Keto and Protein.....

     We enjoyed some beautiful weather this week. It helped us get started on some painting we've needed to do for a while. I'm happy I saved the color formula for the house and the deck. It makes it so much easier to touch up when the paint matches. The job is complete and looks great. Steve replaced the light fixtures on both decks and the front porch, so everything looks new. Hopefully, we'll have time to play golf next week.  Last night, we enjoyed a lovely meal in a downtown Vancouver restaurant with our friends from White Rock, BC.  It was a five-course meal with many options, so I maintained my keto.  Despite our meals out, We're continuing our healthy eating with a focus on building and maintaining muscles. That's why I've added protein powder to our statin smoothie. It's a good addition because it can help with muscle growth and repair while promoting weight loss. Protein is also essential for preventing muscle loss, controlling blood sugar levels, and reducing cravings for high-carb foods. If using a whey protein isolate, it's completely compatible with the keto diet because whey protein is low in lactose and fat.  The ketogenic diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat, and moderate protein diet.  When the body reaches a metabolic state called "ketosis," it burns fat for energy. It's linked to benefits including weight loss, reduced blood sugar levels, heart disease risk prevention, and diabetes management. In 1920, children with epilepsy who were not responding to medications were placed on keto, and it helped. I discovered it helps me from experiencing auras. Recently, it's been tested and used for cancer, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease.  People not following a ketogenic diet consume upwards of 225-325 grams of carbohydrates in their regular diet.  I use the recommended fewer than 50 grams per day. The general breakdown of calories per day on a ketogenic diet is as follows: 70-80% of calories from fat, 5-10% of calories from carbohydrates, and 10-20% from protein. The keto diet limits protein intake to a moderate amount, as too much protein can prevent ketosis.  Thus, protein powder is a great way to give your body the protein it needs on keto.  Whey protein powder contains fewer than 3 grams of carbs and is keto-compatible.  Next week, the focus is the main ingredient in my statin smoothie, spinach.  Till then!