The keto diet is characterized by its combination of high levels of fat, lower amounts of carbohydrates, and moderate protein intake. Adopting such an eating plan may prove challenging for people used to eating lots of carbs, potentially resulting in unpleasant symptoms like bad breath, nausea and fatigue.
Some healthy keto foods to consider when following a keto diet include nonstarchy vegetables such as greens; avocados; nuts and seeds; shirataki noodles; and dark chocolate.
Avocados
Avocados are one of the most versatile keto foods. As high-fat, moderate-to-low carb foods, avocados make an ideal addition to a keto diet. Their monounsaturated fats may help promote weight loss while keeping heart disease at bay; plus they’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals including C, folate, potassium, and magnesium!
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, half an avocado contains 114 calories and 1.7 grams (g) of protein, 10.5 g total carbohydrates and 5 grams (g) of dietary fiber – with net carbohydrates totaling just 2 g. Avocados also make delicious additions to salads, smoothies, sandwiches, dips or popular dishes such as guacamole!
Use fresh avocados in any meal and ensure you meet your daily potassium requirements, an important mineral for overall health. Not only is avocado delicious as a tasty snack, it is also packed with soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar – this makes avocado an essential addition to a diabetic’s diet!
At the core of a healthy keto diet lies its success: pairing foods low in carbohydrates with quality proteins and fats. Try including avocados in your breakfast and lunch meals, such as this delicious bacon egg avocado sandwich from Joyful Healthy Eats or BLT avocado wrap, to add protein, fats, flavor and crunch. Or make an avocado dressing yourself like Joyful Healthy Eats’ cilantro lime avocado salad dressing as a unique option for low-carb dishes like salad.
Avocados can add another dimension of deliciousness to your diet by being used as a creamy dip for vegetables or meat, like this Southwestern Grilled Zucchini and Avocado Dip from Simply Recipes that is sure to become a family favourite!
Homemade keto-friendly mayo made from avocados is an excellent way to control what goes into your food and know exactly what’s being consumed. Plus, this dip and sauce recipe can also be used in other low-carb dinners like chicken thighs topped with cilantro-lime vinaigrette or shrimp stacks!
Olive Oil
One common error when beginning the keto diet is overeating unhealthy fats and processed meats, leading to inflammation and other health problems in the long run. Instead, focus on including more nutrient-dense proteins like fish and eggs; non-starchy vegetables; as well as healthy fat sources like avocados and olive oil in your daily meals.
Olive oil is an ideal food to complement the keto diet due to its low carbohydrates and high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, making it an excellent source of monounsaturates and monounsaturates. Plus, its abundance of antioxidants provides extra protection from disease as well as oxidative stress; studies have even discovered that polyphenols present in olive oil may reduce blood pressure while simultaneously protecting against cardiovascular diseases such as cardiovascular ischemia.
Coconut oil fits right in with the keto diet as a great source of monounsaturated fatty acids and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), providing additional energy-boosting fuel for your body.
Coconut oil can be used to saute and roast food, as well as low-heat cooking. Coconut oil has also been proven to increase ketone production, helping you remain in ketosis longer. To maximize its benefits, opt for one that is organic and cold-pressed.
Butter is another delicious way to achieve satiety-inducing fat, naturally low in carbohydrates and with its high saturated fat content it should only be consumed sparingly. When selecting grass-fed options make sure they contain quality fats for best results.
Nuts and seeds provide an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, and are the perfect addition to salads, top-off veggies, or add into smoothies. In addition, nuts and seeds contain fiber which helps you feel full and satisfied for longer.
Balanced diets are important to overall health; but for ketogenic dieting specifically, maintaining the appropriate balance of fats is crucial to reaching and remaining in ketosis. Too many omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils and seed fats may increase inflammation and raise your risk of cardiovascular disease; the best way to minimise such health risks is with quality, low-carb oils like olive and avocado oil and nutritious nuts and seeds such as walnuts.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a decadent delight for those on the keto diet, yet most chocolate is high in carbs and should only be enjoyed occasionally. To enjoy it responsibly and reap its nutritional benefits, look for dark chocolate with low carbohydrates and high cocoa solids content – this should ensure an indulgent experience without overeating!
By keeping carbs low and remaining in ketosis, this will help maintain optimal health. Consuming chocolate with higher levels of carbohydrates could cause your blood sugar to spike and pull you out of ketosis altogether.
If you want to enjoy chocolate responsibly, the ideal way is in small doses and selecting brands using erythritol as their sweetener of choice – an all-natural sweetener with no negative side effects like sugar can have.
ChocZero makes chocolate bars and baking chips specifically tailored for keto dieters with very few net carbs per half-bar serving, sweetened using an exclusive combination of erythritol, inulin and monk fruit sweeteners. Keto Krack’d also makes low-carb products; their entire line contains only 5g net carbs per half-bar!
Home-made chocolate is another simple and cost-effective solution that will ensure you consume food with both minimal carbs and plenty of essential nutrients. There are numerous keto chocolate recipes online and in books.
There are many foods that support the keto diet that you can incorporate into your daily meals. Examples of such include:
Tea
Tea is an enjoyable, nutritious drink that pairs perfectly with your keto diet. Made using only loose leaf tea and hot water, this beverage boasts zero grams of carbohydrates while offering an energy boost from caffeine. Plus, tea has many health benefits that may assist your weight loss goals and overall well-being!
Tea can be an ideal replacement for beverages high in sugar and carbs that don’t fit with the keto diet, such as iced coffee, soda pop, sweetened teas and dairy milk or cream drinks. If you do wish to sweeten it further, stevia can add flavor without sugar; adding dried fruits as add-ins is another fun way to enhance this experience without adding unnecessary calories and carbs into your diet.
When choosing ingredients for a Keto tea recipe, remember to avoid dairy milk or any added sugars. Instead, opt for almond milk as it has a creamy texture and flavor while being low in carbs. Feel free to add cinnamon, cardamom or ginger spice for extra warmth and spice this winter season!
Dieters on the keto diet will find many nutritious food items beneficial, including fish, poultry, tofu, and soy products such as tempeh. Eggs provide protein while non-starchy veggies such as cauliflower and zucchini provide fiber. Be wary of processed meats such as sausage and cold cuts which contain unhealthy fats as well as added sugars that could compromise your body.
Additionally, keto diet foods contain plenty of antioxidants which may protect against heart disease and other serious medical conditions. For more information, consult a registered dietitian nutritionist – they will be able to tailor a keto diet plan specifically tailored for you and your unique health requirements, helping you reach a healthier weight while still managing blood sugar and insulin levels effectively.