At CrossFit Diet Tips we have written extensively about a good diet program for athletes. Whether you’re on a keto diet or a Paleo regimen, there are good and bad ways to do it. A name alone does not describe a particular diet program. You can follow one to the letter, but if the food you use is of poor quality, you may be doing more harm than good. In this article we will focus on the ketogenic (keto) diet.
A ketogenic diet is defined as eating in a way that makes your body produce ketones. Ketones are produced by the liver from fat, and that process is triggered by eating too little carbohydrates and a decent amount of protein. Ketones are used by the body for energy. Therefore, a ketogenic diet essentially burns fat as a fuel source for the body. Your body burns fat non-stop. When your body produces ketones, it goes into a state of ketosis. Ketosis will burn fat without even worrying about fasting. That is, as long as you continue on a ketogenic diet.
This brings me to our topic of a clean keto diet versus a dirty keto diet. Since this type of diet is carbohydrate-limited, a normal staple might be seafood, meat, and low-carb vegetables. This does not mean that it is okay to eat a fast food hamburger or other commercially raised meat. If you’re just cutting back on carbs, you’re living a “dirty” ketogenic diet. Vegetables, meats, seafood, etc …, must be organic and non-GMO.
We recommend that you stay away from foods that are processed or packaged with preservatives. These will damage any diet and prevent you from living a toxin-free life. Any diet works best when food is basic and clean.
A ketogenic diet has a detoxification process when consumed correctly. If you add toxins through food, you are not helping your liver or your health.
Eat fresh, organic vegetables. Try to eat a variety of colorful, high-fiber vegetables regularly. The more you do this, the better and tastier they will taste. Before long, your body will really crave them for every meal.
When it comes to fatty products, choose healthy sources. These can be organic flax seeds, olive oil, avocados, or coconut oil. Many of these are considered non-inflammatory foods. Inflammatory foods would be those like dairy products or some of the nightshades.
While on the clean ketogenic diet, remember to stay well hydrated. Many people do not realize that water supports all daily functions, including digestion and organ production.
In closing, remember, if you’re living the “dirty” ketogenic diet, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Stay “clean” and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Tips for the CrossFit diet