Last week we discussed the advantages of the Mediterranean diet. This week we discussed two more types of diets, namely the Low-Carbohydrate diet and the Ketogenic diet.
Low carbohydrate and Ketogenic diets can be very similar. The difference is that with a ketogenic diet you reduce carbohydrates to a degree that your body starts to make ketones instead of glucose for fuel. Keeping your body in ketosis can be quite tricky and eating even the smallest amount of carbohydrates can bring you out of ketosis immediately.
Low Carbohydrate diet
The focus of the low-carbohydrate diet is reduced carbs, with consumption of higher amounts of proteins and fats.
This way of eating can be helpful to improve blood sugar control, reduce insulin spikes and to reduce cravings, but it can be socially restrictive.
It can be effective for weight loss, but it can be deficient in fibre and micronutrients.
Ketogenic (Keto) diet
This way of eating comprises high fats, high proteins and very low carbohydrates.
It can cause rapid weight loss for some people, and it is also good for stabilizing blood sugar. It can be used to improve certain neurological conditions, like epilepsy.
This is not ideal as a long-term eating plan and some people can experience “keto flu” when they start eating this way. It’s also not ideal for everyone because it can put stress on the adrenal glands if it is not well managed.
This diet is best for a short-term metabolic reset, and for therapeutic use.
It is important to remember that fats are not the enemy. Healthy fats are vital for our brains and cell membranes. What we should be afraid of is refined or processed carbohydrates. These combined with unhealthy fats are where the problem comes in.
Next week we will discuss the Paleo and Plant-based diets.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 26 February 2026 to learn more. Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am.