Say goodbye to sodas this summer: 5 refreshing keto drinks with the best seasonal flavours
Instead of sodas, rely on summer fruits and herbs to freshen you up, from tangy limes to calming cucumbers. There's no dearth of summer drinks that actually help you stay refreshed without spiking your sugar levels due to high sugar content.
ALSO READ: About to start keto diet? 5 important things you need to know for best results
Rahul Kamra, Keto Coach and Founder of Ketorets, shared these 5 cooling Keto summer drinks:
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
Can A Keto Diet Stop Panic Attacks, Mood Swings, Depression? We Asked Experts
Singer Neha Bhasin is known for her work in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil cinema, as well as independent music in Indian pop and Punjabi folk genres. She became an overnight sensation when she was selected by Coke [V] Popstars, a nationwide talent hunt conducted by Channel V. She was just 18 at the time. Now 42, Neha has grown up in the public eye and, like many celebrities, has faced constant scrutiny from the paparazzi, online trolls and the public. But things took a darker turn when she started struggling with anxiety, depression and severe panic attacks. She was eventually diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a debilitating form of PMS characterised by intense emotional and behavioural symptoms. Her struggle was compounded by PCOD, and at one point, she even attempted suicide. In a recent YouTube podcast with comedian Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa, Neha opened up about how a change in her diet played a transformative role in her recovery. "Keto has changed my life," she said, explaining how her anxiety and depression have almost completely disappeared and that her mood swings are now much more manageable. According to her, the keto diet, a low-carb, high-fat diet, changed not just her physical but also her mental health. But is that really possible? We asked experts. What Is The Keto Diet? Nidhi Sahai, Head of Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, explains that the keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat instead of glucose for fuel. "To do it properly, one must reduce carbohydrate intake to around 20-50 grams a day (that's even less than what you get from two wheat chapatis). The focus should be on consuming healthy fats like nuts, seeds and avocados, eating moderate amounts of protein, and completely avoiding sugar," she says. Kanikka Malhotra, Consultant Dietician and Diabetes Educator, agrees. She adds, "The keto diet shifts the body's metabolism from burning glucose to burning fat, which results in the production of ketones. A standard keto diet typically consists of 70-75% fat, 20-25% protein, and only 5-10% carbohydrates." She also shares tips for following keto safely: Base it on whole foods: healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts; moderate protein from eggs, poultry and fish; and low-carb vegetables such as leafy greens and broccoli. Avoid processed foods and prioritise nutrient-dense, minimally processed options. Gradually taper carb intake to ease the transition and supplement with adequate hydration and electrolytes to reduce side effects. Who Should And Should Not Try Keto Sahai says the keto diet can be beneficial for individuals struggling with obesity or Type 2 diabetes (under medical supervision), and for those with epilepsy. Malhotra adds that keto may aid in weight loss and improve glucose control. However, it's not suitable for everyone. "Keto should be avoided by individuals with liver failure, chronic kidney disease, Type 1 diabetes, eating disorders, or those on SGLT-2 inhibitors," Malhotra warns. It's also not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, people with osteoporosis, or those with severe digestive disorders like IBS, unless supervised by a qualified medical professional. Bottom line: Always consult a trained healthcare provider before starting keto, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. How Does Keto Affect Mental Health? Aayrin Memon, Nutritionist at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, believes that keto's impact goes well beyond the waistline. "Ketones serve as a stable, efficient source of energy for the brain, which may help reduce brain fog, fatigue, and even improve mood stability," he explains. Ongoing research is also investigating keto's potential to manage mental health conditions and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Malhotra concurs, noting that keto has attracted attention for its positive effects on mood and cognition. "By stabilising blood sugar, reducing neuroinflammation and supplying ketones as brain fuel, keto may help improve mental clarity, energy levels and overall mood," she says. She also points to early research and anecdotal evidence suggesting that a well-formulated keto diet may reduce symptoms, and sometimes even induce remission, in cases of depression and anxiety. This may be due to increased levels of GABA (a calming neurotransmitter) and improved mitochondrial function. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neha Bhasin (NB) (@nehabhasin4u) However, she cautions that the initial phase of keto, especially for those with pre-existing depression, can temporarily worsen symptoms like fatigue or irritability. "The restrictive nature of the diet can also lead to nutritional deficiencies or social withdrawal, which might aggravate mental health issues. Supervision is essential," Malhotra says. Sahai adds that ketones can reduce energy crashes and mood swings commonly associated with sugar spikes. "Keto also has anti-inflammatory properties which may support brain health," she says. Some studies even show improved neurotransmitter balance, particularly GABA and glutamate, both of which are key to mood regulation and focus. However, not everyone agrees. Ushakiran Sisodia, Chief Dietitian at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, cautions that more research is needed. "While ketones bypass the need for glucose and insulin in the brain, which can help in some cases, this could also lead to complications or mental disturbances in others. Keto therapy for mental health still remains a somewhat contradictory area," Sisodia warns. Despite the debate, all three experts agree on one point - keto must be done under professional guidance. If not followed correctly, or followed for too long, the diet can have unwanted side effects. The 'Keto Flu' And Other Side Effects One of the most common short-term effects initially of the keto diet is what's known as the "keto flu". "This can include irritability, headache, fatigue, nausea, constipation, dehydration and even bad breath," Malhotra explains. Memon and Sisodia list additional side effects: Lethargy, light-headedness, and headaches Mood swings, bad breath (halitosis) Muscle cramps, reduced stamina during workouts Fat-induced diarrhoea or constipation Risk of nutrient deficiencies without proper planning Possible muscle loss if not accompanied by resistance training Another concern is that the long-term effects of keto are still not fully understood, especially in the context of mental health. The Final Bite The keto diet - when done right and under expert supervision - can offer significant benefits for physical health, weight management, and potentially even mental well-being, as seen in Neha Bhasin's case. But that doesn't mean it's a one-size-fits-all solution or something you should start overnight. A drastic change in diet requires thoughtful planning, proper nutritional guidance and a full understanding of your body's needs and medical history. Keto might help you feel better, but only if done responsibly, and not just because it worked for someone else.
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Men lose more weight than women when on keto diet? Fitness coach shares the biological advantage men may have
Everyone's weight loss journey has a different pace, progressing in its own rhythm. Diet is one of the integral components of fitness, and it is commonly expected to deliver uniform results. However, the result actually depends on many factors, from the body's metabolism to gender. Keto is one of the diets people adopt for weight loss, but there may be a disparity in terms of weight loss results between men and women. Keto diet plans work differently in men and women because they have different biological metabolism. (Shutterstock) Rahul Kamra, keto coach and founder of Ketorets, shared in an interview with HT Lifestyle how the body's response to the diet may depend on the biological differences in men and women. Zooming in on the basics first, Rahul explained how the keto diet sees a shift in how the body fat is burned, changing the body's primary fuel source. He said, "The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carbohydrate nutritional approach that shifts the body into a state called ketosis, where fat becomes the primary fuel instead of glucose. Research suggests humans are naturally adapted to ketosis from birth, making it a biologically familiar state. Today, it's widely used not just for fat loss, but also as a metabolic therapy to address lifestyle-related disorders like insulin resistance, PCOS, and chronic inflammation.' ALSO READ: About to start keto diet? 5 important things you need to know for best results Do men lose more weight on keto? Men may seem to lose their waistline faster.(Shutterstock) So much hinges on the numbers on the weighing scale, and it may be particularly disheartening when men seem to see a drop more easily than women, even when following the same diet. But this comparison can be misleading, especially for women, as there's much more happening beneath the surface than just the numbers. Rahul Kamra pointed out, "Yes, men do lose more weight initially. But that number can be misleading if you're not looking deeper. For women, especially those on a ketogenic diet, the menstrual cycle introduces regular water retention, hormonal shifts, and bloating, often masking real progress. This results in temporary scale fluctuations that can hide inch loss and fat-burning improvements.' Why do men have the advantage? When results are seen in men, with weight dropping much faster, many may think it's due to discipline. While discipline is a non-negotiable essential in any weight loss journey, men may have a biological edge that helps them respond better to keto diet plans. Rahul added, "Men also carry a natural advantage when it comes to muscle mass. The male body is biologically wired to build and maintain muscle more easily, and since muscle burns more calories at rest, men often experience a higher resting metabolic rate. Their bodies become more efficient at using fat as fuel during keto adaptation.' So, what sets women's biology apart and makes their response to the keto diet slower than men? The answer lies in the muscle-to-fat ratio. The Keto Coach explained, 'Women, on the other hand, have a higher body fat percentage by design and a different muscle-to-fat ratio. This makes their metabolic response to ketogenic diets slightly slower, especially when protocols aren't tailored to female physiology. Progress for women may not always be dramatic on the weighing scale, but it often shows up in waist measurements, mood, energy, and sleep. That's a real transformation." Diets are not a template for a weight loss journey with the expectation of seeing similar results. Weight loss is a highly personalised process, and it needs to be tailored to the individual's body needs. Rahul noted, 'Keto success isn't about speed; it's about sustainability. Women with PCOS, thyroid disorders, or insulin resistance often require more nuanced plans. In the world of ketogenic transformations, numbers can lie, but the body doesn't. Both men and women stop comparing timelines and start honouring their unique biology. ' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Indian Express
02-06-2025
- Indian Express
Keto vs Mediterranean: Which diet works best for diabetes?
Keto vs Mediterranean basics Keto is high-fat and very low-carb, promoting ketosis. The Mediterranean diet includes whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins with a balanced approach to nutrition. Source: Canva
