This is a very commonly asked question: whether keto and exercise should be mixed to get the best results? There is no real right or wrong answer, but let’s go over the facts.

80% of weight loss takes place in the kitchen.

In other words, what you eat matters the most when talking about weight loss. 

The other 20% of weight loss is directly linked to how much you move your body. In other words, how fit you are matters, but how fit you are matters most to overall physical health. 

The synergy between being keto and being physically fit is a great place to be. Living a keto lifestyle and losing weight are great ways to reduce inflammation, which can lead to a variety of illnesses.

Reducing inflammation is an incredible side effect of keto living, of course along with weight loss! But improving your physical fitness obviously comes with it’s own benefits. We aren’t talking about “triathlon fit” here either (I mean, if that’s your thing that’s great) but I’m talking about getting outside more, taking up dance classes, joining a gym, taking up yoga… 

These are all great ways to feel really good about how your body is working for you, eating keto will just help you see and feel results you otherwise wouldn’t experience. 

Verdict: Exercise and Keto

Whether you should or shouldn’t exercise while keto should not really be the focus, it should be how you will incorporate both into your lifestyle until both become second nature. Let’s face it, going from the all American diet to keto is a huge adjustment. I’m sure many of you are here because you are now learning what healthy eating really means, so why stop there? 

Feeling great and looking better are the goals. When it comes to exercise and keto, why do one without the other? Like I had mentioned before, you can easily take on a big fitness goal, or a not so big fitness goal – but either way the results can be much bigger than you expected!

There are some things to consider though, the results you want should never come at the expense of hurting yourself: 

1. Listen to your body. If you are becoming dehydrated, over exerting yourself, or pushing yourself too hard – your body will say so. Pay attention and remember that if you are beginning a keto diet there will be an adjustment period where you may have less energy. This will correct itself over time!
2. Drink water, and include electrolytes. Keto living can dehydrate your body as it is, when you include or add exercise, becoming dehydrated should be something you prevent rather than react to. (here’s a blog on that)
3. Make sure you are getting enough protein. It can feel like a no-brainer that you would get enough protein on a keto diet, but that’s not always the case. On the other hand, too much protein can interfere with ketosis. Make sure you are counting macros and making adjustments where necessary. (Fat is the goal, but meeting macros are important across the board)

So, should you include exercise with keto? I believe there are more reasons to say yes to this one!

Amy XO

p.s. Make sure you’ve downloaded my Keto Guide to help YOU get started (or restart) on your Keto Journey