Many people do lose an impressive amount of weight on the keto diet, but that doesn't necessarily mean this low-carb, high-fat plan is a good choice. The keto diet allows for so few carbs that grains are essentially off-limits, and even your options for fruit and vegetables are limited. "Cutting out carbohydrates can lead to a quick initial weight loss due to using up your body's glycogen stores, but ultimately, the only way to lose weight is to consume fewer calories than you burn," Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, founder of NutritionStarringYOU and author of The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club, told POPSUGAR.
While there's evidence that a ketogenic diet can be beneficial in manageing some illnesses, such as epilepsy in children, "there is no scientific evidence on the long-term effects for weight loss," Lauren explained. And, given its restrictive nature and the toll it can ptake on your cholesterol and heart health, your efforts are better spent elsewhere. If you're dead set on giving keto a try, Lauren recommends working with a registered dietitian to figure out the best plan for you.