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Ketogenic Eating Plan

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Introduction
A ketogenic eating plan is a way of eating that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Eating this way can help control seizures in children with epilepsy or other seizure disorders who do not respond well to medicines.
There are several different versions of ketogenic eating plans. Each includes slight variations in the amount of fat, protein, and carbohydrates allowed. Your child's health care team will work with you to determine the specific amounts that are best for your child.
Ketogenic eating plans can be challenging to follow. Your child should be closely monitored by a health care provider and a diet and nutrition specialist (dietitian) when following a ketogenic eating plan. When starting this diet, your child may need …show more content…

Read food ingredient lists to check for any hidden or added sugar.
Check food labels for the number of grams of carbohydrates and protein in each serving. This is important.
Cooking
Carefully measure or weigh foods.
Make desserts using ketogenic or low GI recipes.
Avoid cooking with sauces that contain added sugar, such as barbecue sauce or ketchup.
Meal planning
Generally, most children on this eating plan should eat 4 grams (g) of fat for every 1 g of protein and carbohydrates. This means about 90% of your child's daily calories should come from fat.
Children who need more carbohydrates and protein may be allowed to eat 3 grams of fat for every 1 gram of protein and carbohydrates.
Have your child limit how many grains, fruits, and vegetables he or she eats.
Each day, my child should have:
Fat: __________g
Protein: ___________g
Carbohydrates: ___________g
General instructions
Ask your child's health care provider what steps you can take to avoid side effects of this eating plan, such as constipation or kidney stones.
Follow fluid restrictions as told by your child's dietitian.
Give your child vitamin and mineral supplements only as told by a health care provider or …show more content…

Your child's specific calorie, fat, protein, and carbohydrate amounts are calculated based on your child's weight.
Give your child only sugar-free over-the-counter medicines.
Encourage your child to participate in regular exercise as told by a health care provider.
What foods are allowed?
Grains
Whole wheat bread. Bran cereal. Brown rice. Whole wheat pasta. Low GI cereals.
Vegetables
Lettuce. Beets. Bok choy. Eggplant. Tomatoes. Turnips. Cucumbers. Peppers. Radishes. Cauliflower. Zucchini. Fennel. Swiss Chard.
Fruits
Fresh pineapple, peaches, and apples. Other fresh and frozen fruits in small amounts.
Meats and other protein foods
Meat, poultry, and fish. Eggs. Egg substitutes. Nuts, seeds, lentils, and split peas in small amounts. Bacon.
Dairy
Cheese in moderate amounts.
Beverages
Plain water. Sugar-free, caffeine-free beverages. Mineral water or club soda. Caffeine-free, carbohydrate-free herbal tea.
Fats and oils
Avocado. Cream. Sour cream. Cream cheese. Butter. Plant-based oils, such as olive, canola, and sunflower. Margarine. Mayonnaise.
Sweets and desserts
Any homemade sweets or desserts made using ketogenic diet recipes.
What foods are not recommended?

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