Always on the cutting edge of style, celebrities are often the ones to give us insights into the newest trends and lifestyle changes on the market. So, when major celebrities like Halle Berry speak out about how a particularly incredible diet helps to keep her healthy, we often listen.
Halle Berry Raves About Ketogenic Diet
Film star Halle Berry, age 51, has been on Hollywood’s radar for quite a while, and throughout everything has been able to maintain a healthy and toned body.
“Being diabetic most of my life, I have always had to take food very seriously.” Berry writes. “So for years, I have been following the keto or ketogenic diet. I hate the word ‘diet’ so while you’ll see the word diet, just know I encourage you to think of it as a lifestyle change NOT A DIET[1]!”
Not only does Berry report that the diet has helped her to keep a toned body, but that it’s been a contributing factor to slowing down the aging process.
“The keto lifestyle offers so many benefits such as weight loss, (moms that’s how we get rid of our baby bellies), appetite control, more energy, and better mental performance,” she continued. “If you’re like me… you’ll experience better physical endurance, better skin and also less acne if that’s an issue. And it even helps control migraines[1]!” Berry writes on her Instagram account.
So, what is the ketogenic diet and how does it work?
How The Ketogenic Diet Works
The ketogenic, or “keto” diet, is a low carb diet where the body produces ketones in the liver to be used as energy.
When you eat something high in carbs, your body produces glucose and insulin.
Glucose – The molecule that is easiest for the body to convert into energy, therefore it is the molecule that is chosen over any other source.
Insulin – Produced to process the glucose in the bloodstream by moving it around the body
Since the glucose is being used as primary energy, the fats that are not needed are being stored in the body. By lowering the intake of carbs, the body is induced into a state of ketosis.
Ketosis is the natural process that the body engages in to help us survive when food intake is low. During this state, we produce ketones, which are produced from the breakdown of fats in the liver.
The end goal of the ketogenic diet is to encourage the body into this state. This is not done through starvation, but rather a reduction of carbohydrates.
But, having a body like Halle Berry is not the only benefit of this life-altering diet.
The Benefits of the Ketogenic Diet
Celebrities like Halle Berry aren’t the only ones to recognize the significance of the ketogenic diet. Scientists have conducted studies that have unveiled the health benefits of the keto diet, including its assistance in:
- Weight loss
- Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
- Help protect against cancer
- Fight brain disease and neurological disorders
- Extend life expectancy
A study was conducted that analyzed 83 obese patients, all suffering from high cholesterol and high glucose. The study shows that after just 24 weeks on the ketogenic diet, the weight and body mass index of the patients decreased significantly, along with their total cholesterol, glucose levels, and triglycerides[2].
How to Factor the Ketogenic Diet Into Your Life
The ketogenic diet is not something reserved for celebrities but is completely obtainable for everyone. The more restrictive you are on your carbohydrates, the faster you will enter into a ketogenic state (less than 15g per day is the ideal).
Do not eat any refined carbohydrates, such as wheat, starches, or fruits, but instead stick to vegetables, nuts, and dairy. The exception to this is avocado, star fruit, and berries which can be eaten in moderation.
The keto diet is high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbs. Your nutrient intake should be 70% fats, 25% protein and 5% carbohydrate[3].
Do Not Eat
- Grains – wheat, corn, rice, cereal, etc.
- Sugar – honey, agave, maple syrup, etc.
- Fruit – apples, bananas, oranges, etc.
- Tubers – potato, yams, etc.
Do Eat
- Meats – fish, beef, lamb, poultry, eggs, etc.
- Leafy Greens – spinach, kale, etc.
- Above ground vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
- High Fat Dairy – hard cheeses, high fat cream, butter, etc.
- Nuts and seeds – macadamias, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc.
- Avocado and berries – raspberries, blackberries, and other low glycemic impact berries
- Sweeteners – stevia, erythritol, monk fruit, and other low carb sweeteners
- Other fats – coconut oil, high-fat salad dressing, saturated fats, etc[3].
