Saudis turn to keto diet to shed lockdown pounds
Saudis are turning to the keto diet
to shed lockdown pounds
The Ketogenic method requires dieters
to reduce carbs and consume a lot of fat
putting the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FOOD BLOGGER, RUBA KHAWAJA, SAYING:
"I liked starting the keto diet because, frankly, I felt for a period that the keto diet is the only thing that will help me start a healthy life, get rid of many problems that I have, and most importantly lose extra weight. I wanted to set up an Instagram account so that I can benefit people who do not know about the keto diet because they always have questions and do not have answers."
Ruba shares recipes with her followers
which include substitutions for carbs
typically used in Middle Eastern cuisine
like cauliflower instead of rice
The popularity of keto food
has prompted Saad Eddin sweet shop
to add it to their menu
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) CHEF AT SAADEDDIN SWEETS COMPANY, RICHARD EL HELOU, SAYING:
"We serve keto products such as muffins and chia pudding, we have special keto bread. After the positive feedback from our customers and seeing how much they loved this, we hopefully plan to expand."