National Keto Day

The story

Did you know the ketogenic diet wasn’t originally about weight loss? In the 1920s, it was developed as a medical therapy to treat epilepsy. Dr.

Russell Wilder at the Mayo Clinic created the diet to mimic the effects of fasting, a practice dating back to ancient Greece for managing seizures. Here’s how it works: by drastically cutting carbs and increasing fat intake, the body enters a metabolic state called ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of glucose. While originally a medical tool, this fat-burning process made keto a modern go-to for weight loss.

But its benefits extend far beyond the scale. Keto fell out of popularity as anti-seizure medications advanced, but it made a comeback in the 1990s when Hollywood producer Jim Abrahams used it to treat his son’s epilepsy. This resurgence sparked interest in its potential for managing diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even some cancers.

The standard ketogenic diet consists of 75% fats, 20% protein, and just 5% carbs. Foods like avocados, eggs, and salmon are staples, while pasta, bread, and sugary treats are out. Variations like the cyclical keto diet (with carb days) or targeted keto diet (for athletes) make it adaptable for different lifestyles.

By the early 2000s, keto wasn’t just medical—it was mainstream. Social media fueled its rise, with success stories, recipes, and meal plans flooding the internet. Love it or debate it, keto remains a cultural force reshaping modern nutrition.