The Ketogenic Kitchen
The Ketogenic Kitchen……..the clue is in the name – mostly. Because this is a book of two halves. Ketogenic refers to the diet/regime/metabolic therapy of the same name. It’s an approach that’s been around since the 1920s, and thanks to committed researchers and compelling evidence – some still emerging – showing its very real health benefits, it is now gaining traction around the world.
The Ketogenic Diet
High in fat but with almost zero carbohydrates, the ketogenic diet switches the body from burning carbs to burning fat. As The Ketogenic Kitchen shows, the effects of this change in our body’s metabolism can be extraordinarily beneficial, not just for cancer but also for myriad other illnesses including Type 2 diabetes and neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis.
But moving to a diet that is even moderately low in carbs can be tough, especially if you are used to a certain way of eating and cooking. And unless you are well prepared, moving to a fully ketogenic diet can be daunting for some. Which is exactly why we decided to join forces and write this book; it’s our way of sharing not just what we know, but what we know to be effective – in other words, it works, though we would always say there is no single diet that suits everyone; one size fits all is not an approach we would advocate.
A Book of Two Halves
Based on the remarkable progress she made as a result of adopting a ketogenic diet while undergoing treatment for eye cancer, the recipes in Patricia’s half of the book are all ketogenic, with useful meal plans and clever ways to use leftovers so you don’t waste valuable food or time.
Domini’s recipes are not fully ketogenic but low-carb – perfect for those seeking to ‘gear up’ slowly for the full ‘keto’ lifestyle, or simply to enjoy the many health benefits of a low-carb, medium-fat diet.
The low- or no-carb approach
So, why take a ketogenic approach or even a low-carb one? This is where the science comes in, and the book has its fair share of science, not because the kitchen should be a laboratory – though it can and it’s fun too when you have the time – but because it’s really, really interesting. And relevant.
And here’s why. A growing body of compelling evidence – including some very recent studies – has shown that we need to revise the traditional food pyramid and, particularly if we’re poorly, move away from a diet high in carbohydrates, particularly highly processed or refined carbs. It’s also showing that for our bodies and brains to be really healthy into the long term, we need fat, and much more of it – and of a far greater variety – than we’re used to.
The Ketogenic Kitchen sets out the case for eating in this way, looking in detail at the effects on our health of following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. It’s our small contribution to the substantial arsenal already available to those trying to find the best way for them to manage and treat cancer and other illnesses. Or simply to live as well as you can.
And while we hope you enjoy the book, more than anything we hope the information it contains will help you to feel, even in some small way, more hopeful and confident when it comes to your own health.
