The ketogenic diet is a very successful weight loss program. It uses high-fat, low-carb ingredients to burn fat instead of glucose. Many people are familiar with the Atkins diet, but the keto plan further restricts carbs.
Because we’re surrounded by fast food restaurants and processed foods, it can be challenging to avoid high-carbohydrate foods, but proper planning can help.
Plan menus and snacks at least a week in advance so you’re not stuck with only high-carb meal options. Research keto recipes online; there are quite a few good ones to choose from. Dive into the keto lifestyle, find your favorite recipes and stick with them.
There are a few elements that are basic to a ketogenic diet. Make sure you have these items on hand:
- eggs – Used in omelettes, quiches (yes, heavy cream is keto legal!), boiled as a snack, low carb pizza crust, and more; if you like eggs, you have a good chance of success with this diet
- Bacon – I need a reason? breakfast, salad dressing, burger dressing, BLT (no bun, of course; try a BLT in a bowl, mixed with mayonnaise)
- cream cheese – Dozens of recipes, pizza doughs, main dishes, desserts
- Grated cheese – Sprinkle over taco meat in a bowl, turned into microwaved tortilla chips, salad dressings, low carb pizza and enchiladas
- Lots of romaine lettuce and spinach – Fill yourself with green vegetables; keep enough on hand for a quick salad when hunger strikes
- EZ-Sweetz Liquid Sweetener – Use a couple of drops instead of sugar; this artificial sweetener is the most natural and easy to use that i have come across
- Cauliflower – Bagged fresh or frozen, you can eat this low-carb vegetable plain, tossed with olive oil and baked, mashed into fake potatoes, chopped/shredded, and used in place of rice under main dishes, in low-carb pizza crusts carbs and keto and much more
- frozen chicken strips – Have a large bag handy; Quick thaw and grill, sauté, toss with vegetables and top with garlic sauce on a low carb flatbread, use in chicken piccata, chicken alfredo, tacos, enchiladas, Indian butter chicken and more
- Ground meat – Make a big burger and top it with everything from cheese to sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions… or shred and cook with taco seasoning and use on provolone cheese tacos; add a plate with lettuce, avocado, cheese, sour cream for a taco salad without a tortilla
- almonds (plain or flavored) – these make a tasty and healthy snack; however, be sure to count them as you eat, because carbs DO add up. Flavors include habanero, coconut, salt and vinegar and more.
The keto plan is a versatile and exciting way to lose weight, with lots of delicious food options. Keep these 10 items stocked in your fridge, freezer, and pantry, and you’ll be ready to whip up delicious keto meals and snacks anytime.