There is no question that the keto diet can be extraordinarily beneficial to those who want to lose weight. If you have decided to follow this type of diet, you will need to know which foods you should eat and which you have to avoid. This information will really help you with following this diet so it is much easier overall.
Foods You Should be Eating
The following is a list of foods that are absolutely essential for anyone who is on a ketogenic diet.
Seafood
There are all sorts of seafood items that you can eat to get your daily dose of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Clams, squid, mussels, octopus and oysters are just a few of the different types of seafood that you should try to eat on a regular basis. Salmon is another type of seafood that is healthy because it is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.
Cheese
While a lot of people might tell you that eating cheese is a bad thing, the truth is that it is ideal for those who are on a ketogenic diet. This food is high in fat and low in carbs. It also tends to have a lot of protein and calcium, which is very good for your body as a whole.
Avocados
Avocados have around 9 grams of carbs per 3.5 ounces, which isn't bad at all. This fruit has a nice sweet taste and lots of fiber. It is also a great source of potassium and other nutrients that are essential for a healthy body. Anyone who is on a keto diet should get plenty of this foods each day.
Meat
Grass-fed meat and specifically poultry is also a great choice if you are on a keto diet. It is important that you eat meats are high in fat so you can get the most from them. This is a great way to get a high amount of protein in your diet.
Eggs
Eating eggs on a regular basis will give you the protein you need to stay healthy. It is a particularly good choice for those who want to lose weight. Eggs have tons of nutrients that are great for us.
Greek Yogurt
All of the healthy bacteria that Greek yogurt has will help regulate your digestive system and provide you with a number of physical benefits. This type of yogurt can also help keep your cravings under control so that you can minimize your risk of overeating.
Olive Oil
Cooking with olive oil can help you reduce your risk of heart disease while allowing you to stick to your ketogenic diet without any conflicts. It is a great source of pure fat and makes for a nice healthy salad dressing.
Foods to Avoid
There are certain foods that anyone who is on a keto diet needs to avoid altogether.
Energy Bars
While a lot of the energy bars that are sold in grocery stores might seem very healthy, they are really not very good for you. They are packed with artificial sweeteners and various additives that won't do your overall health any favors. If you are interested in buying any of these bars, you will definitely want to do your research first.
Sugary Foods
Make sure that you steer clear of foods that are loaded with sugar. This includes soda, ice cream and most desserts. There are low or non-sugar varieties of sweets that you can consume so you won't be cheating on your diet. These foods only contribute to weight gain and won't help you stay fit in any way.
Beans
While it may be true that beans offer plenty of health benefits, they are pretty starchy and loaded with carbs. It is important that you limit the amount of beans that you eat each day, or avoid them altogether.
Quinoa
A lot of people love quinoa because it is packed with protein, but it is not very well-suited to those who are on a ketogenic diet. Just a half cup serving of this food contains around 17 grams of carbs. You should try to avoid eating it altogether, or at least don't go overboard.
Apples
It might seem like apples are a pretty harmless food, they can be less than helpful for people following a ketogenic diet. The average apple has around 20 grams of carbs, which can really add up if you eat them enough. Giving up apples may not be easy, but it is necessary if you want to stick to this diet.
Artificial Sweeteners
You need to avoid using artificial sweeteners whenever you can. It contains lots of sugar that can lead to cravings and therefore overeating. If you want to keep your eating under control as much as possible, you should avoid this food.
Packaged Foods
It is also a good idea to not eat pre-packaged foods, as they tend to be extremely processed and unhealthy as a whole. These foods are usually loaded with carbs and preservatives that can do a lot of damage to your health over time. They can also contain loads of sugar, which just isn't good for you at all.
Margarine
Despite what people have been raised to believe, margarine is far worse for your health and waistline than butter. If you really want to stay healthy and in shape, it is important that you stay away from margarine as much as possible. It is especially important for people on a keto diet to remember this.
Final Thoughts
A ketogenic diet can benefit almost anyone, but you need to know which foods to eat and which ones to avoid. This will help you make the right dietary choices on a daily basis. It might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but you will get used to it after a while. A lot of people have hard time giving up certain foods, but it is a necessary sacrifice to remain healthy.
