Admin Everything you need to know about how to get off keto and reintroduce carbs into your diet.
So you tried the ketogenic diet, the super-popular low-carb, high-fat eating style. By focusing on high-fat foods, this type of diet puts your body into a state of ketosis, using fat for energy instead of carbs. For many people, this switch results in weight loss, but most don’t (or shouldn’t) stick with the keto diet long-term unless they’re on it for a medical reason. Here’s why, plus how to get off keto safely if you’re considering doing it.
Why Do People Stop Keto Diet?
“Life usually ends up getting in the way,” says Shoshana Pritzker, R.D., C.D.N., C.S.S.D., a sports nutritionist and registered dietitian. For most people, how long you can stay on keto is however long you can say “no” to typical social munchies and drinks, she adds. Sometimes, you just want to be able to let loose and eat some processed carbs, right?
Plus, there may be health implications to consider. “We’re really not sure what kind of health complications may arise from a long-term state of ketosis (i.e., years and years) if any,” says Pritzker. And it’s not just that. “One reason a person may want to stop keto dieting is if their lipid panel worsens,” notes Haley Hughes, R.D. “If a person who is at a high risk for heart disease is eating increased amounts of saturated fat and sources of cholesterol while consuming less fiber from whole grains, beans, fruits, and starchy vegetables, they may see increased cholesterol levels.” There are also special concerns for those with type 1 diabetes and people taking insulin, who might not be a good fit for long-term keto dieting, she says.
Lastly, the reason for getting off keto could be as simple as having reached your goal-weight loss, performance, or otherwise-and being ready to get back to eating carbs. Regardless of why you want to stop following the keto guidelines, there are some key things you’ll need to know ahead of time.
How to Stop Keto Diet the Right Way
Sadly, shocking your system by downing a few slices of pizza is *not* the right way to get off of keto. Instead, you’ll need to do a little mental prep work.
Have a plan
“One of the biggest problems with dieting altogether (whether keto or another diet) is that when you stop, what do you do next?” says Pritzker. “Most people just end up going back to the way they ate previously, which wasn’t working for them before, so why would it work now?” This is especially true if you went on keto for weight-loss purposes. “Your best bet is to have a plan as to what you’re going to eat and how you’re going to start incorporating carbs back into your diet.” If you’re not sure what your goals are now or how to accomplish those goals with your diet, check in with a dietitian.
Get familiar with portion sizes
“As with any strict diet, transitioning back into your normal eating style can be difficult,” says Keri Glassman, R.D., C.D.N., founder of Nutritious Life. “After restricting your carbs for so long, you’re more likely to overdo them once you allow yourself to have them again.” The first few times you eat carbs post-keto, look to see what one serving size is and stick to that.
Start with unprocessed carbs
Rather than going straight for pasta, doughnuts, and cupcakes, go for plant-based carbs when you first break up with keto. “I would reintroduce whole grains, beans, legumes, fruits, non-starchy vegetables first versus processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages,” says Hughes.
Go slow
“Try introducing carbs slowly and gradually,” advises Pritzker. This will help you avoid any G.I. distress (think: constipation) that could come along with reintroducing carbs. “Start with adding carbs in at one meal per day. Try this for a few weeks and see how your body responds. If things are going well, add carbs into another meal or snack.” Continue adding carbs one meal or snack at a time until you’re comfortable eating them throughout the day.
