Achieving health and fitness goals can be tough for lots of people. Nutrition plays a key role, and without proper fuel, the body and mind can feel sluggish. The keto diet can be a wonderful way for individuals to slim down and build lean muscle, as it calls for fats, protein, and non-starchy veggies. Still, some people have trouble meeting their daily intake of certain nutrients, and in this case, a supplement might be a good idea. Supplements are not meant to replace the food people already eat, but they’re an additional source of vitamins and minerals for people who aren’t getting enough.
Why take a supplement?
The process of finding the right supplement can take time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. This is the golden age of supplemental bars, drinks, and tablets, and there is something for everyone. Moreover, these are an excellent option for people who are too strapped for time to get the proper nourishment. The majority of men and women who take supplements do so to improve or maintain their overall health¹, but many of them resort to these products before trying to alter their diet.
The first course of action should be taking a look at one’s eating habits. The Standard American Diet emphasizes processed foods and sugar, two culprits of obesity, heart disease, and a slew of other illnesses. Studies show that a diet low in carbohydrates can help fight off these ailments and even improve metabolism.
Choosing the right one
If someone is finding it difficult to meet their daily intake of macro or micronutrients, a supplement may be able to help. Yet not all of these products are created equally, so it’s important that people do their research to find the best fit for them. Those on the keto diet will need to be careful about the number of carbs and sugar in their supplement. People should also think about their lifestyle habits such as activity level and specific goals. Someone might prefer a low-calorie choice for their weight loss goals while another person needs extra calories to build muscle.
Looking at the ingredients
Perhaps the most essential aspect of deciding on a product is taking a look at the ingredients list. Many supplemental keto shakes include beta-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone that burns fat for energy. Other ingredients that often go in these products are medium-chain triglycerides, creatine, and calcium. Medium-chain triglycerides or MCT is a saturated fatty acid that can help with metabolic function and staying full longer. Creatine can boost muscle growth², and calcium keeps bones strong.
It’s best if the ingredients are organic wherever possible, and the supplements may be in the form of powders or liquids. The ability to get all of these components in one easy serving makes supplements a popular choice, but they’re also not necessary for everyone.
NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER
The content on this website should not be taken as medical advice and you should ALWAYS consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. We provide nutritional data for our recipes as a courtesy to our readers. We use Total Keto Diet app software to calculate the nutrition and we remove fiber and sugar alcohols, like erythritol, from the total carbohydrate count to get to the net carb count, as they do not affect your blood glucose levels. You should independently calculate nutritional information on your own and not rely on our data. The website or content herein is not intended to cure, prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. This website shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on the Website or actions you take as a result. Any action you take is strictly at your own risk.
Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD is an aesthetic medicine specialist whose work focuses on patients who are treated for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other weight-related issues through nutritional analysis, keto diet programs, and supporting medications.
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