The best foods for keto diet are those that are low in carbs and high in fat. Your keto food list can include a variety of things like fats, oils, animal protein, plant-based foods, vegetables, dairy, and more.
There has been increased interest in the ketogenic diet over the last few years due to its positive health effects on people with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, neurological disorders, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and more. This diet plan is also used to lose weight.
In this article, we have curated a list of the best foods for keto diet which you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle.
Best Keto Friendly Foods for Beginners
A keto diet significantly reduces your carbohydrate intake, which is most often the preferred source of energy. A strict keto diet reduces your energy intake from carbs to 5-10 percent. This puts your body in the metabolic state referred to as ketosis and your body starts breaking down stored fat into molecules for energy.
Here are some of the best foods for keto diet that you should incorporate into your meals:
1. Seafood
Seafoods like shellfish are the best foods for keto diet that are rich in selenium, potassium, and vitamin B. They are also linked to a reduced risk of the disease as well as improved brain health.
2. Eggs
Eggs are among the great foods for keto diet and are a good source of protein. There are several recipes that can be included in your diet and will keep you fuller for a longer period of time. They are also low in carbs and appropriate for weight loss.
3. Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are excellent foods for keto diet since they are very low in carbs and are a rich source of nutrition with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Examples of dark leafy greens are kale, collard greens, and spinach. You can also make an easy keto meal with salad greens like frisee, escarole, lettuce, arugula, and baby spinach.
You can also add other non-starchy vegetables to your keto meal plans like radishes, green beans, cauliflower, asparagus, spaghetti squash, broccoli, jicama, mushrooms, cabbages, tomatoes, and more.
4. Plant Based Foods
Other great foods to include in the keto diet are berries, nuts, and seeds.
Nuts and seeds tend to be ideal foods for keto diet as they are healthy with low carb levels and high fat. Proper intake of nuts help in reducing the chances of certain chronic diseases such as depression, cancer, and heart disease. Nuts and seeds are also a great source of fiber that will keep you satiated for a longer period of time. This will also reduce your calorie intake by reducing your snacking habits.
You should opt for the nuts and seeds that are lowest in carbs as they will be best for keto. These include flaxseeds, pecans, almonds, chia seeds, macadamia nuts, and more.
Generally, fruits are also high in carbs and therefore are not included in the keto diet, but berries are an exception in this case. Berries like strawberries and raspberries are high in fiber and low in carbs. They are even packed with antioxidants that help in reducing inflammation and protecting against disease.
5. Cocoa Powder and Dark Chocolate
Cocoa and dark chocolate are also among the most effective foods for keto diet and are also rich in several antioxidants. They are rich in compounds called flavanols, which help in enhancing your cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of blood pressure and maintaining your arteries health.
However, you should remember to choose dark chocolate that consists of at least seventy percent of the cocoa solids. Do not consume regular dark chocolate, and remember to eat it in moderation.
Easy Keto Meals
Following a ketogenic diet becomes a lot easier when you understand the foods to eat and foods to limit during this diet. You can make easy keto meals with the food list mentioned above while avoiding foods like baked goods, sweetened yogurt, grains, chips, crackers, syrup, honey, starchy vegetables, high sugar foods, grains, and more.
This does not mean that you should completely restrict carbohydrates from your meal plans. Instead, remember to spend it on healthier carbs. The amount of carbs used to achieve ketosis tends to vary from person to person, but on an average, total carbs consumption on the keto diet should range from ten to sixty grams per day.
This article discusses the best foods for keto diet that you should add to your meal plans.