What Are Exogenous Ketones And How Can They Help Me?

Articles , Blog , Keto Zone Blog , Keto Zone Challenge , January 30, 2019

Exogenous ketones have been on the rise lately as more people learn about the benefits of a ketogenic diet. Here’s a look at what exactly exogenous ketones are, plus how you can start using them today for your own health goals.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KETONE BODIES

To understand exogenous ketones, you first need to know about ketones, or ketone bodies. Simply put, ketones are an energy source for your body, created by your liver.

The “preferred” fuel for your body is glucose, which is broken down from carbohydrates. But when your body doesn’t have access to glucose, ketones act as an alternative source of energy.

When this happens—either when you’re starving, fasting, or eating a low-carb diet like the Keto Zone diet—your body turns to fat for energy instead. And it breaks that fat down into ketones.

There are three types of ketones your body can make:

Acetone
Acetoacetate
Beta-hydroxybutyric (BHB)

BHB is actually not a true ketone because of its chemical structure, but your body uses it like one and it provides energy like one—so BHB is still referred to as a ketone body.

NOW, WHAT ARE EXOGENOUS KETONES?

Exogenous ketones are just ketone bodies (ask described above) created outside of your body and taken as a supplement. (On the flip side, ketones that are created by your body are known as endogenous ketones.)

Exogenous ketone supplements—like Instant Ketones—contain BHB ketones. BHB is used because it’s most easily converted into energy as a supplement.

BENEFITS OF TAKING EXOGENOUS KETONES

There are a number of advantages of taking exogenous ketones, including:

TO ENTER (OR GET BACK INTO) THE KETO ZONE FASTER

The purpose of a ketogenic diet is to get your body into a state of ketosis (an aspect of being in the Keto Zone) where it’s burning ketones for fuel instead of glucose.

If you’re new to a ketogenic diet, exogenous ketones can be really helpful for getting you into ketosis and the Keto Zone faster. They provide you with extra ketones to use for fuel and boost your blood ketone levels.

In fact, our Instant Ketones can get you into the Keto Zone in less than an hour!

This also helps bypass symptoms of the keto flu, which some people experience when their bodies are switching into fat-burning mode. You can get into ketosis faster and feel great as you do it!

And if you’ve been in the Keto Zone before but slipped out of it from eating too many carbs, exogenous ketones make it easier to jump back on the ketogenic wagon and get back into the Zone again.

TO REPLENISH MINERALS AND FIGHT DEHYDRATION

When you first enter the Keto Zone, your body can drop a lot of water weight and increase its use of key minerals. That’s why consuming electrolytes and staying hydrated are essential when eating keto.

Instant Ketones pairs BHB ketone bodies with the minerals and electrolytes sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This combination has several benefits:

Replenishes your body with these important minerals along with fat-burning ketones
Helps you avoid the keto flu completely, as some keto flu symptoms are solved by remineralization
Prevents dehydration caused by water and mineral loss

AN EFFICIENT SOURCE OF LOW-CARB FUEL

Exogenous ketones are clean source of energy that can be used to fuel your day and even boost athletic performance during workouts! This is especially beneficial for aerobic (cardio) exercises, but ketones can also help slow down protein breakdown during muscle building.

NATURAL APPETITE CONTROL

The Keto Zone diet is known to be amazing for (quick) weight loss, and part of it is due to the appetite suppression from ketones! Imagine less need to snack throughout the day, no crazy appetite, and (finally) control over your cravings.

DELICIOUS TASTE!

This last one is not true of all exogenous ketone supplements. Actually, exogenous ketones have gotten a bad rap for a pretty awful taste. But we ensured that wasn’t the case with Instant Ketones, which are created to be not only palatable but the most delicious exogenous ketone supplement.

Plus, you can add them water, milk, coffee, tea, keto smoothies, and more!

Bottomline, exogenous ketones can help you get into and stay in the Keto Zone faster, support healthy weight loss, and contribute the fat-burning fuel of ketones instantly, at any time. Ready to try Instant Ketones yourself? Order them in Coconut or Limeade today!

Chocolate-chia-pudding-recipes-keto-zone-don-colbert

Decadent Keto Chocolate Cake

Keto , Keto Zone Blog , January 30, 2019

No, you’re not dreaming!

You really can have chocolate cake on a keto diet.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and still delicious, this keto cake is almost too good to be true.

There is no reason to deprive yourself while on the Keto Zone Diet. Even the most decadent foods can be made keto friendly.

On keto, you can eat your cake and still lose weight!

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Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder: 7 Tasty Ways To Take It

Articles , Blog , Keto Zone Blog , Keto Zone Challenge , January 30, 2019

Hydrolyzed collagen powder is one of the best supplements for your body and health. If you’ve purchased some (or are thinking about it) but aren’t sure the best way to use it, not to worry—below we’ll cover the top ways to get in your daily collagen plus the best times to take it!

WHY HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN IS GREAT AND HOW TO ENJOY IT

Hydrolyzed, or predigested, collagen is a fantastic source of bioavailable protein. The many collagen benefits include healthier joints and muscles, better hair, skin, and nails, fewer wrinkles, and better sleep. By taking at least a scoop of collagen daily, you can support your whole body and overall health.

The texture of hydrolyzed collagen makes it a great addition to just about any beverage. Let’s look at the best ways you can use it throughout your day.

1. MIXED WITH WATER

Although most people like to mix their collagen powder with other beverages, you can easily mix it with water and drink for a quick dose of protein.

2. IN HOT COFFEE OR TEA

This is the most popular way to take our Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen! Just blend in your tea or morning coffee for a creamy boost. You can also add it to your keto coffee along with MCT oil powderand grass-fed butter or coconut oil.

If you enjoy hot tea before bed, you can mix in some collagen to help you sleep. The collagen provides your body with the building blocks to heal and regenerate during slumber. This is why some of our Keto Zone members even use it as a sleep aid!

3. WITH UNSWEETENED MILK

Mix it with non-dairy milks, such as almond or coconut (just make sure they’re unsweetened), or cow’s milk. For more flavor, you can add a few drops of stevia or vanilla extract. Such a healthy treat!

4. MIXED IN HOT CHOCOLATE

For a special health-promoting drink, make this Keto Zone hot chocolate that uses hydrolyzed collagen powder. It tastes even better than normal hot cocoa and is way better for you!

5. BLENDED IN SMOOTHIES

Hydrolyzed collagen is also great in keto smoothies or shakes at any time of the day.

Collagen is great right after exercise, when some extra protein is best, in a post-workout drink. This is especially a great idea if you want to build lean muscle in the Keto Zone.

6. WITH BONE BROTH

Bone broth is another form of collagen in the form of gelatin. For a tasty double dose of protein, you can mix hydrolyzed collagen with organic beef or chicken bone broth.

Bone broth is also a good way to get your keto electrolytes and combat the keto flu.

7. WITH EXOGENOUS KETONES

With bone broth, pair your hydrolyzed collagen with Instant Ketones for a boost of keto-friendly protein and fat-burning ketones! It’s a great way to support yourself on the Keto Zone Diet.

Basically, you can enjoy hydrolyzed collagen in just about any beverage you like. Just blend it up and enjoy! And if you’re wondering about the best time to take hydrolyzed collagen powder, the answer it below.

BEST TIME TO TAKE HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN

Most people take their collagen with their coffee in the morning to curb hunger (or later in the day if they’re intermittent fasting) and then again at night to support good sleep. However, you can take it at any time you’d like and in any way you like.

You can also take the collagen up to three times per day!

And lastly, make sure you choose a high-quality form of hydrolyzed collagen. We make Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Collagen is made with type II chicken collagen because it’s the best for joints, connective tissues, hair, skin, and nails, and more. You can try it here today.

Is Peanut Butter Good For You?

Articles , Blog , Keto Zone Blog , January 30, 2019

Peanut butter is a very popular and versatile food used in everything from sandwiches to dessert recipes to stir-fries and dressings. But is peanut butter actually good for you? And should you avoid it completely, or is it okay sometimes?

The answer is a little more complicated than “yes” or “no,” so below we’ll cover what you need to know about peanut butter and your health.

IS PEANUT BUTTER GOOD FOR YOU? HERE ARE THE FACTS

First, let’s look at how peanut butter stacks up in the nutrition department. A two tablespoon serving of peanut butter, without any added sugars, contains about:

16 grams of fat
8 grams of protein
2 grams of fiber
5 grams of net carbs

Overall, the macros aren’t bad. But there’s more to consider here. Let’s look at some other concerns about whether or not peanut butter is good for you.

1. PEANUTS AREN’T WHAT THEY SEEM

Despite their name, peanuts are not actually nuts at all! They’re categorized as legumes, putting them in the same family as soybeans, peas, and lentils.

Legumes are normally avoided on the Keto Zone Diet because they’re too high in carbs. However, the high-fat and fairy-low-carb nature of peanuts and peanut butter makes it an exception. This is why peanut butter is sometimes used in keto foods like fat bombs and keto smoothies.

Still, peanuts are higher in carbs than true nuts, so they should be eaten in moderation.

2. PEANUT BUTTER’S FATTY ACID RATIO ISN’T BEST

Peanuts are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats. However, they contain way more omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3 fatty acids. Considering our omega-6 to -3 ratio should be around 2:1, this can make your intake unbalanced.

And too many omega-6s without omega-3s can be a contributor to inflammation in the body.

3. PEANUT BUTTER MAY CONTAIN AFLATOXIN

This is the biggest reason to be wary of peanuts.

Peanuts are often stored in warm and humid environments before being processed and packaged for consumption. During this time, they can be accompanied by the fungi Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus.

These fungi produce aflatoxin, a mold toxin that can contaminate the peanuts. This is a concern because aflatoxin is a carcinogen associated with an increased risk of liver cancer.

Thankfully crops are tested for aflatoxin, and there haven’t been any human liver cancer outbreaks linked to peanut butter consumption. However, since long-term data is not currently available on this, it’s probably still best to proceed with caution.

HOW TO CHOOSE PEANUT BUTTER THAT’S BETTER FOR YOU

The best way to eat peanut butter is by eating a high-quality variety with a low risk of aflatoxin. The problem is, this is almost impossible to fully regulate.

That being said, if you buy organic and feel good eating peanuts, they can be okay in moderation. And here are some tips for minimizing your mold toxin exposure:

Stick with commercial brands over peanut butter that’s freshly ground at the store. The latter may sit around longer before processing and be more susceptible to mold.
If you do buy freshly ground peanut butter without added salt, refrigerate it as soon as possibleto slow rancidity.
Always inspect your nuts and nut butter closely and throw out anything that looks discolored, shriveled, or moldy.
And if you’re eating keto, just make sure it fits within your 20 grams of carbs or less per day. And avoid added sugars, artificial flavors, or hydrogenated oils.

And for better choices, choose true nuts like almond butter, cashew butter, walnut butter, pecan butter, or macadamia nut butter over peanut butter. They don’t run the same risks as peanut butter and have much better nutrition and omega-6 to omega-3 profiles. (And keep in mind that even these should be used in moderation if you’re keeping carbs low.)

So, is peanut butter good for you? It does have some health benefits and can fit within a healthy diet, but it’s not the best choice and comes with some risks. So if you do have it, use in moderation and alternate with other low-carb nuts often.

Slow Cooker Keto Chilli

Keto , Keto Zone Challenge , Recipes , January 30, 2019

What could be better than a delicious, hearty, and satisfying dinner waiting for you at the end of a busy and hectic day?

With this slow cooker chili, all the hard work is done ahead of time so that at the end of the day all you have to do is get out a bowl and get ready to eat!

Ground beef is replaced with cubed steak for a more gourmet feel to this meal. The steak will get so tender that it will basically melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds grass-fed steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon organic chili powder
1/2 teaspoon organic ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon organic ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon organic ground black pepper
1/2 cup organic sliced leeks
2 cups organic canned tomatoes, whole with juice
1 cup organic chicken or beef stock

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.

2. Stir, cover, and set the slow cooker to high.

3. Cook for about 6 hours, or until the steak is tender.

4. Use a fork to shred some of the steak cubes if and break up any tomatoes that remain intact.

5. Serve the chili hot in bowls with any desired toppings (grass-fed cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, etc.)

How did your chili turn out? Let us know in the comments below!

Easy Keto Zone Sauerkraut

Keto , Keto Zone Challenge , Recipes , January 30, 2019

Do you get enough probiotics on the Keto Zone Diet?

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that reside in your large intestine and help you break down food, modulate the immune system, and regulate your neurochemistry. The community of bacteria in your body is referred to as the microbiome.

These bacteria are so important that many people regularly supplement with probiotics in order to keep the microbiome healthy.

But this is nothing new!

People have been getting probiotic bacteria through eating fermented food for many generations. Fermentation is a traditional preservation method used to store perishable vegetables after the growing season for consumption throughout the winter.

One of the most common fermented foods is sauerkraut. You can find many brands of sauerkraut in grocery stores everywhere. However, the unfortunate truth is most of these commercial sauerkrauts have been pasteurized which removes the beneficial probiotic bacteria.

That is why we are sharing this simple sauerkraut recipe. It can be made at home with only 2 ingredients so you can get all of the great benefits of probiotics!

INGREDIENTS

5 pounds organic green cabbage
3 tablespoons sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Start by cleaning your supplies! Since this is a fermentation project, we want to sanitize everything to be sure that we only grow healthy probiotic bacteria!
You will need a large bowl, 5-6 quart glass mason jar (or multiple smaller jars), and a spoon. Wash them thoroughly making sure no soapy residue remains that may kill your probiotic bacteria.
Remove the tough outer layers of your cabbage and set aside.
Remove another 4-6 leaves of cabbage and set aside for later.
Slice 1/3 of your cabbage in to thin slices and place in a large bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the bowl and begin to knead the cabbage with your (clean) hands until it begins to release moisture.
Slice the next 1/3 of your cabbage and add to the bowl.
Add another tablespoon of salt and knead until moisture begins to release.
Finish slicing the final 1/3 of cabbage and repeat.
Continue to knead the cabbage until a salt brine begins to form in the bowl.
Now you can transfer your sauerkraut in to your jar(s).
Use a spoon to firmly pack the cabbage in to jar until the brine covers the cabbage, add a small amount of spring water and some extra salt if necessary to submerge the cabbage.
Take the cabbage leaves you set aside and fold them so that they fit in to the mouth of the jar.
Stack folded cabbage leaves on top of the sauerkraut to ensure that the shredded cabbage remains submerged under the brine.
This is important because sauerkraut relies on anaerobic fermentation which means that no oxygen can be present.
Cover the jar and place in a cool dark cupboard or closet to ferment for 2-3 weeks.
Check your sauerkraut every few days to make sure the cabbage is still submerged in the brine. If not, open the jar and firmly press the cabbage back down and add more salt water if necessary.
Once the sauerkraut has finished fermenting it can be refrigerated for up to 6 months.
Enjoy!

NUTRITION FACTS

Serving Size: 1/4 cup

Per serving:

Calories: 14 kcal

Fat: 0 g

Total Carbs: 3 g

Fiber: 2 g

Net Carbs: 1 g

Protein: 1 g

Easy Crispy Keto Chicken Tenders

Keto , Keto Zone Challenge , Recipes , January 30, 2019

Does your family love chicken tenders?

If so, making a delicious family-friendly Keto Zone meal just got easier!

This recipe is a great alternative to conventional fried chicken tenders.

Fried foods are strictly avoided on healthy ketogenic diet. When most oils are heated to high temperatures they begin to oxidize and go rancid.

That is why this recipe is oven-baked so you can avoid the dangerous oxidation of oils caused by frying foods.

Most conventional chicken tenders are also breaded with inflammatory and carb heavy wheat flour.

These chicken tenders, on the other hand, are made with organic coconut flakes and chopped almonds, so they have both nutrition and flavor without added carbs!

Try out this crispy keto chicken tenders recipe today! It is sure to be a new family favorite.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 pounds organic boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 organic/free-range eggs, beaten
1/4 cup organic coconut flour
1/4 cup organic coconut flakes
1/4 cup organic almonds, finely chopped
2 teaspoons organic olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon organic black pepper
1/4 teaspoon organic garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon organic onion powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Finely chop almonds.
In a small bowl beat eggs until yolks and whites are well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine almonds, coconut flakes, coconut flour, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
Place a wire rack on a baking tray and oil wire rack with olive oil.
Lay chicken thighs out on a cutting board and cut in to 8 strips.
Dip each chicken in the beaten eggs and then cover in spice and flour mixture.
Lay chicken strips out on the wire rack.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove chicken strips from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

NUTRITION FACTS

Servings: 4

Serving size: 2 pieces

Per Serving:

Calories: 300 kcal

Fat: 12 g

Total Carbohydrates: 5 g

Fiber: 3 g

Net Carbs: 2 g

Protein: 40 g

Double Your Fat Loss With This One Simple Change

Articles , Blog , HealthBenefits , Keto Zone Challenge , January 29, 2019

Did you know just small shifts in when you eat your meals may drastically improve your weight and body fat loss? According to research published in the Journal of Nutritional Sciences, it really might be that easy.

THE STUDY: SHIFTING BREAKFAST AND DINNER TIMES

A 10-week pilot study looked at “time-restricted feeding,” which is a form of intermittent fasting, and involved 13 participants split into two groups [1]:

Those who had to eat breakfast 90 minutes later than usual and eat dinner 90 minutes earlierthan usual
Those who continued eating meals at the times they usually would

Note: The researchers didn’t even tell the participants what to eat; they only monitored when they had these two meals.

Before and during the ten weeks, the participants provided blood samples and kept diet diaries.

THE RESULTS: LESS BODY FAT WITH DIFFERENT MEAL TIMES

The researchers found that, on average and compared with the control group, those in the restriction group lost twice the amount of body fat!

They also found those who changed their meal times ate less food overall. And 57 percent of participants recorded having either decreased appetite, less snacks(especially in the evenings), and less chances to eat.

These results demonstrate how just making simple shifts in meal times, as we do with intermittent fasting, is such a helpful tool for reducing body fat and boosting weight loss.

By eating breakfast 1 ½ hours later and dinner 1 ½ hours earlier, the study subjects shortened their eating window for the day. They reduced the amount of time their bodies were processing food and the amount of time they had to eat.

As a result, they supercharged their fat loss in a short period of time!

BURNING BODY FAT WITH INTERMITTENT FASTING AND THE KETO ZONE

One important point: The researchers didn’t measure for other health factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides. And while when you eat can make a big difference, what you eat matters for health too.

So just imagine if they combined these amazing benefits of a smaller eating window with the health benefits of detoxing or the appetite-suppressing, energy-boosting, fat-burning, and disease-preventing qualities of the Keto Zone Diet! That’s a winning combination.

Why You Have Carb Cravings And How To Stop Them

Articles , Blog , HealthBenefits , Keto Zone Challenge , January 29, 2019

Carb cravings. They’re one of the greatest barriers to good health and an optimal weight. But they don’t have to rule your life! You just need to understand why they happen and how you can finally overcome them for good.

Below, we’ll cover the biggest reason you have carb cravings and the best way to finally stop them.

WHY CARB CRAVINGS HAPPEN

We all know what cravings feel like: a strong, uncontrollable desire for a specific type of food. Those foods are usually sugar, bread, pasta, dessert, or anything carb-rich.

So, why does this happen?

Well, our bodies get used to using processed carbs and sugar for fuel. Here’s how it works:

You eat a meal high in carbohydrates and sugars, and your blood sugar spikes as glucose is released into your bloodstream.
What goes up must come back down—so that steep blood sugar rise leads to a plummet, and your levels are low again.
This low blood sugar leads to tiredness, fatigue, crankiness, and you feeling the need for a “quick fix” of energy—a.k.a. more sugar and processed carbs.
You give in to these foods again to “feel better,” and the carb cravings cycle continues all over again.

This constant carb struggle leads to weight gain, lack of energy, and so much frustration with your diet.

Not to mention, this yo-yoing and overeating increases your risk of metabolic syndrome, which can include high blood sugar, insulin resistance, unhealthy cholesterol, excess abdominal fat, and high blood pressure.

And metabolic syndrome greatly increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and type II diabetes.

Obviously this isn’t good, so it’s time to take control and stop the carb cravings in their tracks.

HOW TO STOP YOUR CARB CRAVINGS—FOR GOOD

The absolute best way to stop the cycle of carb cravings is by entering the Keto Zone.

In the Keto Zone, your body switches from using sugar for energy to burning fat. That means no crazy blood sugar roller coasters throughout the day. You teach your body to use its alternative source—fat—to fuel you without the need for sugars and carbs.

Plus, you’ll be eating lots of healthy fats and high-quality proteins that promote a sense of fullness and satiety. Your body will be content without the need for more.

WHAT IF YOU HAVE CARB CRAVINGS ON KETO?

If you’re already eating the Keto Zone Diet, you will likely have carb cravings at the beginning. This is normal as your body adjusts to burning fat. Your body is still addicted to sugar and rebelling since it’s not getting its fix.

But hang tight, as that will change once you enter ketosis.

MORE WAYS TO CURB CARB CRAVINGS

Sometimes other facts can contribute to carb cravings, so here are some other things to try:

Drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep
Making sure your keto macrosare good—high fat, moderate protein, and 20 grams or less of carbs per day—and that you’re eating enough fiber
Making sure you’re still in the Keto Zone—and supporting your diet with keto supplements as needed
Praying on it and giving it up to God
Relieving stress that may be causing emotional eating

Carb cravings are frustrating when you’re trying to live healthfully, but they don’t have to hold you hostage. The Keto Zone Diet can help you conquer them for good and finally get your health where you want it to be. Get ready to start thriving!

Keto Zone Egg Salad

Keto , Recipes , January 28, 2019

This low-carb egg salad is a delicious and versatile Keto Zone recipe that is loaded with with nutrition and flavor!

Organic pasture-raised eggs provide a healthy dose of bioavailable protein as well as healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

With sauerkraut added for extra flavor and nutrition, this recipe is loaded with probiotics to boost your gut health and digestion.

Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, this recipe is great any time of day!

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