Starting a hardcore diet? Better buckle up! Welcome to the truth about the ketogenic – or, as it's cooler to say, 'keto' – diet. This is not your casual low-carb diet; it's a full-blown rebellion against the typical American carbohydrate overload, with daily carb intake slashed down to fewer than 50 grams.

However, the keto diet isn't just your average diet fad. The magic happens with a metabolic shift called 'ketosis.' Enter this state and your body turns into a fat-incinerating furnace, burning through your unwanted reserves once it's done with the measly carbs you're feeding it.

While this diet does come with its perks, don't jump on this wagon without proper nutritional assessment. Since the Keto regime can be a restrictive one, ensuring your nutritional needs are met - particularly vitamins B and C, selenium, magnesium, and phosphorus - is a must.

Now, if you're wondering about gender-based variations, you're not alone. While hormonal differences could suggest that women might need more carbs than men on keto, the evidence to back this up is as clear as a French onion soup. In the end, the universal recommendation stands at under 50 grams of carbs for both men and women. Ladies, proceed with caution if you're pregnant or nursing - keto might not be your best friend during these times.

Men, you're not off the hook either. The magic number is still the same: fewer than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day. Some studies suggest you might be in for a bigger fat loss benefit than women. Isn't it nice when the statistical scales tip in your favor for once?

Originally meant to help with epilepsy treatment, the keto diet has since spread its influence to potential cancer treatment supplementation. The ‘therapeutic’ version of keto, designed to treat conditions like epilepsy, makes your daily carbohydrate limit look like a cruel joke at fewer than 20 grams.

Keen on getting on board the keto journey? Apart from the helpful mobile apps for tracking your diet journey, you'll also need to revamp your pantry, swapping out high-carb culprits for low-carb alternatives.

Remember, the keto diet isn't meant to be a temporary thrill ride. It's a lifestyle commitment that requires consistent attention to nutrition and overall health. If you're game, chat with your healthcare provider, get a solid plan in place, and leap into the keto madness - after all, EatKaleOrDieTrying, right?