The Keto Diet: Why Essential Carbohydrates Don't Exist and How to Get Started with Keto Snacks

There's a common misconception that carbohydrates are an essential part of the human diet. In reality, our body is fully capable of thriving without them. The ketogenic (keto) diet, a powerful tool that empowers you to take control of your health, is based on this principle.

If you're new to keto, we'll guide you on how to get started, including some keto snacks for beginners in the UK, and highlight some essential products like chia seeds, cacao nibs, and hydrating herbal teas that are perfect for maintaining ketosis.

The Myth of Essential Carbohydrates

The body requires proteins and fats to perform essential functions, not carbohydrates. Through gluconeogenesis, your body can create glucose from fats and proteins, meaning carbs are not a dietary necessity. This is where the keto diet comes in, allowing the body to use fat as fuel in the form of ketones.

What is the Keto Diet and How Does It Work?

The keto diet is not a rigid set of rules but a flexible approach to nutrition. It allows you to reduce carbohydrate intake, which in turn allows the body to enter ketosis, a state where your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. This adaptability results in benefits such as improved mental clarity, energy levels, and weight management without making you feel restricted.

Keto Snacks for Beginners in the UK

If you're new to keto, snacking can be a challenge, as many traditional snacks are high in carbs. But fear not; there's a world of exciting and diverse keto-friendly options waiting for you, making the transition to this lifestyle much easier and more enjoyable.

• Chia Seeds: High in fibre and omega-3s, chia seeds are an excellent keto snack. They can be added to almond milk to create a low-carb chia pudding or sprinkled over salads for an extra crunch.
• Cacao Nibs: If you're craving something chocolatey, cacao nibs are the perfect keto snack. They are rich in antioxidants and contain no sugar, making them ideal for keto desserts or as a snack on their own.

Staying hydrated is essential on the keto diet, especially since your body may lose more water during ketosis. It's crucial to maintain a good water intake to support your body's functions, herbal teas make staying hyrdated easy.

• Herbal teas, such as ginger tea, are a great way to soothe the stomach, especially for those who may experience digestive changes in the early stages of keto, such as constipation or diarrhoea. Chamomile tea is another excellent option, offering calming effects in the evening helping to promote restful sleep as your body adjusts.

Why Choose the Keto Diet

Weight loss is only one element of the keto diet, and allowing the body to enter ketosis has numerous benefits:

• Weight Loss: When carbs are reduced, your body uses stored fat to provide energy, leading to rapid fat burning and weight loss.
• Improved Blood Sugar Levels: Keto has been shown to stabilise blood sugar levels, making it particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Better Mental Clarity: The brain thrives on ketones, and many people report enhanced cognitive function and concentration when following a ketogenic diet.
• Digestion: Adding chia seeds to your diet adds beneficial fibre that supports digestion while staying low-carb.

Essential Keto Products for a Healthier Lifestyle

Having the right products can make all the difference on your keto journey. Here are a few recommendations from our product range:

• Chia Seeds: To boost your omega-3 intake, use chia seeds in smoothies, keto puddings, or salads. To make a chia pudding, combine chia seeds with any milk (plant-based or animal-derived) and let it sit in the fridge overnight. For a salad, sprinkle a tablespoon of chia seeds over your favourite greens.
• Cacao Nibs: Perfect for low-carb desserts or a snack straight out of the bag for that chocolate fix.
• Ginger Tea: Ideal for maintaining hydration while soothing any early digestive discomfort that can arise from dietary changes.
• Chamomile Tea: A calming herbal tea that can help with relaxation and sleep, especially during the adaptation phase of keto.

Is Keto Proven or a Fad?

The keto diet is more than a fad; it's a proven lifestyle change that can offer long-term health benefits. By understanding that carbohydrates are not essential and making use of delicious keto-friendly snacks like chia seeds, cacao nibs, and herbal teas, you can make the transition to this diet smoother and more enjoyable.