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The Pros and Cons of the Keto Diet

Posted at 9:06 AM, Feb 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-24 10:24:19-05

With Spring just around the corner, many are looking to take advantage of the warmer weather by going out and exercising more.

But doctors say when it comes to weight loss, what you eat is the most important factor.

Which is why we're breaking down one of the hottest diet trends that thousands swear by.

Gooey cheese over sausage, spicy mayo on your taco, and avocado; welcome to the new diet full of fat, that people say is shredding their figure.

"Basically this is the life of a Ketoholic, cheese and fat!"

Jaime Herrera opened a restaurant turning out Keto meals that diners demand.

"People wanted to eat like tacos, but without any tortillas or like no bread, so I decided to put some stuff on the menu that was good for people that are doing these types of diets."

It started after a Keto Diet Challenge with friends and a nutritionist.

"For a month-and-a-half, I lost 15 to 20 lbs. I just felt better than when I was eating carbs."

The basics of the Ketogenic Diet, or Keto for short, is virtually eliminating all carbs, eating mostly fat, some protein, and limiting carbs to veggies and fruits that have the least amount.

"It's more animal based and sure you're going to lose the weight, but at what expense."

Doctor Faith Felder has practiced medicine for more than 20 years.

She says fad diets like Keto may have unintended consequences.

It was originally used for epileptic patients to calm seizures, but today's popular version raises some concerns.

Dr. Felder says, "You elevate your cholesterol now you're at increase risk for heart disease. I don't want you to be skinny in a coffin, that doesn't make any sense."

However, some aspects of the Keto Diet can be helpful, like eliminating empty calorie carbohydrates.

But Doctor Shivam Josie says Keto also limits a lot of beneficial food.

"The diet does cut out a lot of healthy foods. It does cut out for a large part fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans, these are some of the healthiest foods on the planet."

The doctors say the best thing you can do for weight loss is so simple, but so difficult, change your diet one bite at a time.

"Focus on that meal and say how can I make it the best meal for me. Eliminate the bacon and just have the eggs, instead of white toast lets do wheat, instead of grits lets do amaranth."

And the biggest tip from the doctors is to have patience!

"You might not see it on the scale initially and that will come, but I just tell them stick with it, this is the best thing for you."

Dr. Josie says, "The alternatives to the Keto Diet is just any diet that cuts calories."

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