How does the keto diet work? It’s a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that is increasingly popular for weight loss and the treatment of multiple medical conditions. The recommendation is for fat content to make up 70% to 80% of daily total calories.
So, what foods are best for hitting those fat goals and limiting carbs while still getting all the nutrients your body needs? Check out these 4 options to add to your keto diet foods list.
1. Meat, Poultry, and Plant-Based Substitutes
At the top of the keto diet food list is meat and poultry. These are keto staples as protein-rich and carb-free foods. Protein intake is important on a keto diet, as this nutrient helps to preserve your muscle mass when you remove carbs from your diet.
Every kind of meat and poultry is the perfect food for a keto diet list — from beef and lamb to wild game and chicken.
You’ll have to handle plant-based substitutes with a bit more care, though. Many substitutes have added sugars and starches that you’ll need to look out for. Tempeh and tofu are great protein substitutes for vegetarians and vegans on a keto diet.
2. Fish and Seafood
There are plenty of delicious fish and seafood options that should be at the very top of your list of foods for a keto diet. Fish is super keto-friendly because they are almost completely free of carbs and nutrient-dense.
The carb density of shellfish varies, so you’ll need to track the carbs if you’re going to indulge in oysters and octopus, for example. However, you can gorge on carb-free crab and shrimp with no worries.
Stick to fatty fish that are high in omega-3 fats for a keto-friendly, superfood option. Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are all fantastic choices.
3. Cheese and Full-Fat Dairy
One of the best parts of the keto diet is that you can indulge in all of your favorite cheeses and dairy products. Ditch the 2% and low-fat options for the double-thick and full-fat items instead.
Cheese, butter, cream, and full-fat yogurts are fantastic foods for a keto diet list. These foods are protein-rich and contain healthy fats and very few carbs.
It’s important to note that milk should be used sparingly due to milk sugar which piles up the carb count.
4. Oils and Sauces
Adding oils and sauces is one of the best keto diet tips. The whole point of the keto diet is to consume a diet high in fat. This sounds easy, but the amount of fat actually needed for your body to go into ketosis is substantial.
What’s more, it’s important to consume healthy fats. So, how can you do this? Add oils and sauces to your foods. Garlic butter, thick Bearnaise, cheese sauces — have it all!
Douse your salads in heart-healthy olive oil and cook with coconut oil. It’s a fantastic way to up your fat intake.
Want to know more about how the keto diet works — have a look here.
Add These to Your Keto Diet Foods List
There are so many delicious and nutritious items that you can add to your keto diet foods list. These foods ensure you’re getting all the right nutrients, a high fat count, and a low carb intake. Exactly what you need!
If you’re interested in making healthy choices, keep exploring our site for informative and inspirational content.
