Ketosis is a state where the body converts fat into ketones that the brain can use for fuel when glucose (carbohydrates) are in short supply; in the state of ketosis, the body has to become efficient at utilizing fats as energy. Therefore, ketogenic diets increase the body's ability to utilize fats for fuel, which occurs by restricting carbohydrate intake. Losing fat while protecting muscles is the main concept behind this diet.

Traditionally, the ketogenic diet was a method of therapy developed as a form of fasting used to treat epilepsy. In the earlier 1900s, this method was neglected when anticonvulsant drugs became more reliable.

The human brain has the ability to burn both glucose and ketones for fuel, however under regular conditions the body does not produce ketones. The body will burn ketones when the amount of glucose is too low; ketones then become available when carbohydrate consumption is restricted. The Diet and Dumbbells blog (dietanddumbbells. com) provides a clear example of how this process works when an individual restricts their carbohydrate consumption to 30g or less per day: “If you stop eating all carbs at, say, 6 p.m. on Sunday, and then do a heavy weightlifting workout Monday and Tuesday, this will deplete your liver and bloodstream of glucose, and your muscles of glycogen. At that point, your liver will start producing ketones, so the brain has a fuel to work with.”

So what are the benefits and drawbacks of the ketogenic diet? A main benefit is that burning off body fat will occur much faster than normal carb-based diets. The ketogenic diet is not a balanced diet, and therefore it is highly recommended that individuals trying this diet visit a dietitian before and after completing it. Due to the lack of strength that your body has as a result of this diet, individuals tend to stick to cardio and high repetition weight training, such as cables, bands, etc. Other drawbacks include the unrealistic expectations this diet allows for. Popeye's Supplement and Nutrition Customer Service Representative Bobby Gasselle said that this diet is most appealing to those who are training for a competition of some sort, as this is not an appealing diet for the average person. Gasselle pointed out that this is not a “feelgood” diet because carbs are one of the main sources for energy fuel for muscle and brain function; energy is about 35 to 40 per cent carbs, 35 to 40 per cent fats and 20 per cent protein.

Overall, the ketogenic diet is one that requires heavy supplementation and strict diet. If you are thinking about trying this, be sure to talk to your doctor before and after to ensure your body can handle it. As tempting as it may be to use this diet for getting your body beach ready or for competitions, remember that this is a diet best for shortterm goals only.