Eat real low-carbohydrate foods such as meat, fish, eggs, vegetables and natural fats (such as olive oil or butter). A simple rule of thumb for beginners is to eat foods with less than 5% carbohydrates. Here are the foods you can eat on a ketogenic diet:
Food to Eat on Keto Diet
- Meat – Unprocessed meats are low-carb and keto-friendly, and organic, grass-fed meats may be even healthier. But remember that keto is a high-fat, not high-protein diet, so you don’t need huge amounts of meat. Excess proteins can be converted into glucose, which could make it more difficult for some people to enter ketosis, especially at the beginning and with high levels of insulin resistance.
- Fish and seafood – They are all good, especially fatty fish like salmon. If you have concerns about mercury or other toxins, consider eating more smaller fish like sardines, mackerel and herring. If you can find wild caught fish, this is probably the best. Avoid breading fish, as it contains carbohydrates.
- ova – Buying organic or pasture eggs could be the healthiest option. How many eggs can you eat, considering the cholesterol? Our advice is no more than 36 eggs per day. But feel free to eat less if you prefer.
- Nuts – it is an excellent choice if eaten in moderation, but be careful when using nuts as a snack, as it is very easy to eat much more than necessary to feel satisfied. Also, keep in mind that cashews are relatively high in carbohydrates, so choose macadamia nuts or pecans instead.
- Vegetables that grow above ground – fresh or frozen – are both good. Choose vegetables that grow above ground, especially green leafy items. Favorites include cauliflower, cabbage, avocado, broccoli, and zucchini. Vegetables are a great way to get good fats during keto.
- High-fat dairy – Butter is good, high-fat cheese is fine, and cream is great for cooking. Avoid drinking milk as milk sugar builds up quickly. Finally, keep in mind that regularly snacking on cheese when you are not hungry is a common mistake that can slow down weight loss.
Can i have fruit on a keto diet?
Although fruits are often considered healthy, they are actually very high in carbohydrates and sugars, unlike non-starchy vegetables. Therefore, when it comes to strict keto diets, most fruits should be avoided.
However, some berries are an exception that can be enjoyed in small quantities. The best choices are blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, which provide 5-6 grams of carbs per 100 grams.
Most other fruits, including blueberries, contain double or triple this amount of carbohydrates, as highlighted in this guide to the best and worst fruits in terms of carbohydrate content.
Keep in mind that berries don’t provide nutrients that can’t be found in vegetables and other lower-carb foods, so they’re entirely optional on a keto diet. In fact, if you are very resistant to insulin, you may be better off not having them