The Ketogenic diet is characterized by an initial and rapid weight loss primarily due to the loss of water in the human body. The muscle and liver glycogen are lost due to a sudden reduction in the amount of carbohydrates in the body which can have serious implications on body. It is also characterized by strong but non-permanent diuretic effects.The main advantage of such a diet is fast and substantial loss of body weight. The body would burn more of fats stored by restricting the intake of Carbohydrates. There is also a reduction in the level of hunger. The diet includes oil, meat, butter, fish, cheese and eggs.

Benefits of ketogenic diet:

• It is helpful for treatment of epilepsy. • It is also helpful for reducing depression and fatigue. • It is beneficial for muscle and joint pains. • It reduces the level of irritability.

Foods that can be used during a Ketogenic diet:

Sugar Free Jelly – This is a great and tasty food, in addition to being economical and usually comes in a great variety. One can use whipped cream for better results and taste. Meat Substitutes – This can prove to be a great source of the ketogenic diet but care must be taken to ensure about the quantity of carbohydrates they carry with them. For example- Vegetarian hot dogs. Peanut Butter – This is also a great food and the quantity must be limited to extract all of the benefits associated with it. Nuts – Same as peanut butter in terms of fats and carbohydrates content and must not be excessively consumed. You can also take on almonds, sunflower seeds and peanut for a wide variety. Salads – It serves a great food to ease hunger pangs and also in the meanwhile providing bulk to the diet. This also acts as to provide the liquid fat to the diet and thus ensure a solid food base. These all foods may be rich enough to be on a ketogenic diet but stress must be placed to ensure that enough of fat and protein must reach the body to satisfy its daily needs. Nutritional supplements comes handy in this, they can give you the required amount of energy and still making sure that you do not gain weight.

Side effects of Ketogenic diet:

1. Dehydration.
2. Weakness and nausea.
3. Loss of electrolytes.
4. Reduction in the body level of calcium.
5. Kidney problems.

Thus to conclude one can say that there are enough options for a ketogenic diet for a vegetarian and one must not start this diet only because he is not a consumer of meat and meat products. The food must be carefully chosen and the diet must be analyzed properly to ensure that one gets the benefits out of his diet regimen.

Last updated by michael.