Navigating health and wellness and finding the perfect balance can be a difficult but rewarding journey, especially for those conscious of their overall health.
Often, the best way to optimize your health is to combine a few different techniques that help you feel like your best self.
In this article, we’re exploring what happens when intermittent fasting and keto work together and some of the best foods you can eat while doing both (spoiler alert–macadamia nuts will be front and center!)
Let’s jump in!
Understanding Keto and Intermittent Fasting
Let’s start with the basics.
What is keto?
Keto, short for ketogenic, is a high-fat, low-to-moderate protein, and very low-carbohydrate diet that encourages the body to enter a metabolic state of ketosis, where your body burns fat rather than carbohydrates for energy. Studies suggest that a keto diet may increase fullness and decrease hunger.
Then, of course, there is the keto 2.0 diet, where you can consume a few more carbohydrates (20%) and less fat (50%), but carbs are still very limited. Both versions require foods that can fuel your body throughout the day and keep you full longer.
What is intermittent fasting?
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between set periods of eating and fasting. Research suggests that fasting can promote various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving metabolic health. There are several different ways to practice intermittent fasting, but some of the most common schedules include 16:8, 14:10, and 12:12. These ratios refer to the duration of fasting (e.g., 16 hours) followed by an eating window (e.g., 8 hours), allowing you to tailor your approach based on your preferences and goals.
Where keto focuses on what to eat, intermittent fasting focuses on when to eat. Now let’s see how they can work together.
The Synergy of Keto and Intermittent Fasting
The combination of keto and intermittent fasting may offer a holistic approach to wellness and weight management. Intermittent fasting promotes a metabolic state that supports weight loss, while keto encourages the body to burn fat for fuel.
For those conscious of their well-being, the combination of keto and intermittent fasting may amplify your wellness results while offering a comprehensive solution that can support your overall health when part of a well-balanced diet and lifestyle.
When it comes to keto, it’s all about choosing the right fats. Intermittent fasting (or any diet for that matter) won’t offer as many benefits if you break your fast with unhealthy saturated or trans fats.
Now, let’s review some of the key foods that align with a “clean” keto lifestyle and that will keep you fuller longer during your intermittent fasting–starting with our personal favorite, macadamia nuts!
Macadamia Nuts: A Keto-Friendly Superfood
Enter the unsung hero of this dietary symphony – macadamia nuts. These delectable nuts not only add a satisfying crunch to your meals but also play a crucial role in supporting your keto and intermittent fasting journey.
Macadamia nuts are naturally low in carbohydrates and packed with ‘good fats’ and essential vitamins that fit perfectly into a keto diet. Plus, whether you sprinkle them on a salad or enjoy them as a snack, eating macadamia nuts before and after fasting will give your body a healthier source of energy that will keep you feeling fuller longer during your fasting hours.
This will also help you avoid the common energy crashes some people face during fasting periods. So while you’re planning your next fast, remember that macadamia nuts are your secret weapon in your arsenal for clean and holistic health!
Other Keto-Friendly Foods Wholefoods
While macadamia nuts take center stage, it is important to include a variety of foods to achieve a well-rounded approach to a keto and intermittent fasting diet Explore options that ensure your body receives a diverse range of nutrients.
Here are several options that help you maintain a clean keto while intermittent fasting:
- Avocados
- Fatty fish
- Low-carb vegetables: asparagus, spinach, and cabbage
- Eggs
- Healthy oils: macadamia nut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, butter and ghee
- Berries
- Nuts: macadamia nuts, pecans, and Brazil nuts
- Dark chocolate
- Seeds: pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds
Eating these types of whole foods not only enhances the effectiveness of your dietary choices but also keeps your taste buds excited!
Nourishing Your Body
Remember, no matter what your keto and intermittent fasting journey looks like, it’s not just about what you eat. It’s about nourishing your body in a holistic way that makes you feel good and supports your success.
Paying attention to specific nutrients becomes paramount. Whether it’s supporting bone health with calcium-rich foods or incorporating antioxidant-packed berries, nourishment plays a key role in the success of your keto and intermittent fasting journey.
The key to optimum health will always be finding a happy medium between a well-balanced diet and an active lifestyle. And don’t forget to have some fun along the way! The most effective diets are the ones that keep you engaged with foods that you love and are also good for you.
Take Your Wellness Journey to The Next Level!
If you’re combining keto and intermittent fasting, the inclusion of macadamia nuts is a great way to fuel your body with healthy fats. No matter what your journey looks like, remember that it’s about more than a “diet. It’s about creating a lifestyle of wellness that nourishes your body and empowers you to take charge of your well-being.
Before embarking on either diet, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if you are an ideal candidate for certain lifestyle diets, and they can help monitor your health along the way to ensure you’re taking the right steps.
So, move forward with confidence, knowing that every choice you make contributes to a healthier and happier you.
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