A healthy keto diet includes protein, fat and an array of vegetables. Make sure your menu includes high-fat dairy products like cheese and yogurt as well as whole grains with seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower. Pecans and brazil nuts provide both fiber and protein.
Avoid low-fat yogurts that contain added sugar by adding fresh berries to plain whole-milk yogurt instead.
Berries
Berries are low in both carbohydrates and sugars, making them keto-friendly fruits. Berries also offer essential nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants which help combat oxidative stress which is associated with conditions like heart disease and cancer. Plus, berries make an easy snack option; simply add unsweetened whipped cream for dessert or mix into salads as an easy and natural sweetener without added sugars!
Bananas and other tropical fruits contain high amounts of carbs and sugar. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries offer more nutritional value as they contain lower levels of both. Furthermore, these delicious fruits contain valuable vitamins and minerals such as dietary fiber, iron, potassium and calcium for an added nutritional boost.
Fresh berries can add fresh color and nutrition to a keto fruit salad or smoothie, as well as providing an energy boost! Try pairing them with avocado (another great source of healthy fats) for an irresistibly delicious summer treat, using keto-approved sweeteners such as Stevia for extra sweetness. Or add MCT oil for even greater energy boost!
Other fruits suitable for a keto diet are lemons, limes and oranges; it is advised to avoid fruits that have been dried or canned as these tend to contain more sugar and carbohydrates than fresh produce.
Eggs
Eggs make an ideal source of protein for keto dieters as they contain almost no carbs and are high in both fat and protein. Not only are eggs high in energy, they’re also packed with essential vitamins and minerals – not to mention they make for a convenient breakfast, lunch or dinner choice that can be cooked scrambled, fried or hard boiled! Eggs also make great snacks on-the-go!
While eggs are low in carbs and high in cholesterol, due to the yolk’s high content. But research shows that eating eggs does not increase blood cholesterol levels for most people; additionally they’re an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and have low saturated fat content; plus they’re an important source of potassium which contributes to overall heart health.
A keto egg fast is an extreme diet that involves restricting yourself to eggs and foods low in carbohydrates for an extended period. Unfortunately, this diet can be hard to stick with as hunger, mood swings and other uncomfortable symptoms may arise from it; additionally it lacks many essential nutrients your body requires, including fiber. To combat these difficulties you should consume other proteins along with fruits and vegetables to stay on course with this plan.
Try these healthy keto meals that are both quick and delicious to prepare! These recipes include egg white muffins, spicy scrambled eggs and salmon lettuce wraps – you can even prepare these ahead of time and store them in the fridge!
Meat
A high-protein keto diet can provide your body with all the nutrition it requires, especially when you cannot or don’t wish to consume many vegetables. Meat such as poultry, fish and eggs as well as dairy like cheese can all provide protein, fat and essential vitamins and minerals – just remember to use lean cuts with plenty of fat! You could also top salads off with rich sauces made with butter and olive oil as well as melting cheese to add extra flavor!
Chicken and beef are popular protein choices among keto dieters. Poultry should be prioritized over red meat due to lower saturated fat content. When selecting beef products, look for grass-fed and regeneratively farmed varieties (which tend to be antibiotic-free). These options feature improved fatty acid profiles with more “meaty” flavors, along with essential amino acids that support physical performance and help you feel full.
Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and kefir provide essential protein, calcium and other nutrients, but make sure you select low-sugar varieties such as almond or coconut for the optimal experience. Non-dairy alternatives like sour cream also offer delicious flavor profiles.
Avoid processed, grain-based snack foods which are high in carbs but low in fiber, and stick with naturally low-carb alcoholic beverages such as vodka and water for best results.
Fish
Fish is an essential element of the keto diet as it’s low in carbohydrates yet high in protein. Salmon, sardines, trout and herring are excellent examples; other shellfish such as crab and lobster may also make good options. Fish provides omega-3s and B vitamins and can be eaten raw or grilled.
Mackerel is another fatty fish recommended for use on a keto diet. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, selenium and potassium. Enjoy it grilled or in salad. Anchovies are another delicious seafood source rich in omega-3s as well as potassium selenium magnesium; sustainable options should always be chosen when selecting them as part of an Italian dish’s mainstay ingredient list.
Nuts and seeds provide a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, fiber, protein and magnesium for bone health – these benefits make nuts an essential addition to a balanced diet. Be wary of peanuts or tree nuts which contain high quantities of carbohydrates!
Eggs are another essential source of protein on a ketogenic diet, providing not only energy but also iron, zinc and folate. Yogurt provides another dairy option with multiple health benefits for this lifestyle – it keeps you fuller longer while providing probiotics and calcium.
Olive and coconut oils are great choices for the keto diet because they contain healthy unsaturated fats without carbohydrates, while also boasting antioxidants linked to heart disease prevention.
Foods suitable for the keto diet include avocado, canola, nut and seed oils as well as cured and smoked meats, soy products like tofu and tempeh as well as deli meats – provided your total carbs (total plus fiber) do not exceed 20 grams per day (reference above). You may also enjoy moderate quantities of spirits like whisky and tequila!
Vegetables
Vegetables may be low in carbs but they’re still packed full of essential nutrients. Leafy greens like spinach, kale and collards provide ample fiber as well as vitamin A, C and K (45). Furthermore, iron is also abundant. Mushrooms make an excellent addition to a keto diet as they contain essential antioxidants and minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and folate that support red blood cell formation. Cauliflower is an ideal vegetable to use as a delicious replacement to starchy foods such as potatoes and rice, thanks to its low calorie count and rich vitamins C and K content, plus abundant folate. Chopped cauliflower stems make an excellent replacement for cauliflower rice while its leaves can make delicious omelets!
Keto diet-compliant vegetables include peppers – green, yellow and red varieties alike – mushrooms and zucchini. Also suitable is bok choy – similar to Chinese cabbage but boasting its own peppery bite – and boasting ample calcium, folic acid and potassium benefits (56).
Dairy products provide both protein and fat. Unfortunately, however, dairy can also contain carbs when made from whole milk; those following a keto diet should limit dairy to only one or two servings a day and look for non-dairy alternatives like coconut or almond milk instead.