26 Times You Should Say 'No Thanks' to the Keto Diet

15. If You're On A Tight Budget

Another viable and highly doable option, however, it does come with some warning. If you and your family are on a tight budget in general, or you like to keep your food budget around the $100-mark per week, properly following and thriving on the ketogenic diet can be difficult. For one, with the rising cost of food, especially meats, and animal-based products, this diet can get expensive quick as a majority of your protein and fat sources come from animal-based proteins and fats. As previously mentioned, it is doable to adjust the diet to your needs and to consume less meat (such as if you are a vegetarian), but it is challenging. Not to mention, many of the ketone supplements can get incredibly expensive as well, especially if there are more than two individuals in a household following the diet, as you will need to buy supplements more often. Unless you plan to start buying in bulk or purchasing meats and organic foods when they are on sale and freezing them, expect to see your grocery bill significantly increase if you are on the ketogenic diet.

16. If You're A Competitive Athlete or Engage in High-Intensity Exercise

While some endurance athletes adapt to keto, for competitive athletes or those engaging in regular high-intensity, anaerobic exercise (like sprinting, weightlifting, or HIIT), the ketogenic diet can severely hinder performance. These activities rely heavily on readily available glycogen (stored carbohydrates) for quick energy. Without adequate carbs, athletes may experience decreased power, endurance, and slower recovery times, impacting training quality and competitive edge.