Fat, protein and carbohydrates
Everything we eat consists of macronutrients: fat, protein and carbohydrates. In a ketogenic diet, it is the ratio between these three that determines whether the body goes into ketosis.
Fat – the main energy source
Fat is the dominant energy source in a ketogenic diet. One gram of fat provides approximately 9 kilocalories – more than twice as much as protein and carbohydrates. Fat sources can be butter, oil, cream, MCT oil, fatty fish, avocado and more.
Protein – the building blocks
Protein is necessary for growth, muscle maintenance and the body's building processes. One gram of protein provides approximately 4 kilocalories. With a therapeutic ketogenic diet, the protein amount is often moderate – enough for needs, but not so much that it disrupts ketosis.
Carbohydrates – the limited part
Carbohydrates are the part that is most strictly limited in a ketogenic diet. One gram of carbohydrate provides approximately 4 kilocalories. Even small amounts of extra carbohydrate can affect ketosis. Therefore, vegetables, dairy products and sauces must also be calculated carefully.