how many carbs a day on keto

how many carbs a day on keto

4 hours ago 3
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On a ketogenic (keto) diet, the typical daily carbohydrate intake is kept very low to induce and maintain a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. The general guideline is to consume less than 50 grams of total carbohydrates per day, with many recommendations suggesting a range of about 20 to 50 grams of net carbs daily. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber and certain sugar alcohols from total carbs, as these do not significantly affect blood sugar levels. More specifically:

  • Most keto resources suggest keeping carbs at about 5-10% of total daily calories, which for a 2,000-calorie diet translates roughly to 20-50 grams of carbs per day
  • A common safe target to ensure ketosis is around 20 grams of net carbs per day, especially for beginners or those who want to be certain of staying in ketosis
  • Active individuals may tolerate slightly higher carb intake while remaining in ketosis, but sedentary or overweight people are advised to stay on the lower end of the carb range
  • The keto diet typically consists of about 70-80% fat, 10-20% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates

In summary, most people on keto aim for 20 to 50 grams of net carbs daily, with 20 grams being a conservative and widely recommended limit to reliably maintain ketosis. Sources:

  • Harvard Nutrition Source: less than 50 grams, often as low as 20 grams
  • Medical News Today: roughly 50 grams, with variations depending on individual needs
  • Carb Manager and others: 15-30 grams net carbs commonly recommended
  • Healthdirect and Mayo Clinic: 20 to 50 grams typical range
  • User experiences also support 20 grams as a safe maximum for ketosis
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