Promising rapid weight loss and numerous health benefits, it has captured the attention of fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike. But what exactly is the Keto Diet, and how does it fit into Filipino cuisine?

What exactly is a Keto diet?

Short for “ketogenic”, Keto is a low-carb but high fat diet. This is designed to shift your body’s metabolism into a state called ketosis. In ketosis, your body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, leading to weight loss and various health benefits.

Who is it recommended for?

If you’re also looking into managing certain medical conditions like epilepsy, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, Keto diet may be for you. It has shown promising results in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing blood sugar levels, and aiding in weight loss. Some Belo babies who have tried this diet include Anne Curtis, Rhian Ramos and Billy Crawford. However, those interested to try it out must know that the risks involved. These include getting low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deciencies and an increased risk of heart disease. It is still best to consult your doctor or dietitian regarding this!

What are keto-friendly Filipino foods?

For those who are looking to embark on the Keto journey while still enjoying the flavours of Filipino cuisine, there are plenty of delicious options available!

• Lechon Kawali: This crispy, succulent pork belly dish is a Filipino favorite. It also happens to be perfect for the Keto Diet. High in fat and protein, it’s a delicious indulgence that won’t kick you out of ketosis.
• Sinigang na Baboy (Pork Sinigang): A comforting and tangy Filipino soup made with pork, vegetables, and tamarind broth. With its low-carb content and high nutrient density, it’s an ideal choice for Keto followers.
• Chicken Adobo: A quintessential Filipino dish made with chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. It’s rich in flavor, low in carbs, and high in healthy fats, making it a perfect fit for the Keto lifestyle.
• Laing: This Bicolano dish features taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and spices. It’s naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it a great addition to a Keto meal plan.
• Kinilaw: A Filipino ceviche-style dish made with raw fish marinated in vinegar, citrus juices, and spices. It’s low in carbs and packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a refreshing Keto-friendly option.

What foods should I avoid?

While there are plenty of Keto-friendly options in Filipino cuisine, there are also some foods to steer clear of:

• Rice: A staple in Filipino meals, rice is high in carbohydrates and can sabotage your Keto goals.
• Sugar-laden Desserts: Traditional Filipino desserts like halo-halo, biko and bibingka are loaded with sugar and are not suitable for the Keto Diet.
• Starchy Vegetables: Vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes are high in carbs and should be avoided on a Keto Diet.
• Pandesal: A popular Filipino bread roll often eaten for breakfast or snacks! It’s made with flour, sugar, yeast, and sometimes milk, making it high in carbs and not suitable for a keto diet.
• Pancit: The rice noodles contain a high amount of carbs, making pancit incompatible with a keto diet.

These traditional Filipino foods are delicious and deeply ingrained in the culture but may not align with the principles of a keto diet due to their high carbohydrate content. However, there are ways to modify some of these dishes to make them more keto-friendly, such as using cauliflower rice instead of white rice or using low-carb substitutes for flour and sugar in desserts. Again, best to consult your doctor on this!

How Belo can help

If you’re looking into sculpting your body along with your Keto diet, non-invasive procedures such as Emsculpt NEO, iWave, Onda Coolwaves, Exilis and V-Contour Ultra can help with that. “Belo procedures can be combined with lifestyle modification, exercise and diet improvement,” says Dr. Jacqueline Luna, Deputy Medical Director of Belo Medical Group.

If you’re looking into surgical procedures such as 360° Liposuction, it cannot prevent obesity nor stop weight gain. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, complete with a balanced diet and regular exercise, plays a vital role in weight management.

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Please note that it’s still important to consult with your Belo doctor on the services that will best match your needs. Treatments are not a one size fits all, so a doctor will be able to properly assess the best procedures based on your health concerns and goals.