Salad Pizza on a Cauliflower Crust is a low-carb combo of keto-friendly vegetables.
(Updated January 10 / 2021)
If you have been following a healthy menu (like the one outlined in my Hot Detox Plan), and still feel like you need help with your health issues, you may want to explore the immune-balancing effects of a lower carb/higher fat menu called the ketogenic diet. It is incredibly beneficial for people who suffer from autoimmune and neurological conditions, and is even being researched for its ability to prevent cancer. However, the keto plan is not for the faint of heart because it requires the complete avoidance of fruit, starchy vegetables, and all grains. Yet for some people the flavour sacrifice is worth the effort. Here are the pros of this regimen:
Is it possible to have a diet that can curb appetite? Yes, it is. The ketogenic diet has been shown in studies to reduce appetite. Many factors play a role in its hunger-suppressing effect, from greater satiety to hormonal alterations. A low carbohydrate ketogenic diet tends to be more filling because of its higher protein and fat content, leading to better satiety and fewer food cravings, resulting in a lower total caloric intake. In addition, a ketogenic diet tends to increase ketone levels in the body, which then suppresses ghrelin (a potent stimulator of appetite).[1]
When it comes to excess body fat, there is one area where it is especially risky – around the abdomen. Abdominal fat is a strong risk factor for heart disease and diabetes, which is why it is important to maintain a healthy waist-to-hip ratio. The ketogenic diet can help with that. When compared to other diets (low fat diets for instance), the ketogenic diet has a distinct advantage for weight loss, total fat loss, and most importantly, total abdominal fat loss. Although this effect was shown to be more significant in men, it can still offer some benefits for women.[2]
It is well known that the ketogenic diet is clinically useful in seizure disorders, and is also potentially favorable for other neurological conditions and mood disorders. This is still in the very early stages of research, but animal studies and/or small clinical studies have found it to be beneficial as an adjunctive therapy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and migraines. Mood stabilizing properties have been hypothesized and shown in animal studies, and the ketogenic diet is presently being studied in humans at the University of Tampa in Florida.[3][4]
Evidence shows that a ketogenic diet leads to greater improvements of HgA1c, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and weight loss than a diet that is high on the glycemic index.[5] Ketogenic diets stabilize blood glucose levels, leading to fewer cravings and an improvement in energy. In addition, there is greater improvement of insulin sensitivity and greater weight loss as compared to other diets.[6]
Evidence of the ketogenic diet’s effect on athletic performance, muscle growth, and strength is mixed. One study has demonstrated that this diet does increase blood antioxidative capacity and reduce total oxidative stress in athletes. Though the research on whether it can offer some benefit when it comes to athletic performance is inconclusive, for the most part it does not seem to negatively impact athletic performance. Ketogenic diets result in adaptations leading to high rates of fat oxidation, however.
And following the diet has shown promise for free divers aiming to extend bottom times, and all athletes could benefit from additional ketones.[7][8]
If the keto lifestyle has so many benefits, why aren’t more people trying it? Some drawbacks:
My advice is to try a fat-fueled, slow carb program to start, and if you feel great, proceed to jump further into the benefits of ketones! Many people are exploring the use of extra therapeutic ketones that allow a person to use both carbs and ketones as fuel. Therapeutic ketones can provide the body with a secondary fuel source that allows for greater energy and performance without a harsh restriction in carbohydrates.
For those who need extra help with getting into a ketogenic state, consider reaching out to my husband Alan at thinkersmith@gmail.com for more details on the use of exogenous ketones (he has a neuroscience degree from McGill University). Even if you don’t want to try the diet, the use of this ketone supplements can greatly increase the level of ketones in your bloodstream, which your body uses for powering up its vital organs.
Here are some great recipes for you to try that are low carb and keto friendly:
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With a flavour best described as green onion with a strong garlic smell, leeks are used in many recipes such as soup and egg dishes. Enjoy the leek greens in this dish as they are low in carbs and high in fibre. Slice thin to ensure they cook well in this easy one pot meal. With olives, pesto, and egg yolks, this dish is rich in lipids that fuel ketone production.
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Cauliflower is a good source of vitamin B complex, C, and fibre, all of which are great for detoxification. Cauliflower replaces the flour in this recipe. (Makes 2 pizzas.)
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Here’s a pesto that will please your taste buds while it crushes your cravings!
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This recipe is from my dear friend Marni Wasserman, the culinary nutritionist who co-hosts the Ultimate Health Podcast and is the author of Fermenting for Dummies. (www.marniwasserman.com) We both agree that kimchi is better when made with ginger instead of chilli pepper. (Makes 4 cups.)
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Succulent and tender asparagus is one of the most detoxifying items in the produce aisle. Eat it raw when you’re feeling bloated – it’s a natural diuretic. Asparagus is high in both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients. It contains vitamins C and E; beta-carotene; the minerals zinc, manganese, chromium and selenium; and the amino acid asparagine, which helps insulin transport glucose into cells to be used as fuel. (Makes 8 servings.)
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Skordalia is a lemony dip from Greece that I find truly addictive. Normally made with insulin-spiking potato, this artichoke version will cleanse your liver while making all the food you eat with it taste sweeter. Artichokes can relieve the pain and discomfort associated with indigestion, acid reflux, bloating, lack of appetite, nausea, and mild diarrhea or constipation. Artichokes are also rich in fibre that breaks down into short chain fatty acids to boost ketones! (Makes 2 cups.)
In a food processor, blend the artichokes, cashews, lemon juice, hemp hearts, garlic and salt. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil and parsley, processing until smooth.
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and oregano.
(Tip: The leaves of the artichokes should be very soft; otherwise, the dip may be slightly stringy. If you only have stiff artichoke leaves, separate them from the bottoms (the hearts), and save them for stir-fries. Just remember to buy two jars of artichokes! Look for artichoke hearts that are water-packed and in glass.)
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When on a keto diet, keep this pie on hand in case of cravings. You’ll wish you could turn back time with the last bite of this pie – proof that nutritious food can taste good. Avocados are packed with vitamin B6, which supports the liver in metabolizing and balancing certain hormones such as estrogen. It’s the perfect non-chocolate rescue for PMS. The lime juice helps protect the avocado flesh from oxidizing (darkening). (Makes 8 servings.)
References:
[1] Sumithran P., Prendergast L., Delbridge E., Purcell K., Shulkes A., Kriketos A., Poietto J. “Ketosis and appetite-mediating nutrients and hormones after weight loss”. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2013); 67: 759-764.
[2] Volek J., Sharman M., Gomez A., Judelson D., Rubin M., Watson G., Sokmen B., Silvestre R., French D., Kraemer W. “Comparison of energy-restricted very low-carb and low-fat diets on weight loss and body composition in overweight men and women”. Nutrition and Metabolism. (2004); 1: 1-13. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC538279/
[3] McClernon F., Yancy W., Eberstein J. Atkins R., Westman E. “The effects of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet and a low-fat diet on mood, hunger, and other self-reported symptoms”. Obesity. (2007); 15: 182-187. https://tinyurl.com/y92nlzoe
[4] Stafstrom C., Rho J. “The ketogenic diet as a treatment paradigm for diverse neurological disorders”. Frontiers in Pharmacology. (2012); 3: 1-8. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3321471/
[5] Samaha F., Iqbal N., Seshadri P., Chicano K. “A low-carbohydrate as compared with a low-fat diet in severe obesity”. The New England Journal of Medicine. (2003); 348: 2074-2081.
[6] Westman E., Yancy W., Mavropoulos J., Marquat M., McDuffie J. “The effect of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet versus a low-glycemic index diet on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus”. Nutr Metab (2005); 5: 1-9. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2633336/
[7] Paoli A., Grimaldi K., D’Agostino D., Cenci L., Moro T., Bianco A., Palma A. “Ketogenic diet does not affect strength performance in elite artistic gymnasts”. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. (2012); 9: 1-9. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22835211
[8] Rhyu H. Cho S., Roh H. “The effects of ketogenic diet on oxidative stress and antioxidative capacity markers of Taekwondo athletes”. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation. (2014); 10: 362-366. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4294438/
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I love the idea of this! Especially for my whole family. Although I don’t need to loose weight, I do believe nutrition can always be tweaked to do better. However, I don’t eat any meat except for fish. Is there a way to make your meal plan work for a person like myself?
https://ketodietmealplan.net/