Christopher Gardner explains that the ketogenic diet involves consuming 70 to 75% of calories as fat, which is twice the usual amount.
The ketogenic diet, initially used to treat epilepsy, has resurfaced as a popular diet, emphasizing extremely low carb intake and high fat consumption.
The diet shifts the body from burning carbs to burning fat, resulting in reduced insulin need and a shift in hormone profile, but may cause side effects like 'keto flu' and potential misunderstanding about protein intake.
Protein, extra protein, is insulinogenic, which means it produces insulin to be putting away the protein that turned into carbs. This really is a very high fat diet in order to follow it.
Christopher Gardner conducted a study on the ketogenic diet and provided participants with food from a delivery service.
The study revealed that it was challenging for participants to maintain the low-carb, high-fat diet on their own after the study.
Despite efforts, many participants struggled to achieve and sustain ketosis, leading to a conclusion of a 'total thumbs down' on the keto diet.
Christopher Gardner emphasizes the importance of cutting back on added sugar and refined grains, which make up 40% of calories in the U.S.
He advocates for maintaining whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits, resulting in a 35-40% carb diet without entering ketosis.
Gardner supports eliminating 'crappy carbs' for keto but advises against excluding veggies, fruits, whole grains, and beans.
Jonathan Wolff appreciates Gardner's comprehensive critique of the keto diet, signaling the end of the discussion on keto and the upcoming focus on low-fat diets in the next episode.