The keto diet is one of the biggest diet trends?thanks in part to celebrity proponents like Halle Berry, Gwyneth Paltrow, LeBron James, and Kourtney Kardashian. High in fat and extremely low in carbs, the diet promises rapid weight loss, improved mental acuity, and heart health.
While it?s not surprising to see adults going on fad diets?especially to conquer new year?s resolutions?some parents are turning the keto diet into a family affair. There are cookbooks, blogs, and even Facebook pages devoted to raising what the industry calls ?keto kids.? But should children be put on such a restrictive diet"
What is the keto diet"
The ketogenic diet (keto for short) is designed to drive the body into ketosis, a metabolic state where fat is burned for energy instead of carbs. It requires you to eat foods that are high in fat, while consuming next to no carbohydrates. When carbohydrates are in short supply, the liver converts fat into molecules called ketones, which are used as an alternative energy source. What can you eat on the keto diet"
Because keto is so restrictive, it?s more about what you can?t eat. Grains, sugar, fruit, and starchy vegetables are basically off the table. On keto, only 5 to 10 percent of your diet can come from carbohydrates. For a 1,500-calorie diet?which is the typical caloric intake for kids ages four to 12?that?s about 20 to 40 grams. (A medium banana has 27 grams.)
Unlike other low-carb diets like the Paleo Diet or the Atkins Diet, the ke...