The Keto Diet Origins: A Brief Journey Through Time 

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around, as we embark on a fascinating trip through history to uncover the origin of the almighty ketogenic diet. Because who wouldn't want to learn about the birth of a diet that glorifies bacon, shuns bread, and has a cult-like following of avocado worshippers? So strap on your time-traveling seatbelts, and let's dive into the unexpectedly long history of the keto diet.

The story of the ketogenic diet starts in ancient Greece, where fasting was used as a treatment for epilepsy (1). It turns out that when people stopped eating for an extended period, their bodies entered a state of ketosis, reducing seizure frequency. Sure, it wasn't the bacon-laden version we know today, but it's still an essential part of the keto diet's humble beginnings.

Fast forward to the 1920s, when researchers at the Mayo Clinic discovered that fasting could mimic the effects of fasting on epilepsy (2). They created a high-fat, low-carb diet that triggered ketosis, and thus, the modern ketogenic diet was born. You can imagine people in the Roaring Twenties trading their carb-heavy flapper dresses for sleek, keto-friendly attire.

The keto diet gained more traction in the 1970s, thanks to the now-infamous Dr. Atkins and his low-carb diet (3). Although not precisely the same as the keto diet, the Atkins diet brought the idea of low-carb, high-fat living to the mainstream. Suddenly, people everywhere were ditching their morning toast in favor of bacon and eggs.

The real surge in popularity for the keto diet came in the late 1990s and early 2000s when celebrities like Halle Berry, Kim Kardashian, and LeBron James started singing its praises. Nothing says "credibility" quite like a famous person touting the benefits of a diet, am I right?

Today, the keto diet has taken the world by storm, spawning countless cookbooks, blogs, and Instagram accounts dedicated to avocado-laden recipes and motivational quotes. It's safe to say that the ketogenic diet has come a long way since its ancient Greek origins.

Join history today and take the 28 day keto challenge!

Conclusion:

So there you have it, a slightly sarcastic romp through the origins and history of the keto diet. From ancient Greece to Hollywood, this high-fat, low-carb eating plan has evolved into a modern-day phenomenon. Whether you're a devoted keto follower or merely an intrigued observer, it's hard to deny the impact the ketogenic diet has had on the world of nutrition.

References:

(1) Wheless, J. W. (2008). History of the ketogenic diet. Epilepsia, 49(s8), 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01821.x

(2) Kossoff, E. H., & Rho, J. M. (2009). Ketogenic diets: evidence for short- and long-term efficacy. Neurotherapeutics, 6(2), 406-414. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurt.2009.01.005

(3) Westman, E. C., Mavropoulos, J., Yancy, W. S., & Volek, J. S. (2003). A review of low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets. Current Atherosclerosis Reports, 5(6), 476-483. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-003-0038-6