Is Smriti Irani on Keto Diet – The Popular Weight Loss Trend?

Wait... what are those donuts doing in that photo?

Keto diet is a health fad that refuses to die. The diet, which is a quick and reliable way to lose weight, has been a rage among many celebrities, including comedian Tanmay Bhat and American TV star Kim Kardashian. Union Minister Smriti Irani appears to be the latest to join the keto bandwagon. Or so it would seem.

The Instagram-savvy politician posted a picture on her account of a bowl of chicken, with the caption ‘Keto chicken’. While the emoticons accompanying the photo didn’t suggest she was too happy with the food, the photo she posted right after was of a box of donuts with the caption ‘sugary end to the day’.

For the uninitiated, you can’t have sugar if you’re on keto diet.

So, Irani is either on the keto diet, with the keto chicken being her current best friend and the donuts are a cheat dish. Or she’s not on the diet and the chicken was just a one-off meal. Guess only the Union minister knows for sure.

But if you’re wondering, here’s what a keto diet is and what you can and cannot eat when you’re on it.

Here’s What You Can Eat in Keto Diet

The keto diet is a high-fat and low-carb diet which relies on breaking down fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. High on fat, moderate protein and near-zero carbs, it is known to achieve wonders when it comes to weight loss.

Unlike other diets, keto encourages the intake of cheese, along with cream, butter and ghee. And it’s all about the protein-rich meats.

Eat

• Meats – chicken, fish, lamb, eggs, bacon
• Green veggies – spinach, cauliflower, broccoli
• High fat fairy – cheese, high fat cream, butter, ghee
• Nuts and seeds – dry fruits like walnuts, and seeds like sunflower seeds
• Other fats – coconut oil, high-fat salad dressing
• For vegetarians, paneer would be a great protein option for keto
• Bacon and eggs can be your dream keto breakfast

Here’s What You Can’t Eat in Keto Diet

Bread, fruits, milk, rice, and potato are some of the things to be avoided in a keto diet. Maida is also not allowed. So, no biscuits, bread, cake, or anything nice to munch on.

Don’t Eat

• Grains – wheat, maida, corn, rice, bread, cereal
• Sugar – honey, maple syrup, desserts
• Fruit – apples, bananas, oranges
• Potato, milk, biscuits

Nutritionists say that this is only good for quick short-term weight loss. And it should only be done it for a period of 10-12 days, not more than that.

Diets like keto are good for quick short-term weight. But they’re not healthy in the long run. And once you go back to your not-so-healthy eating habits, you’ll start gaining weight again. So, the key is to eat a balanced meal which includes all five nutritional groups – carbohydrates, proteins, good fat, vitamins and minerals.

Nmami Agarwal, Celebrity Nutritionist

So, choose your food battles well!