the ketogenic diet. Another study in 20 endurance athletes had similar findings, reporting that following a ketogenic diet for 12 weeks improved performance, body composition, and fat burning during exercise ( 4 ). What’s more, one review reported that increased levels of ketone bodies from supplements may speed muscle recovery and reduce the breakdown of protein following endurance exercise ( 5 ). On the other hand, some research has found that it could negatively affect performance in endurance athletes by impairing energy utilization and speeding time to exhaustion ( 6 , 7 ). Therefore, more studies are needed to determine whether the ketogenic diet offers any added benefits over other diets for endurance athletes.

May boost fat burning

Some research indicates that following a ketogenic diet may help boost fat burning during exercise. In fact, one small study in competitive race walkers showed that the diet increased the body’s ability to burn fat while working out, even during a range of different intensities of physical activity ( 6 ).

However, the ketogenic diet ultimately impaired exercise performance in these athletes.

Another study in 22 athletes found that switching to a ketogenic diet increased fat burning over a 4-week period ( 8 ). Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that the ketogenic diet comprises mostly fat, which may explain why more fat is burned during exercise. Therefore, just like any other diet, creating a calorie deficit by adjusting your intake to consume fewer calories than you burn is still necessary if you’re looking to lose weight on the ketogenic diet ( 10 ).

Can speed muscle recovery

Several studies have found that the ketogenic diet could help speed up post-workout muscle recovery. For instance, one small study reported that the ketogenic diet led to self-perceived improvements in recovery and inflammation after exercise in five athletes ( 7 ). However, it’s important to note that they also experienced reductions in other measures of performance, and there was no control group, which could skew results ( 7 ). Another study in off-road cyclists noted that the ketogenic diet reduced levels of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase — two enzymes used to measure muscle damage ( 11 ). Furthermore, a mouse study showed that following a ketogenic diet for 8 weeks increased muscle recovery following exhaustive exercise ( 12 ).

How long does it take to lose belly fat on keto?
How long does it take to lose belly fat on keto?

However, studies have shown that the keto diet can help promote weight loss and burn belly fat. In one study, obese participants who followed a...

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What sweet can I eat on keto?
What sweet can I eat on keto?

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Why am I not losing weight on 1500 calories a day?

If you're a man, woman weighing over 164 pounds or a female who regularly exercises and you aren't losing weight eating 1,200 to 1,500 calories daily, it may be time to see a doctor. Hormone imbalances – such as underactive thyroid – can decrease your body's metabolism and inhibit or prevent weight loss from occurring.

Eating 1,500 calories daily helps many adults lose weight effectively. However, some people may not notice a significant weight loss when following this type of reduced-calorie diet, at least initially. If you haven’t lost weight following a 1,500-calorie diet for a period of a few weeks, it may be time to adjust your calorie intake – or see a doctor.

Keep a Food Diary

If a 1,500-calorie diet isn’t helping you lose weight, keep a food diary to record everything you eat and drink daily. This way you can double check to make sure you are in fact eating 1,500 calories. Use nutrition facts labels and online nutrition databases – such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database – to accurately track your intake to make sure you are indeed consuming 1,500 calories.

Effective Weight Loss

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a 1,500-calorie diet is often appropriate for weight loss in men, women who exercise regularly and women weighing 165 pounds or more. However, some people in this population group may require as few as 1,200 calories daily, notes the NHLBI. If you aren’t losing weight eating 1,500 calories a day, try a 1,200-calorie meal plan, at least for a little whole.

Ineffective Weight Loss

Certain population groups aren’t expected to lose much weight – if any – using 1,500-calorie diets. Sedentary women weighing less than 165 pounds often require 1,000 to 1,200 calories daily for effective weight loss, notes the NHLBI. Older women may not notice much of a weight loss eating 1,500 calories daily either. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 report that sedentary women over age 50 require just 1,600 calories a day to maintain their body weight.

Seek Medical Assistance

Which food has no carbs?
Which food has no carbs?

Food and drinks allowed on a no-carb diet include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, butter, oils, water, and plain coffee or tea. If you're less stringent,...

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What do you eat on an egg fast?
What do you eat on an egg fast?

During an egg fast, the person eats only eggs, cheese, and healthy fats. An egg fast usually only lasts a few days. Scientists have not studied the...

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Why did I stop losing weight on keto?
Why did I stop losing weight on keto?

Causes of a weight loss plateau on keto Plateauing is partly because your metabolism slows as you lose weight, meaning that you begin to burn fewer...

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Does sugar stop ketosis?
Does sugar stop ketosis?

Sugar intake is limited on a keto diet, as eating it causes your blood sugar levels to rise. This is an issue, as raised blood sugar levels can...

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