Changing your diet to a healthier one is all well and good but when it comes to jumpstarting your weight loss with a Keto diet, you can do better than just jump right in. It is always a good idea to do some research first when it comes to a new diet and the ketogenic diet deserves a thorough understanding so you will know what to expect, what foods to prepare, and so on.
Ketogenic diet has gained a lot of followers over the years as this low-carb, high fat diet has been found to be effective when it comes to weight loss, regulating diabetes, and even epilepsy for that matter. This diet typically limits your carb intake to 20 to 50 grams per day and although this can appear challenging, once you get used to the limitations, you will be able to find more ways to enjoying nutritious and delicious food.
So which foods are actually allowed in a Keto Diet? Here are a few that you should take note of.
Low-carb vegetables
If you plan on following a Keto diet, adding low-carb vegetables to your diet is highly recommended. Think non-starchy ones because they tend to be low in both calories and carbohydrates but they will certainly pack a punch in terms of nutrients. What’s great about this type of food is that you can easily swap them with those with high carb content. A good example of this is to make cauliflower rice or even a mashed potato version of it if you like.
Low-sugar fruits
What else can you add to your Keto diet? Well, low-sugar fruits are quite welcome as they will help keep your blood sugar regulated. Fruits such as strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and even avocado are just a few options to consider. What’s great about these fruits is that they are high in antioxidants which can actually protect your body from damage.
Meat and poultry
Keto followers will tell you that meat and poultry are staples in this diet. Of course, you should stick to fresh meat as well as poultry since they do not have carbs. What’s more, they contain high amounts of B vitamins as well as a host of minerals such as selenium, potassium, and even zinc. Another reason why you should add these two to your diet is that they are good sources of protein which can help keep your muscle mass intact.
Nuts
Another food that is quite welcome in Keto diet is nuts such as pecans, walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts and the like. These are all rich in healthy fats, proteins, as well as a host of other nutrients that are actually good for your health. You can have them as snacks or you can add them to your meals such as in the case of sesame seeds, flax seeds, and the like.
Coconut oil
What else is allowed in Keto diet? Well, coconut oil can be used in this diet because of its versatility. For starters, this oil has MCTs or medium-chain triglycerides that are actually carried to the liver which are then transformed into ketones to improve your energy levels. It has also been found that coconut oil can be used to aid obese adults into losing belly fat as well as weight so they will be able to go back to a more normal number along with proper diet and exercise.Â
These are just a few examples of foods that you can integrate into your Keto diet. There are more to consider but these are good for starters.