The “Veto” diet is a vegetarian and eco-responsible alternative to the ketogenic diet, well known as the “Keto” diet. In this article, I am going to talk to you about it, since everything indicates that it will be one of the trends during this next 2021.
Let’s start by defining the “Keto” diet
The principle of the “Keto” diet is to put the body in a metabolic state of ketosis. To achieve this, the person must follow a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat. By reducing the carbohydrate intake necessary for the body to function, the body takes advantage of carbohydrate stores stored in the muscles and liver called glycogen stores.
When glycogen stores are depleted, the body begins to use fat for energy. However, when the body uses fat in the absence of carbohydrates, it produces waste products called ketones or ketogenic bodies.
Ketones then begin to accumulate in the blood and their smell, similar to nail polish, becomes noticeable on the breath. This is the main indicator that the body is in a state of “ketosis.” It normally takes 2-4 weeks to reach this state.
Ketogenic diet characteristics
- 75% fat
- 20% protein
- 5% carbohydrates
The Veto diet
One of the biggest criticisms of the ketogenic diet is that it places too much emphasis on animal protein. For this reason, its vegetarian counterpart, the “Veto” diet, has emerged.
What is its principle? Exactly the same as the “Keto” diet, except that animal-based proteins are replaced by plant-based proteins. Eggs and dairy products remain the only animal source in the ‘Veto’ diet. Although it could also adapt to the vegan environment.
By adding tofu, tempeh, seitan, seaweed, hemp, and lupine flours, as well as oilseeds such as flax or chia seeds, a person can achieve the necessary amount of protein in their daily diet.
It is essential to know the nutritional values of cereals and legumes, as many of them are very rich in carbohydrates and therefore should be avoided. And it is important to favor plant sources of lipids such as avocado, coconut, olive, and certain oils.
Is it advisable to follow the Veto diet?
As in the case of the ketogenic diet, before adopting an eating style on our own and at risk, we should consult a specialist.
The controversy that revolves around the keto diet is great, what at first seemed to be the panacea in terms of health and weight loss, little by little studies are appearing that warn against how dangerous it is to eat a diet low in carbohydrates and the dangers it poses to health.
