Is keto just a low-carb diet?
Answer:All ketogenic diets are low-carb diets, but not all low-carb diets are ketogenic. On a keto diet, carbohydrates must be restricted enough for the body to start actually producing and utilizing ketones.
While the keto diet is a low-carb diet, there are many differences between keto and all other low-carb diets. One of the biggest differences between other low-carb diets and keto is this metabolic state of ketosis where the body is producing these unique energy molecules known as ketones.
Ketones, which can be used by nearly all cells in the body, are produced through a process known as ketogenesis, which again occurs when carb intake is low enough. The degree of carbohydrate restriction necessary for ketogenesis to occur is dependent on the individual but is much greater than what we typically see on other low-carb diets. In fact, below you’ll see a study that shows how different amounts of carbohydrate intake can affect ketone levels.2
As you can see from this study, to get your body into a state of ketosis, carbs need to be severely restricted and like this study demonstrates, it is typically recommended that carb intake be less than 30 g per day to do so. This number is different for everyone, but we’ll try to provide you a framework that will work for you later in the book.
In addition to carbohydrate restriction, fat intake is typically higher on a ketogenic diet compared to many other low-carb diets where the emphasis is simply on keeping carb intake low. This is important since dietary fat is a great source of energy, which is helpful when the body’s typical energy source of carbohydrates is being restricted.
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