National Keto Day hits January 5th with an approach to transforming our health. Recent research suggests the high-fat, low-carb ketogenic or ‘keto’ diet offers a number of benefits.

BENEFITS
Two of the most significant perks seen with the keto diet are weight loss and healthy blood sugar support. In fact, studies have shown improved glycemic control for those with type 2 diabetes while adhering to a ketogenic diet.

Other health benefits of a keto diet may include healthy cholesterol and blood pressure support. It may also be beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

KETO PLAN
How does the diet work? By eliminating carbohydrates, your body will use up its store of glycogen first. Then it will move into ketosis and begin burning fat.

Primarily, a keto diet consists of healthy fats, like eggs, avocado, olive oil, and sustainably-raised meat. Nuts, seeds, dairy, and low-carbohydrate vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, and green peppers are also easy to incorporate. Coconut oil, grass-fed butter, and ghee add fat and flavor to a keto diet. Occasionally, small servings of berries are added to the menu.

Eliminate these foods if you are considering a keto diet:

• sweets, sugar, sodas, baked goods
• grains, whole grains, and starches
• fruits, starchy vegetables
• hydrogenated oils, vegetable oil
• diet foods, including low sugar, sugar-free, low-fat foods

If you’re considering the keto approach to a healthier lifestyle, or are already engaged in it, whip up your best keto meal or snack, and post a pic of it to Instagram using the hashtag #NationalKetoDay. For every post, The Vitamin Shoppe will donate $5 to Blessings in a Backpack, a non-profit organization that provides food on weekends to elementary school children across America who might otherwise go hungry.

You can also stop into your local The Vitamin Shoppe the weekend of the 5th to sample various keto products for free. Make sure to follow @vitaminshoppe on Instagram for more details!

For more information visit: National Day Calendar