If you have already tried finding the best ways to get into ketosis faster, you must be aware of MCTs. MCTs or medium-chain triglycerides have been revered for their ability to promote the state of ketosis. 

These are healthy fats in the form of saturated fatty acids that can provide several health benefits and help you derive better results while on a keto diet. 

There are 4 types of MCTs including Capric, Caprylic, Caproic, and Lauric acids. 

Coconut oil is one of the best natural sources of these MTCs. Now, let have a look at how MCTs can play a significant role in stimulating ketosis. 

Reduce calorie intake 

MCTs can aid in controlling your calorie consumption and stabilize your blood sugar levels by encouraging the metabolic functions of the body. They work by enhancing thermogenesis and inhibiting the deposition of fats due to processes such as fat oxidation. This will help you get into ketosis faster and thus, allow you to lose weight easily. 

Enhances brain functions 

Reduced memory and brain fatigue are the common side effects of a keto diet. MCTs offer a sustained, natural source of fuel to the brain. They can be easily burned by the liver to release an easily usable form of energy for the brain. 

It can improve your memory and cognitive skills without causing brain fatigue at the time when your carbohydrates intake is low. 

Promotes Gut Health 

MCTs have the ability to help you avoid indigestion that usually occurs in the first few days of a keto diet. 

MCTs can support the functions of the digestive organs, fight the harmful bacteria in the intestine, and enhance the healthy gut flora. 

So, there is really no debate about whether or not MCTs can improve the results of a keto diet. It will make your keto journey easier and sustainable and thus, bring your closer to your fitness goals in a shorter duration.  

Since a keto diet demands you to stop eating carbs, there will be times you will feel an urge to give up. You will be frequently tempted to cheat and escape the restrictions this special diet has imposed on what you can or can’t eat. 

However, do you know what could be the impact of eating carbs or foods containing unhealthy fats on the results you expect to derive through a keto diet? If you do not want to compromise on the results of a keto diet and also want to let your taste buds have a field day, read on to know the best ways to insert a cheat day in your keto lifestyle. 

Try a cyclical diet

If you cannot control your craving for sugars, try a cyclical keto diet that involves eating keto-friendly foods for 5 to 6 days a week followed by one cheat day when you can eat the high-carb foods. 

This strategy will keep your taste buds happy and help you to stick to the diet for longer. 

When you know you have a cheat day planned ahead, you will be motivated to follow the keto diet strictly on the ‘honest’ keto days of the week. 

Cheat wisely 

On the cheat day, choose foods that are worth the cheat. Eat something that you really enjoy and can satisfy your cravings.  This will reduce the chances of binging on the other days of the week.

You can also make efforts to find the keto-friendly versions of the foods you love to eat so that your body stays into ketosis even on the cheat days. Some examples of such foods include avocado smoothies or desserts, dark chocolates, and fresh fruit juices. 

It is fine to have a cheat day while on a keto diet provided you do not drift apart from your fitness goals and stick to the no-carb policy on other days. 

Basically, any food that has a rich amount of carbs and unhealthy fats is not good to eat when you are following a keto diet. Let us have a glimpse of the foods that you must avoid to ensure you can stay into ketosis for longer:

Sugars

Any food that contains sugars in any form needs to be avoided. Carbohydrates can hamper the whole purpose of a keto diet as it prevents your body from believing that it is deprived of its primary source of fuel. So, it will not be tricked into burning fats as a source of energy. 

• High carb foods that are best avoided include:
• Cakes and pastries
• Fruit juices and soft drinks
• Fruits such as banana, grapes, and berries
• Ice cream
• Candies 

Unhealthy Fats

Foods that contain unhealthy fats like trans and saturated fats can work against the purpose of a keto diet. These fats can increase your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and worsen the risk of heart diseases. 

This is why; keto dieters should avoid using hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils in cooking. They can, instead, use healthy oils like olive oil or coconut oil. Junk foods and fried foods like fries, chips, and burgers also contain unhealthy fats and hence, must be avoided.

Artificial Sweeteners

Beware of any foods that have artificial sweeteners. These foods usually contain Saccharin, Aspartame, Cyclamates, and Sucralose that could cause significant harm to the body tissues when consumed regularly. If you must add a sweetener to your dishes, try using honey or stevia.

Seed-oils

Some seed oils contain unhealthy fats like omega 6 fatty acids. They include:

• Soybean oil
• Cottonseed oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Sunflower oil 
• Canola oils

Minimize the intake of these oils to prevent stalling while on a keto diet. 

These foods can take you away from your fitness goals. If you want to achieve ketosis or stay into ketosis for longer, make sure these foods find no entry into your body, or even better, not into your house.