Go mild!

The more carb-friendly keto diet has arrived – here’s what you need to know!

- Amy Hadley

You’ve probably heard of the ketogenic diet, but are you familiar with its mild ketosis version? Kate Save, clinical dietitian and CEO and co-founder of Be Fit Food, explains the difference between them and the possible benefits of this softer approach.

WHAT IS IT?

“Typically, a ketogenic diet is high in fat, very low in carbohydrates and has a moderate amount of protein: it involves consuming fat as 90 per cent of your diet,” says Kate. “It has been shown to have some benefits including weight loss and blood sugar stabilisation, but the excessive amount of fat has been linked to increased cholesterol levels.”

However, mild ketosis (FYI, this is the process where your body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates for energy so instead burns fat for energy) is made up of 30 to 50 per cent fat, 20 to 40 per cent protein, and 10 to 20 per cent carbohydrates (which are all macronutrients). This means you’re not missing out on any essential food groups or essential vitamins and minerals (micronutrients).