Dr. Jetter leads 'Cook with a Doc' and Discusses Ketogenic Diet
On Thursday, February 15th, Dr. Jetter led 'Cook with a Doc' at Integrative Health Matters in Tyler. She demonstrated how to cook Cashew Chicken which is on the Ketogenic Diet. She discussed the Ketogenic Diet's role in the treatment of epilepsy. Her demonstration can be found here (link coming soon).
Below are highlights from her talk as well as the recipe she demonstrated how to cook.
What is the Ketogenic Diet?
The ketogenic diet is a diet that is rich in quality fats, adequate protein, and low in carbohydrates. On this diet, the source of energy mainly comes from fat which is broken down into ketones (replacing carbohydrates that are broken down into glucose). This mimics a state of fasting or ketosis.
In people with epilepsy, especially children with severe intractable epilepsy, the diet has been shown to decrease the frequency of seizures about 50% in half of the patients studied.
What are the different types of Ketogenic Diet?
There are different forms of the ketogenic diet including Classic Ketogenic diet (4:1 fats and protein:carbohydrate ratio), Modified Ketogenic Diet (3:1 or 2:1 ratio), MCT Oil Diet, Modified Atkins Diet (MAD), and Low Glycemic Index Diet (LGID).
Who should be on this diet?
If you are on a ketogenic diet, we recommend that you do so under the supervision of a physician trained in the diet and/or a Registered Dietician trained in the diet. This diet is not for everyone, and has side effects, including electrolyte abnormalities that need to be followed closely.
What are the side effects of the diet?
A person on a strict Classic Ketogenic Diet is more likely to have side effects compared to someone on a MAD or LGID. Common side effects include electrolyte and vitamin deficiencies, constipation, kidney stones, lethargy, and pancreatitis.
Where can I find more information online?
The Charlie Foundation is an excellent resource for information on the Ketogenic Diet. The Foundation initially focused on people with epilepsy, but is now expanding to people with other diseases including Dementia, Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis and brain tumors. There are several websites including social media sites like Instagram and Pinterest where you can find Ketogenic Diet recipes.
Who are some local resources?
Dr. Jetter and Dr. Hennigan at NETNA have been trained in the Ketogenic Diet by the Charlie Foundation's lead dietician, Beth Zupec-Kania, RDN, CD. Rebecca Egdorf, MS, RDN, LD is a Dietician / Nutritionist in Tyler who works with patients on the Ketogenic diet. You can contact her at 937-726-7253 or rebecca.egdorf@gmail.com.
Ketogenic Cashew Chicken Recipe
Calories 333.3 cals, Fat 24g, Carbs 8g, Fiber 1.3g, Protein 22.6, Net carbs 6.7g
Ingredients:
3 Chicken thighs, skinless, boneless
1T garlic
½ t ginger, ground
½ green bell pepper, medium
1 t green onions
¼ white onion, medium
½ T chili garlic sauce
½ T soy sauce
1 T sesame seeds
2T canolia oil
1 T rice wine vinegar
1 T sesame oil
¼ cup cashews
1. Heat a pan over low heat and toast the cashews for 8 minutes or until they start to lightly brown and become fragrant. Remove and set aside.
2. Dice chicken thighs into 1 inch chunks. Cut onion and pepper into equally large chunks.
3. Increase heat to high and add canola oil to pan.
4. Once oil is up to temperature, add in the chicken thighs and allow them to cook through (about 5 minutes).
5. Once the chicken is fully cooked, add in the pepper, onions, garlic, chili garlic sauce and seasonings (ginger, salt, pepper). Allow to cook on high for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and cashews. Cook on high and allow the liquid to reduce down until it is a sticky consistency. There should not be excess liquid in the pan upon completing cooking.
7. Serve in a bowl, top with sesame seeds and drizzle with sesame oil. Enjoy!
Recipe from staging.ketoconnect.net
