Tim Noakes is one of the world’s major players in nutritional science, and it is his take on the ketogenic diet that has been garnering all the attention lately. Noakes is professor of exercise and sports science at the University of Cape Town. And, particularly in the past few years, he is clearly a true believer when it comes to the keto diet – he’s a self-professed high-fat, low-carb follower.
The Science Behind the Keto Diet
The ketogenic diet represents a high-fat, moderate-protein, very-low-carb dietary regimen with known medical benefits. By drastically restricting carbohydrate intake, the body is forced to switch fuel supply from glucose (from carbohydrates) to fat. When this switch occurs, a metabolic state called ketosis results. This state has been shown to elicit health-enhancing effects, such as weight reduction, improved glycemic control (blood sugar control), and better brain function.
Tim Noakes is an advocate of keto science and notes numerous studies that indicate the diet helps treat a range of metabolic health concerns. He has largely discussed the role of the fat-storing hormone insulin; because carbohydrates raise insulin levels, insulin resistance, which leads to weight gain and many other metabolic ailments, can be minimised on carb-depriving diets.
Another core concept of the keto diet is the associated promise of becoming more metabolically flexible – in other words, fine-tuning your body’s capacity to effortlessly switch between burning carbs for fuel or burning fats. Noakes believes that a ketogenic eating plan enhances the efficiency of such fuel switching, with multiple health benefits.
Debunking Common Myths About the Keto Diet
Despite its boom in popularity, there are countless myths and misconceptions that surround the keto diet. And to combat those, Noakes has emerged as a fierce debunker of the myths, often using scientific evidence and literally his own body as his laboratory. One such myth is that the keto diet is short term, that it’s an unsustainable alternative to a less calorie-dense diet. Noakes says that it is sustainable, that proper planning and execution makes the keto diet a healthy and long-term viable way of eating.
Another myth associated with the keto diet is that it’s high in bad fats, which can lead to heart disease. Noakes counters that by advocating for healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olive oil, and to avoid the trans fats in processed foods. He also cites research showing that the keto diet can improve markers of heart health, such as blood cholesterol levels.
Noakes says that the idea that the keto diet is only useful for weight loss is mistaken. ‘There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that keto can help with everything from mental performance and inflammation and all that to blood glucose control and all that.’ On a ketogenic eating plan, real whole foods will prevent some of the expected pitfalls of the more classic ‘eternal Christmas cake’ diet preferred by Palaeolithic enthusiasts.
Practical Tips for Following the Keto Diet
If you are venturesome and want to give the keto diet a whirl, Tim Noakes provides useful pointers and counsels on eating whole, nourishing foods – leafy greens, fatty fish, grass-fed meats – that decrease unhealthy chemicals and additives found in processed foods and sugars.
Noakes’s advice also stresses the need to remain hydrated and to get enough electrolytes. When moving into a ketogenic eating plan, the need for water and potassium-filled foods (including magnesium) will be especially important in the first weeks as the body transitions to new metabolic norms in order to reduce otherwise common symptoms such as headache and fatigue.
Here, Noakes also suggests tracking macros and monitoring ketones to ensure that you are in ketosis. Food journals, ketone strips or ketone meters allow individuals to adjust their diet to ensure adequate ketone levels and stay in ketosis to maximise the keto diet experience.
keto & acv
keto apple cider vinegar gummies shark tank
viaketo gummies chrissie swan
tamela mann keto gummies
the best keto gummies for weight loss