The Ketogenic Diet
A Complete Guide for the Dieter and Practitioner
First Edition
Softback: 8.5X11"
Number of pages: 323
Price: $49.95 +S/H
About the Book
Very low-carbohydrate (aka ketogenic) diets such as The Atkins Diet, Protein Power and The South Beach Diet have come and gone repeatedly over the years and there is currently great research and real-world interest in their effects. Unfortunately, altogether too much misinformation exists regarding them.
Folks who are pro-low-carbohydrate diets tend to present them as the quick and easy solution to everything including obesity. Easy weight loss without hunger or calorie counting is promised but never seems to pan out as well as we might hope.
At the other extreme are the anti-low-carbohydrate folks who tend to present low-carbohydrate diets as nothing short of a nutritional disaster being perpetrated by a bunch of con men.
The truth, of course lies somewhere in the middle. While low-carbohydrate diets aren’t for everyone and have their pros and cons, the research is clear: they have major benefits under certain circumstances and can be as healthy (and sometimes healthier) than ’standard’ carbohydrate based dieting.
The Ketogenic Diet is the first and only book to objectively examine in-depth the scientific evidence regarding low-carbohydrate/ketogenic diets. It is meant to be a reference manual for low-carbohydrate diets; it is unlike any other book on low-carbohydrate diets that you have ever read or seen.
Covering every topic in extreme detail, The Ketogenic Diet addresses everything from the basic physiology of how the body adapts to a low-carbohydrate intake, the details of human fuel utilization, the impact of low-carbohydrate diets on body composition and many, many more.
Of course, none of the above is useful without practical application guidelines. Details on how to optimize low-carbohydrate diets for different goals (such as fat loss, bodybuilding and endurance performance) are discussed along with three distinct types of low-carbohydrate diets. In addition, the book includes a complete discussion of resistance, aerobic and anaerobic exercise physiology along with specific training programs for different goals and different levels of trainee
At 325 pages and containing over 600 scientific references, this will be your complete reference for ketogenic diets.
Please note: this book does not include information on the ketogenic diet for adolescent epilepsy (the topic is discussed briefly). I highly suggest The Ketogenic Diet: A Treatment for Epilepsy, 3rd Edition (Paperback) by Freeman, Freeman and Kelly (link will take you to Amazon.com page).
Table of contents
Section I: Introduction
- 1. Introduction to the ketogenic diet
- 2. History of the ketogenic diet
Section II: The physiology of ketosis
- 3. Fuel utilization
- 4. Basic ketone body physiology
- 5. Adaptations to ketosis
- 6. Changes in body composition
- 7. Other effects of the ketogenic diet
Section III: The diets
- 8. Setting calorie levels
- 9. The standard ketogenic diet (SKD)
- 10. Carbs and the ketogenic diet
- 11. The targeted ketogenic diet (TKD)
- 12. The cyclical ketogenic diet (CKD)
Section IV: Other topics for the ketogenic diet
- 13. Breaking fat loss plateaus
- 14. Ending a ketogenic diet
- 15. Tools for the ketogenic diet
- 16. Final considerations
Section V: Exercise physiology
17. Muscular physiology and energy production
- 18. Aerobic exercise
- 19. Interval training
- 20. Weight training
- 21. The effect of exercise on ketosis
- 22. Exercise and fat loss
Section VI: Exercise guidelines
- 23. General exercise guidelines
- 24. Aerobic exercise
- 25. Interval training
- 26. Weight training
Section VII: Exercise programs
- 27. Beginner programs
- 28. Intermediate programs
- 29. The advanced CKD workout
- 30. Fat loss for pre-competition bodybuilders
Section VIII: Supplements
- 31. Supplements
Index
Excerpt
The following is from Chapter 11: The Targeted Ketogenic Diet (TKD)
Having examined glycogen levels and glycogen depletion in the last chapter, the details of the first ‘modified ketogenic diet’ can now be discussed. The targeted ketogenic diet (TKD) is nothing more than the standard ketogenic diet (SKD) with carbohydrates consumed at specific times around exercise. This means that the general guidelines for constructing a SKD in chapter 9 should be used with the exception that more carbohydrates are consumed on days when exercise is performed. If fat loss is the goal, the number of calories consumed as carbohydrates should be subtracted from total calories, meaning that less dietary fat is consumed on those days.
The TKD is based more on anecdotal experience than research. Invariably, individuals on a SKD are unable to maintain a high training intensity for reasons discussed in chapters 18 through 20. However, for a variety of reasons,some dieters choose not to do the full 1-2 day carb-up of the CKD (discussed in the next chapter). The TKD is a compromise approach between the SKD and the CKD. The TKD will allow individuals on a ketogenic diet to perform high intensity activity (or aerobic exercise for long periods of time) without having to interrupt ketosis for long periods of time.
Weight training is not generally limited by the availability of blood glucose. Studies giving carbs prior to resistance training have not found an increase in performance (1). However, almost without exception, individuals on a SKD who consume pre-workout carbs report improved strength and endurance and an ability to maintain a higher intensity of training during their workout. Anyone following a ketogenic diet who wishes to perform high intensity training can benefit from the TKD approach.
Reader Feedback
“I have been looking for a diet book like this for years. Since I’ve been involved in weight lifting I have tried to read as much as possible about various diet methods. When low-carb diets became popular I was skeptical, but wanted to learn more. I read through the material I could find online and just finished “The Greenwich Diet”. In all cases I found myself totally unsatisfied with everything I read. Every book pitched it’s particular take on the low carb diet as a miracle cure and didn’t provide much information about what was really happening to your body. I decided to give The Ketogenic Diet a try and was stunned — it is the most complete diet book I have come across. I finally understand how many types of diets work (not just low carb diets).
McDonald begins with a history of ketogenic diets and then goes into a detailed explanation of how various nutrients (both macro and micro) affect your body. After this explanation he presents three versions of the ketogenic diet, with two of the diets aimed at athletic individuals who are looking to maintain their exercise performance while on one of these programs. Each diet is accompanied by detail information about how to implement the diet.
As I have said, the material in this book is incredibly detailed and completed, but what really makes this book worth 5 stars is that the information is presented in a non-biased way. According to the introduction, McDonald wrote this book to clear confusion about ketogenic diets, not to champion them. Much of the material is accompanied by research references and McDonald clearly states where research is lacking or where he is offering his own opinion.
Overall, “The Ketogenic Diet” will make an excellent addition to any dieter’s collection of reading. Also, if you are considering a ketogenic diet this will gives you an unbiased view of how they really work.”
Douglas – Seattle, WA
“People that opted for a low-carb lifestyle are actually making a life-or-death decision on their own lives. It does not help that there are a lot of misinformation around it, specially suggesting that you will have all sort of health complications because of it.
This is a very complete book on the subject. It explains the physiology around a ketogenic diet. It’s well researched and full of references. It leans toward athletes but anyone could learn a lot from it.
This book does not tell you how to follow a Ketogenic diet. For that purpose I would recommend “Protein Power”.
I’ve read literally tens of books on low-carb diets. This one is the only one that really explains what happens in your body. I highly recommend this book for anyone that want to know more on how a low-carb diet works.”
Mauro – Sao Paulo, Brazil
“The Ketogenic Diet is the ultimate resource on low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets. You will learn the physiology of ketosis, basic and effective nutrition and training concepts, and how to set up various ketogenic diets depending on your goals whether you are involved in sports, looking to lose fat without losing muscle, or even to achieve peak conditioning for bodybuilding/fitness competitions or photo shoots. Rather than glorifying the ketogenic diet, Lyle McDonald gives you the scientific foundation and practical guidelines allowing you to determine when and why to use this diet. By virtue of its 34 chapters and over 600 references, this is truly the only book you will ever need on the subject.” – Borge (aka Blade) – Norway – MyoRevolution
“The amount of misinformation circulating about ketogenic diets is dumbfounding. This book is the most thorough investigation of all medical research regarding ketogenic diets that has ever been assembled. The references are impressive, to say the least.
Although quite technical, I had no problems understanding any of it. Lyle presents a clear, no-nonsense/no-hype explanation of what a body goes through in ketosis. A must-read for anyone on a ketogenic diet or considering one. Everyone should bring an extra copy to their physician to stave off the “misinformed speech” problem.”
Denise – California
Comments
I always love to hear back from my readers; if you'd like to provide some feedback about the book or how well the information in it worked for you, please feel free to use the comments section below.
15 Responses to “The Ketogenic Diet”
Feel free to leave a comment...
[...] The Ketogenic Diet (livro recomendado), L. McDonald [...]
I have been obese for over 15 years. I am no longer grossly overweight. I am 48 years old now, 5′ 9″, and now weigh 223 pounds. I started my weight loss journey, with my wife, almost 7 years ago at a weight of 315 pounds. The first half of my diet involved calorie restriction and severe hunger. In fact, the BIGGEST problem was hunger control, even almost a year after my “normal” non ketogenic diet.
Then I hit a plateau, and couldn’t get below around 230 pounds. I needed a hunger solution FAST! This is it. Three weeks ago, I was pushing 233. Three weeks later on a ketogenic diet, I’ve lost 10 SOLID pounds! And believe me it’s not water. The bottom line is, with two multi vitamins, a a mineral pill, along with 3 6 and 9 Omega Fatty Acid pills, along with a rather severe ketogenic diet, my hunger is non existent even on 1600 calories! And I lose 0.2 to 0.3 pounds per day, sometimes a little more. All hunger free. Which in my opinion, is the number one reason that keeps fat people, fat, like me!
My rather briilliant wife asked a question about the diet, despite both of us trying this diet about 5 years ago. She asked “WHY the FAT” in the low carb diet? That led me to search high and low for an answer to a question that is CRITICAL to understand why eating high fat content is crucial to LOSING fat! It’s protecttive. That’s all I can say. Buy the book, take blood tests, and enjoy a newer healther you!
Note: This book does NOT ADVOCATE a ketogenic diet. It’s merely a study of the ketogenic process. But I DO!
interesting book. worth considering
What is your opinion of the book Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes?
Thanks
His entire hypothesis is nonsense.
http://www.thebsdetective.com/2009/10/bullshitter-of-day-oct-7th-gary-taubes.html
Hey, would this book be applicable to a ketosis diet achieve via meal replacements? I am currently in ketosis via meal replacements (shakes, bars, meals) and want to find out more about ketosis. Will this book be relevant to me? Thank you in advance for your response.
The book is a comprehensive resource on everything related to ketosis. How you develop it is irrelevant.
Hi Lyle,
Bought this wonderful book from you a few years ago (I think it was a 3rd printing of the first edition). I have been rereading it recently.
Just wondering if the current edition/version has any (significant) changes to the one I have.
Thanks!
Konstantin
The only edits/changes are typo corrections (and far too many of those).
Will The Ketogenic Diet be available as an ebook?
Never again.
Lyle I have read your book and there is a lot to take in, I was wondering if you could steer me in the right direction. I take full responsibility – so any information you give me is without liability on your part. I weigh 294 llbs am 5ft 4 ins – healthy, not taking any durgs 54 year old female. BMI 50 I am looking for guidance on daily recommendations, would I be right in saying 30-100 grams carbs per day 800 – 1200 calories per day 150grams protein. I want to lose fat permantly. Thank you I loved the book it made a lot of sense.
I have been looking for sample meal plans on the keto diet but having trouble finding any that makes sense to me. I am average bodybuilder out of contest shape by 35 pounds and want to try something different.Like what is the best protein(liquid) and do I need to stay in ketosis for 5 days straight,what if it I dont get into ketosis until the fourth day and the bounce out on the 6 day.Any advice?
lylemcd, who’s hypothesis is nonsense?
Click the link.