A keto diet is an eating pattern that includes high amounts of fat, low to moderate amounts of protein, and very little carbohydrates. The keto diet is typically rich in foods like butter, cheese, eggs, meat, nuts, oils, seafood, and seeds. It does not allow much, if any, room for fruits, vegetables, grains, potatoes, sweets, or other carbohydrate-rich foods. Although there are variations to the ketogenic diet, they all share a primary objective of restricting carbohydrate intake. A typical ketogenic eating plan aims for about five percent of calories from carbohydrates, 20 percent from protein, and 75 percent from dietary fats. On a 2,000-calorie-per-day ketogenic diet, this equates to about 100 calories (25 grams) of carbohydrates, 400 calories (100 grams) of protein, and 1,500 calories (167 grams) of dietary fat.
Here are some foods that can be consumed on a keto diet:
- Avocado
- Coconut
- Olive oil and other plant oils
- Nuts, nut butters, and seeds
- Bacon
- Egg yolks
- Butter
- Cheese
- Animal fats
- Meat and chicken
- Fish
- Seafood
- Eggs
- Non-starchy vegetables such as greens, broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms, and peppers
- Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens
- Dairy products such as cheese, plain yogurt, cottage cheese, cream, half-and-half, and certain unsweetened plant milks
- Carb-free sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, xylitol, and sucralose
Here are some foods that should be limited or avoided on a keto diet:
- Grains such as cereal, crackers, rice, pasta, bread, and beer
- Fruits except for berries and some low-carb fruits
- Starchy vegetables such as potatoes
- Sweets and desserts
- Sugary drinks
- Beans and legumes
- High-carb condiments such as ketchup and barbecue sauce
It is important to note that the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone, and it is recommended to discuss with a healthcare provider before starting any diet plan.