The ketogenic diet, or keto diet for short, is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. Its main principle is to drastically reduce carbohydrate intake and replace it with fat, forcing the body into a state called ketosis. In this state, the body starts utilising fat as its primary energy source instead of carbohydrates.

When carbohydrates are limited, the body starts breaking down stored fat into molecules called ketones, which are then used for fuel. This metabolic process can lead to weight loss as the body burns its fat stores.

Research suggests that the keto diet may help with weight loss, as it can decrease appetite, increase satiety, and enhance fat burning. However, its effectiveness may vary for individuals, and long-term adherence can be challenging. Read on as we share tips to keep in mind when following the keto diet and who should and shouldn’t follow it.

1. Understand the basics

Familiarise yourself with the fundamental principles of the keto diet, which involves reducing your carbohydrate intake and increasing your fat consumption.

2. Calculate your macronutrient ratios

Determine the appropriate macronutrient ratios for your specific needs. This typically entails consuming around 70-75% of your calories from fat, 20-25% from protein, and 5-10% from carbs.

3. Choose healthy fats

Opt for healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and coconut oil. Avoid trans fats and heavily processed oils.

4. Focus on quality proteins

Aim for high-quality proteins such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and plant-based sources like tofu and tempeh.

5. Monitor carb intake

Strictly limit your daily carbohydrate intake to approximately 20-50 grams to maintain ketosis. Focus on consuming low-carb vegetables and fruits.

6. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support digestion, metabolism, and overall health.

7. Include fibre

Incorporate fibre-rich foods like vegetables, berries, chia seeds, and flaxseed to maintain regular bowel movements and promote gut health.

8. Be mindful of hidden carbohydrates

Many packaged foods may contain hidden carbs, so read labels carefully to avoid accidentally exceeding your daily carb limit.

9. Stay consistent

Adhering to the keto diet consistently is crucial for achieving and maintaining ketosis. Avoid cheating or straying too far from your meal plan.

The ketogenic diet may not be suitable for everyone, and it is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet or lifestyle change. However, there are a few situations where it is generally not recommended to follow a ketogenic diet.

A ketogenic diet can put stress on the pancreas, potentially exacerbating pancreatitis symptoms and leading to further complications.If someone has an underlying liver condition, such as liver disease, the ketogenic diet may not be suitable.If someone has a history of gallstones or gallbladder disease, they may need to consider alternative dietary options.The ketogenic diet can alter nutrient availability and hormone levels, which may not be ideal for pregnant or breastfeeding women who require a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet.

Ultimately, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to determine if the ketogenic diet is suitable for individual circumstances and goals.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Karnataka Minister MB Patil on Friday said there are demands to rename Vijayapura district after 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara (Basavanna), and added that there is nothing wrong in renaming the entire state of Karnataka as ‘Basava Nadu’ (land of Basava).

The remarks of the state’s Large and Medium Industries Minister came days after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s proposal to rename Ramanagara district as ‘Bengaluru South’.

“During the ‘Hoysala’ period, the region was known as Vijayapura, later under Adil Shahi dynasty’s rule, it became Bijapur. The name was changed back to Vijayapura. Now, many people have demanded that it be renamed as Basaveshwara district. It is natural as this district is the birthplace of Basavanna, and there is nothing wrong in it,” Mr Patil, who represents the Bableshwar constituency in Vijayapura district, said. 

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “There are some technical issues though. Bijapur became Vijayapura, and if it has to become Basaveshwara, there will be some inconvenience, as a change in nomenclature will have to be done in a lot of places. There are such concerns raised. I will discuss with the chief minister and after considering pros and cons, we will decide.” 

With the union government giving its approval to change the names of 12 cities in Karnataka, including its capital from Bangalore to Bengaluru in 2014, Bijapur came to be known as Vijayapura.

Responding to a question regarding his opinion about renaming Karnataka as ‘Basava Nadu’, Mr Patil said, “It’s natural, what’s wrong in it? It was Basavanna who gave ‘Anubhava Mantapa’, the first Parliament of the world. He gave the social concept. We keep saying that our land should become ‘Basava Nadu’ and that we must embrace ‘Basava Samskruti’.”

He said there are also demands to declare Basavanna as Karnataka’s cultural icon or leader. 

“There are also demands to name the entire metro rail network (in Bengaluru) after Basaveshwara. Similarly, the Vijayapura airport must be named after him. Will discuss with the chief minister and take an appropriate decision.” 

One of Karnataka’s politically dominant communities – the Lingayats – which is said to constitute about 17 per cent of the state’s population, finds its origins with Basavanna. Though the community is spread across the state, it is predominant in the North Karnataka region. Mr Patil belongs to this community. 

Tokyo-based start-up Tsubame Industries has developed a 4.5-metre-tall (14.8-feet), four-wheeled robot that looks like “Mobile Suit Gundam” from the wildly popular Japanese animation series, and it can be yours for $3 million.

Called ARCHAX after the avian dinosaur archaeopteryx, the robot has cockpit monitors that receive images from cameras hooked up to the exterior so that the pilot can manoeuvre the arms and hands with joysticks from inside its torso.

The 3.5-ton robot, which will be unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show later this month, has two modes: the upright ‘robot mode’ and a ‘vehicle mode’ in which it can travel up to 10 km (6 miles) per hour.

“Japan is very good at animation, games, robots and automobiles so I thought it would be great if I could create a product that compressed all these elements into one,” said Ryo Yoshida, the 25-year-old chief executive of Tsubame Industries.

“I wanted to create something that says, ‘This is Japan’.”

Yoshida plans to build and sell five of the machines for the well-heeled robot fan, but hopes the robot could one day be used for disaster relief or in the space industry.

Yoshida became interested in manufacturing at an early age, learning how to weld at his grandfather’s ironworks and then going on to found a company that produces myoelectric prosthetic hands. He said he is eager to keep Japan’s competitive edge in manufacturing alive.

“I hope to learn from previous generations and carry on the tradition,” he said.