Have you been thinking of going keto? The ketogenic diet has been gaining popularity for several years now, and it’s not hard to see why. It promises weight loss, improved mental clarity, and better overall health.

While it may seem tempting to jump right in, there are a few things to consider before you start. Here are five essential points to keep in mind:.

1. Research and Plan

Going keto isn’t like other diets that you can just start without planning. Instead of just focusing on calorie deficits, keto requires that you limit your carbohydrate intake and increase healthy fats.

This means that you need to plan your meals and snacks carefully to make sure you are getting the right macronutrient ratios. Before you start, take the time to research what foods are keto-approved so that you can plan your meals and snacks accordingly.

There are plenty of resources available online that can help you figure out what foods to eat and what to avoid when you start keto.

You should also consider speaking with a nutritionist to ensure that you are getting all the vitamins and minerals that you need without going over your carb limit.

2. Understand the Side Effects

When you switch to a keto diet, you are changing the way your body gets energy. Instead of relying on glucose from carbohydrates, your body shifts into a state of ketosis, where you burn fat instead.

While this can have many benefits, it can also cause some unpleasant side effects in the first few weeks. Some people experience keto flu, which includes symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue. You might also find that your digestion is affected or that your sleep patterns change when you first start keto.

While these side effects are usually temporary and will go away as your body adjusts, it’s important to be prepared for them. If you are concerned, speak to your doctor before starting keto.

3. Be Prepared to Measure and Track

Keto is a diet that requires careful tracking and measuring of your food intake. You will need to be diligent about counting your carbs and making sure that you are staying within your daily limit.

This means that you will need to measure your food carefully and weigh portions to make sure you are eating the right amount of calories and macros.

There are plenty of tools available to help you with tracking, such as apps and websites that calculate your macronutrient ratios for you.

However, many people find that they need to be meticulous about measuring and tracking to ensure that they stay on course.

4. Realize That Keto Might Not Be For Everyone

While many people swear by keto and find that it helps them lose weight and feel better, it’s not necessarily a good fit for everyone. If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or liver disease, keto may not be the best option for you.

Additionally, some people simply find keto too restrictive or difficult to maintain over the long-term.

Before you start keto, it’s important to think about whether it’s right for your lifestyle and medical needs. It’s okay to try something different if keto doesn’t work for you. There are plenty of other healthy eating plans that you can explore.

5. Don’t Forget to Hydrate

When you switch to keto, your body loses water weight as it burns through glycogen stores. This means that you need to be especially mindful about staying hydrated.

Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day to ensure that you don’t become dehydrated.

If you find that you are struggling to drink enough water, try adding flavorings or opting for sparkling water. You can also try incorporating hydrating foods, such as cucumbers and watermelon, into your diet to supplement your water intake.

Conclusion

Going keto can be a great way to improve your health and lose weight, but it’s important to be prepared before you start.

Make sure you research and plan for your meals, understand the side effects, track your food intake, consider whether keto is right for you, and don’t forget to hydrate. With these tips in mind, you can set yourself up for success on your keto journey.