When it comes to recent diet trends, there are some buzz words floating around the wellness world. Optimal nutrition means putting some care and consciousness into what you consume. Turning to real, whole foods, while avoiding the processed, sugary options is a shift you can make to improve your nutrition. When it comes to eating for optimal metabolic health and fat loss (should that be one of your goals), there might be more to it than that. Thankfully, the archaic model of calories in – calories out is being crowded out by more scientifically sound schools of thought. Given that our bodies are more like chemistry labs than calculators, paying attention to macronutrients can help with blood sugar balance and all of the benefits that come with it.
To get some clarity on the difference between eating low carb, carb cycling and how this differs from the ketogenic diet, I reached out to Amanda Nighbert, a registered dietician who specializes in metabolic health. She runs her popular LEAN Program (Living Energized and Nourished), who helps participants along their nutrition journey while navigating their individual lives.
Basically there is a difference, and while keto can be a great tool for people struggling with metabolic issues (insulin resistance, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes), it can be difficult to sustain for the rest of us. Instead she advises eating whole real foods, consuming primarily vegetables (50-75% of your meal!) and managing your macros (protein and fat are important!). Click below to watch/listen to our full conversation, and check out her website and Instagram for more information!