Even though KETO diet (low carb high fat diet) was developed for people with epilepsy, diabetes and high blood sugar, many people adopt it for quick weight loss results. [1]
The macronutrient goals of the keto diet are the following: fats consumed during the day should account for 70-75% of the total calorie intake, while proteins should be 20-25 % and carbs- 5-10%. [2]
Saying that, the ketogenic diet is a very restrictive eating regime, which can give you both valuable benefits and worrisome health risks.
For example, some benefits of following ketogenic diet include improved insulin sensitivity, weight loss, controlling epilepsy seizures and prediabetic conditions, as well as protection of nervous and cognitive functions. [3]
That being said, people who strictly follow this regime are likely to consume less dietary fiber, which can have direct impact on bowel regularity and gut health. What is more, individuals on keto diet often reach to big quantities of unhealthy fats (saturated fat like butter, coconut oil, fatty meat cuts, cheese) instead of healthy fats: polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats (Omega-3 fatty acids, extra virgin olive oil, fish and seafood, sesame seed oil).
But the one most commonly asked question when you’re on keto diet is “Is this food KETO and can eat it?” Well, this article will guide you trough the foods that are suitable for ketogenic diet, as well as though these that should be limited/avoided.
Let’s get started!
Foods to Eat
As KETO means low-carb high-fat diet, there are certain low carb foods that you can eat without worries:
Fish and seafood
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Sardines
- Shrimp
- Tuna
- Anchovies
- White fish
- Crab
- Oysters
- Mussels
- Octopus
- Squid
Above-ground vegetables
- Lettuce
- Leafy greens (kale, spinach, arugula)
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Turnip
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Celery
- Eggplant
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Brussels sprouts
- Fennel
- Green beans
- Peas
- Peppers
- Onions
Meat and poultry
- Beef
- Veel
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Lamb
- Pork
- Sausages*
- Ham*
- Salami*
- Prosciutto*
*Keep in mind that even though red and deli meat is suitable for keto diet, they should be eaten in moderation due to their high saturated fat and sodium content. Excess consumption of these foods can increase the risk of high bad and total cholesterol, as well as heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and metabolic health conditions. The American Heart Association recommends limiting the consumption of processed meat and fatty meat cuts to minimum, so that saturated and trans fats (including partially hydrogenated vegetable oil) consumed accounts for no more than 6% of your total calorie intake. This can help lower LDL cholesterol and promote heart healthy diet by reducing the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease (also known as heart disease).
Find out how the Keto diet works and Why it makes you lose weight!
Dairy foods
- Eggs
- Cheese (blue, goat cheese, brie, camembert, cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, feta, parmesan, grana padano, cream cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta)
- Heavy cream
- Yogurt (plain)
- Butter and ghee
- Mascarpone
- Creme fraiche
- Sour cream
- Milk
Sweeteners
- Stevia
- Monk fruit
- Sucralose
- Erythritol
- Maltitol
- Xylitol
Other foods
- Cooking oils (olive oil, avocado oil, nut oils, butter, fish oil, sesame seed oil)
- Nuts (almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, macadamia)
- Seeds (chia, sesame seed, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackcurrant, elderberry, cranberries, raspberries)
- Nut milk (almond, hazelnut, coconut, macadamia, soy, flax milk)
- Tea (green, black, herbal, oolong, white)
- Unsweetened soda/drinks
- Water– still and sparking
Find out if the Keto diet is suitable for you in our dedicated article!
Foods to Avoid
Carb-rich foods and sugar should be limited/ avoided on keto diet. Here’s a list of foods, which normally don’t take part of a typical low-carb high-fat meal plan:
Starchy vegetables
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Beets
- Parsnip (except berries)
Legumes
- Beans
- Corn
- Lentils
Grains (and whole grains)
- Wheat
- Quinoa
- Rye
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Barney
- Flour
- Bread, tortillas, wraps, buns, pasta
Fruits
- Citrus fruits (orange, tangerines, lemons, pomelo, grapefruit)
- Pineapple
- Banana
- Apple
- Pear
- Mango
- Melon and watermelon
- Peach
- Apricot
- Dried fruits
- Fruit juices
- Smoothies (homemade and store-bought)
Sweeteners
- Sugar
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Coconut sugar
- Agave
Other foods
- Milk (also condensed milk)
- Breaded meat
- Cold cut meat with added sugar/carbs
- Pastries
- Candy and sweets
- Alcohol (beer, wine, gin, vodka, etc)
- Sweetened drinks and soft drinks
- Cashew nuts
- Processed foods and sauces (mayo, ketchup, vinaigrette)
Takeaway
Don’t forget that diverse and balanced diet can supply you with the necessary vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy food compounds. Sticking to healthy dietary choices to support balanced eating is key for maintaining your health and wellbeing (physical and mental.)
That being said, consulting your healthcare provider or dietitian BEFORE adopting ketogenic diet is key to get the optimal benefits out of it, and protect yourself from the risks of malnutrition.