A keto diet means that you eat fewer carbohydrates and a higher proportion of fat. This can also be called a low-carb, high-fat diet (LCHF) or a strict low-carb diet. For decades we’ve been told that fat is detrimental to our health.
Meanwhile low-fat “diet” products, often full of sugar, have flooded supermarket shelves. This has been a major mistake, that coincided with the start of the obesity epidemic. Studies now show that there’s no reason to fear natural fats.
Fat is your friend. On a low carb diet, you instead minimize your intake of sugar and starches. You can eat other delicious foods – and still lose weight. See the Keto Diet Food List
How does it work?
When you avoid sugar and starches, your blood sugar stabilizes and the levels of the fat-storing hormone insulin drop. This increases fat burning and makes you feel more satiated, reducing food intake and causing weight loss. So what should you eat.
Foods to eat on the keto diet
Protein
Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, game and poultry. The fat is useful as well as the skin on the chicken. Choose organic and grass-fed if you can.
Fish and seafood: All kinds. Preferably fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel or herring.
Eggs: All kinds. Preferably organic.
Natural fat
Using butter and cream for cooking can make your food taste better and make you feel more satisfied. Coconut fat, avocado oil or olive oil are also good options.
Vegetables
All kinds of cabbage: Asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, olives, spinach, mushrooms, cucumber, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes etc.
Dairy products
Always select full-fat options like real butter, cream (40% fat), sour cream and cheeses. Be careful with regular milk, reduced fat and skim milk as they contain a lot of milk sugar. Avoid flavored, sugary and low-fat products.
Nuts and berries
Enjoy low-carb nuts like brazil nuts, macadamia and almonds. Berries like raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are OK in moderation for most people. Great with whipped cream. Reduce or exclude for weight loss.
Everyday drinks
Water: Still or sparkling. Add a slice of lemon or lime.
Coffee and tea: Preferably with cream. Hungry between meals? Try mixing the coffee or tea with a dollop of unsalted butter and coconut fat.
Foods to avoid on the keto diet
Sugar
Soft drinks, candy, juice, sports drinks, chocolate, cakes, buns, pastries, ice cream and breakfast cereals. Also avoid artificial sweeteners: they often maintain sugar cravings.
Starch
Bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, French fries, potato chips, porridge, muesli etc. Moderate amounts of root vegetables are okay if you are not too strict with carbohydrate restriction.
Margarine
Industrial butter imitation with unnaturally high content of omega-6 fat and additives. It has no health benefits and tastes bad.
Beer
Liquid bread. Full of rapidly absorbed carbs.
Fruit
Contains a lot of sugar, eat it as a natural form of candy. Dried fruit contains even more carbohydrates. Coconut, citrus and melon contain fewer carbohydrates than, for example, bananas and grapes. See the Keto Diet Food List
