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  • ketogenic-faqs
  1. The Ketogenic Diet
  2. Ketogenic FAQs

Ketogenic FAQs

What types of food will my child be able to eat?

Your child will still be able to eat a variety of different foods on the ketogenic diet. This list is a good starting point and it will expand as you become more comfortable and adventurous with recipes.

  • Fat - double cream, mayonnaise, oil, butter.
  • Protein - chicken, bacon and ham, mince, salmon and tuna, eggs, cheese.
  • Carbohydrate - vegetables fresh or frozen eg broccoli, swede, cauliflower, mushrooms, peppers, spinach, spring onion, lettuce; low carb fruit eg melon, strawberries, blackberries, kiwis, raspberries, blueberries.

     

The diet is usually divided into 3 meals a day to include snacks if required. Each meal/snack is based on a specified amount of fat, protein and carbohydrate which will be calculated for you by your dietitian in line with your child's nutritional requirements.  Your ketogenic dietitian will work closely with you to produce appealing and appetising menus for your child to enjoy. And when you start the diet you will be invited to join Daisy's Keto Café, our closed, private, ketogenic parent support group.

Will meals look similar to the meals my child eats now?

Your dietitian will help you calculate ketogenic recipes for lots of tasty foods and snacks for your child to enjoy. Some examples are: scrambled eggs and bacon, omelettes, Bolognese, pizza, roasts, quiche, salads, tuna mayo, chicken nuggets, bread, muffins, pancakes, waffles, cookies, puddings, yoghurt, fruit shakes, ice cream and ice lollies - to name just a few!

     

Is my child too young to try the ketogenic diet?

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The ketogenic diet is frequently used for children from two years of age upwards, although the diet can also be used for babies from as tiny as six months – and sometimes even younger.

Published: 9th October, 2019

Updated: 13th December, 2019

Author: Karen Wyett

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Is the diet suitable if my child has special dietary requirements?

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The ketogenic diet can accommodate most dietary requirements and can be used for different cultures and food restrictions. Children with food allergies and those who are vegetarian, vegan or follow a kosher or halal diet can also access the ketogenic diet, as can children who are tube/PEG fed and those who have gastrointestinal restrictions.

Published: 10th October, 2019

Updated: 13th December, 2019

Author: Karen Wyett

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Is the diet suitable for children with GLUT1?

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If your child has been diagnosed with GLUT1 deficiency syndrome* the ketogenic diet may be a life-time treatment.  

* A rare genetic disorder that impairs brain metabolism. GLUT1 (a protein) is responsible for the transport of glucose (a sugar) from the blood into the brain. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain; a shortage of glucose leads to impairment of brain function and growth.

Published: 11th October, 2019

Updated: 13th December, 2019

Author: Karen Wyett

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How long does it take for the diet to work?

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Some children improve within a week while others show a slower response and take up to three months or more to respond.

Published: 12th October, 2019

Updated: 12th December, 2019

Author: Karen Wyett

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How long will my child have to be on the diet?

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This will depend on how much benefit there is from the diet. If your child is seizure-free or has had a marked reduction in seizures for two years, most doctors would suggest a trial of slowly changing back to a more normal diet.

Published: 13th October, 2019

Updated: 13th December, 2019

Author: Karen Wyett

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Is the ketogenic diet bad for your heart?

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Although the diet is high in fat, this fat is changed into ketones. Ketones are used by the brain for energy and should not increase the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol levels will be monitored whilst on the diet. 

Published: 14th October, 2019

Updated: 29th November, 2019

Author: Karen Wyett

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What are my next steps?

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If you would like to seriously consider the ketogenic diet as a treatment option for your child please speak to your consultant, paediatrician or GP to request a referral to see a ketogenic dietitian.

Published: 15th October, 2019

Updated: 5th December, 2019

Author: Karen Wyett

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How do I find out more about the diet?

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Request a FREE Daisy Garland Ketogenic Information Pack here

Published: 16th October, 2019

Updated: 3rd December, 2019

Author: Karen Wyett

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Why do I need a Ketogenic Dietitian?

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Hannah Queenan, our fabulous Daisy Dietitian at Sheffield Children's Hospital, has written an article for Complete Nutrition Magazine on 'The Role of a Daisy Garland Ketogenic Dietitian'. Please click on the link below to read more...

Complete Nutrition - Hannah Queenan

Published: 17th October, 2019

Updated: 6th July, 2020

Author: Karen Wyett

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What ketogenic support does The Daisy Garland offer?

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Daisy’s Keto Café, our online parent support group, is an interactive, buzzy café accessed via The Daisy Garland Facebook page.  This closed, private group is a safe place for old and new keto parents to get together to share thoughts, discuss worries, exchange keto recipes, tips and tricks and to seek advice from other keto parents.  And Marian, our Daisy Ketogenic Nutritionist is always on hand to offer free help and guidance.  Family support is our top priority and you will find this in abundance in Daisy's Keto Café. 

The Daisy Garland fund Ketogenic Dietitians and Dietetic Support Workers all of them working within the NHS treating thousands of children FREE of charge with the ketogenic diet.

Every child in the UK starting the ketogenic diet is offered a complimentary Daisy Garland Ketogenic Welcome Box bursting with lots of essential items to get their keto journey off to a positive start.

The Really Useful Ketogenic Diets Booklet, written and produced by us comes in user-friendly format and is packed with essential information about the ketogenic diet diet, FAQ’s, true stories, dietitians top tips and has tempting recipes for you to try.  This booklet is the perfect introduction to the ketogenic diet.

The Really Useful Ketogenic Diets Book - a guide to the different diets available researched and written by us in conjunction with our dietitians - includes everything you need to know about running the ketogenic diet.  A copy is included in every Daisy Welcome Box, along with a selection of our 'I can Only Have Food From Home' stickers and badges.

Our Daisy Dietitians host regular Ketogenic Cookery Events and Coffee Mornings countrywide. Keep your eye on our Events page and The Daisy Garland Facebook Page for updates and more information.

Published: 18th October, 2019

Updated: 6th July, 2020

Author: Karen Wyett

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