A keto diet, also known as the ketogenic diet, is a high-fat, protein-rich, and low-carb diet (carbohydrate) eating routine. For people who are new to the concept of the keto diet, looking for food options can be a challenging task. Juggling through ingredients to search for the best foods for the keto diet is one of the sub-tasks that many faces. Here is a list of the top 24 foods you can eat while following the keto diet to make your journey easy!
1. Cheese
Cheese is one of the best foods for the keto diet as it contains high amounts of fats in it and nominal carbohydrates. The best kinds of cheese include cottage cheese and cheddar cheese.
Cheese is high in absorbed fat. Hence, it does not create the danger of coronary illness. A few studies recommend that cheddar may help protect against coronary problems as well. Cheddar cheese contains conjugated linoleic corrosive, which is fat related to improvements and enhancements in body structure. Cheddar cheese made using goat milk contains less lactose and proteins which are unique to bovine milk, which makes it easier to process.
2. Plain Greek yogurt and cottage cheese
Plain Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are nourishing, high-protein foods. While they have some carbs, you can eat them in moderation while following the keto diet. Both yogurt and cottage cheese have proved to help decrease hunger and promote feelings of fullness. Either one makes a delicious snack on its own, but you can mix them with chopped nuts, cinnamon, or other spices to make an immediate keto treat.
3. Meat and poultry
Poultry items such as meat and chicken should mandatorily be added to a keto diet. Unprocessed and fresh meat and chicken are considered to be carbohydrate-free and rich in nutrients such as vitamins and high protein, zinc (Zn), potassium (K), etc, hence it is a portion of proper keto-friendly food.
Beef, steak, meat fish, lamb, etc., if cooked in olive oil or coconut oil are great sources of keto-friendly meat. Processed meat should be avoided as it can cause side effects and is not proven to be keto-friendly. However, large amounts of the same should not be consumed as meat has extra high protein in it and keto is a fat-based diet plan with only the necessary amounts of sufficient protein.
4. Avocados
Avocados are one of those most occasional fruits to be mandatorily added to the keto routine. These are rich in antioxidants, fats, and proteins and are low in carbs. Avocados are high in various vitamins and minerals, including potassium, an essential mineral many people may not get sufficiently. A more increased potassium intake may help make the change to a ketogenic diet easier. Additionally, avocados may help enhance cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and that’s why they are considered to be one of the best foods for the keto diet.
5. Leafy green vegetables
Leafy green veggies are excessively low in carbs, making them an excellent food for keto. They’re also an extremely rich source of various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In particular, dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with nutrients like vitamin K and iron. These vegetables add bulk to the meals without drastically raising the carb count. Additionally, seasonings such as oregano and rosemary add plenty of flavor with almost no carbs.
6. Nuts and seeds
There are various nuts and seeds which are low in macros like carbs and fiber plus rich in saturated fats, and rich sources of proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients as per the keto diet requirements. Consuming them in the right quantities will not raise your cholesterol levels or cause any damage to the body. This perfect balance makes some specific keto-confirmed nuts and seeds qualified for consumption in the keto diet.
Some keto-friendly nuts include – pecans, chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, hazelnut, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, and almonds.
7. Peppers
There are several types of peppers, all of which are suitable for the keto diet. While they are technically fruits, they are treated like vegetables in cooking. Small hot peppers add spice to recipes, and jalapenos are perfect for making keto-friendly appetizers. You can utilize larger, mild peppers such as bell peppers and poblanos in multiple dishes, or stuff them to create delicious low-carb dishes. Peppers are a rich source of vitamin C. For example, one bell pepper supplies 107% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C.
8. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has amazing properties that make it one of the best food for the keto diet. It is also considered an instant source of energy. As far as the keto diet is concerned, coconut oil is used to raise ketone levels in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions of the brain and nervous system. The primary fatty acid in coconut oil is lauric acid which is a negligibly longer-chain fat. Coconut oil’s mix of MCTs and lauric acid may enable a maintained level of ketosis. Coconut oil also aids obese adults in losing weight and belly fat which is the main purpose of the ketogenic diet.
9. Berries
Most fruits are excessively high in carbs to consume on the keto diet, but berries are an exception. Berries, especially raspberries and strawberries, are low in carbs and high in fiber. While blackberries and blueberries are inferior in carbs to other fruits, they may not fit into rigid keto diets. These little fruits are packed with antioxidants that may lower inflammation and help guard against disease.
10. Seafood
Fish and shellfish are significantly one of the best foods for the keto diet. Salmon and other fish are rich in B vitamins, potassium, and selenium, yet nearly carb-free and are satisfactory protein sources. Omega 3 is thought to be a very useful supplement in a keto diet and has many health advantages. Seafood like fatty fish is discovered to be rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, especially Salmon, when cooked/, boiled/dressed in olive oil (Salmon is full of healthy fats, adequate protein, and absolutely no carbs). However, the carbs in various types of shellfish vary. For example, while shrimp and most crabs have no carbs, different types of shellfish do. The shellfish can still be included in a ketogenic diet, it’s necessary to account for these carbs when you’re trying to stay within a limited range.
11. Olives and Olive Oil
These heart-healthy tiny fruits are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They contain a total of 2 grams of carbs in this. Olive oils are one of the most nourishing oils for baking, cooking, and deep-frying at high temperatures with a blend of yummier food.
12. Broccoli
This beautiful cauliflower-like vegetable contains 4 grams of carbs. Broccoli is rich in macronutrients like protein and fiber. It can be consumed raw and cooked, dipped, or smothered.
13. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder
Dark chocolate and cocoa are tasty sources of antioxidants. Dark chocolate has flavanols, which may lower the risk of heart disease by decreasing blood pressure and keeping your arteries-health healthy. Surprisingly, you can consume chocolate on keto. However, it’s essential to choose dark chocolate that has a minimum of 70% cocoa solids and eat it in moderation.
14. Vegetables without starch
Starch is to be avoided in keto diets as starch-rich foods are high in carbs which can become an obstruction in ketosis and weight loss. Keto supports a list of vegetables that are high in plant-based protein and have basic carb and fat ranges as well. Some of these vegetables are asparagus, avocado, cabbage and cauliflower, cucumber, green beans, tomatoes, etc.
15. Oil
Some oils are a healthful source of fat and contain no carbohydrates. These contain olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, oil made of nuts, and seed oils, like flax and hemp oil. Analysis has shown that olive oil can safeguard against heart disease and certain cancers. Both olives and olive oil are suitable choices for the keto diet, as they have identical health advantages and contain almost no carbs. Some oils, like avocado, sunflower, and rice bran oil, are additionally durable when cooking at high heat.
16. Summer squash
Summer squashes, like yellow squash and zucchini, are remarkably versatile and lower in carbs. In fact, zucchini is considered to be one of the best foods for the keto diet. You can prepare zucchini noodles, which are an ideal substitute for noodles. You can grate zucchini to make an option for rice or add it to baked goods without impacting the flavor. You can also thinly slice it utilizing a mandoline, then toss it in olive oil, salt, and pepper to relish it as a cold salad.
17. Unsweetened plant-based milk
Several types of plant-based milk are keto-appropriate, including soy, almond, and coconut milk. Only the unsweetened versions should be consumed. Sweetened alternatives have a lot of sugar and are not considered appropriate for keto. Additionally, you should avoid oat milk, because even the unsweetened version of oat milk is too high in carb content.
18. Butter
Butter is a low-carb food that is rich in natural fats. Pure better is the most useful source to protect your skin, eyes, and hair in an unblended form. The calcium present in butter also toughens bones and is bioavailable.
19. Unsweetened coffee and tea
Everyone’s favorite beverages – coffee and tea are nutritious and carb-free drinks. They contain caffeine, which boosts your metabolism and may help enhance your physical performance, alertness, and mood. Coffee and tea drinkers have been shown to have a greatly diminished risk of diabetes. Adding heavy cream to coffee or tea is acceptable, but “light” coffee and tea lattes have to be avoided while on keto since they’re generally made with non-fat milk and high-carb flavorings.
20. Green Tea
Tea has no carbs or sugar, however, it is one of the most nutritious drinks in the world. It includes a substance referred to as chlorophyll that is rich in antioxidants. This cures the body internally at the cellular level.
21. Unsweetened sparkling water
Are you looking for a keto-friendly alternative to soda? A can of unsweetened sparkling water is a great choice. These drinks are refreshingly fizzy and may be flavored but they are typically free of sugar or sweeteners. Hence, they contain no calories or carbs. Nonetheless, some types are flavored inherently with small amounts of fruit juice, and these may include carbs. Be mindful to check the label, as extra carbs can count up fast.
22. Ghee
Ghee is a good fat to include in the keto diet. It is totally carb-free. It is a clarified form of butter made by heating butter and extracting the milk solids that ascend to the top. It has a robust buttery taste and is generally used in Indian cooking. Like other types of full-fat dairy, ghee doesn’t appear to be as dangerous to health as once thought.
23. Mint
Mint is one of the most beneficial and delicious natural herbs available. It has a powerful compound known as an application that is pharmaceutical and heals the body at intermission. It is sugar and carb-free and may be used in various dishes or drinks.
24. Alliums
They are the most aromatic flavors, garlic, onions, leeks, and other alliums are used in most cuisines. These vegetables are high in carbs but are used in slight amounts. They improve the flavor and nourishment of your keto cooking and fit your taste bud as well. They also possess allicin which shields the body from brain damage and other serious diseases.
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