Ketogenic Diet: Top Foods That Will Help You Reach Great Macronutrient Balance

Every person starting a ketogenic diet has one goal on their mind. And that goal is to get themselves into the state of ketosis. Years and years of research claimed that keto-friendly foods were destroying our health but now we know that they do the opposite. Numerous studies on the ketogenic diet found benefits for people with various conditions and that’s yet another reason to start a keto diet. Aside from the fact that people easily get fit by following this type of diet and exercising. So, let’s take a look at the best foods that you need to feature in your ketogenic diet in order to reach your health goals.

Seafood

Seafood is an awesome keto-friendly option for you. Fish and shellfish are very keto-friendly along with salmon and other fish that are rich in B vitamins, potassium and selenium. The best bit about these foods is that they are virtually carb-free. Do know though that carbs in different types of shellfish vary. Shrimp and most crabs have no carbs but other types of shellfish do. Bear that in mind!

Eggs

Yes, some may associate eggs with cholesterol but keep reading. Eggs are one of the healthiest and most versatile foods in this wide world. Many experts state that eggs belong to superfoods. And the main reason behind that is found in the egg yolk. The most beneficial nutrients in the egg are found in its yolk which includes 13 essential vitamins and minerals and eye-protecting antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. They are great sources of choline which is a vitamin-like nutrient and methyl donor involved in many important physiological processes. Even though they are high in cholesterol, eating them doesn’t raise blood cholesterol levels in most people. On top of that, one large egg has less than 1 gram of carbs and fewer than 6 grams of proteins. That makes it a great keto-friendly food.

Low-carb vegetables

Do know that non-starchy vegetables are low in calories and carbs but they are high in many nutrients such as the vitamin C and several other minerals. Veggies and other plants are rich in fiber which we do not digest and absorb like other carbs. That’s why it is important to look at their digestible carb count which is total carbs minus fiber. You have to have an eye for detail when it comes to these things if you want to master that keto macros balance. So, include Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli and cauliflower and everything will be a-keto-okay.  

Cheese

Heck yes! Cheese is on the list. That delicious, precious and nutritious food. There are various kinds of cheese but fortunately, all of them are very low in carbs and high in fat. And what does that make them? That makes them an awesome food that needs to find its place in your ketogenic diet. Cheese is also high in saturated fat but there is no proof that it leads to the increased risk of heart disease. On the contrary, some studies suggest that cheese can help protect against heart disease. So, make way for cheese, it is rich in protein, calcium and beneficial fatty acids. And yet it has a minimal amount of carbs. Win-win situation!

Poultry and meat

These need to be your staple foods on a ketogenic diet. Fresh meat and poultry have no carbs and they are rich in B vitamins and several minerals. These include selenium, potassium and zinc. Considering that we’re talking about meats, to be more precise, these keto-friendly meats, are rich in protein which is awesome for the preservation of muscle mass during a very low-carb diet. Aim at grass-fed meats if you can since the animals that eat grass produce meat with higher amounts of omega-3 fats, conjugated linoleic acid and antioxidants compared to meat from grain-fed animals.

Conclusion

You may have already known about some of these foods and their keto-friendly characteristics but hopefully, you now have a clear picture of what needs to be featured in your keto diet. Knowing these things about keto-friendly foods is essential if you want that perfect macronutrient balance. That’s why it’s good to learn something about fundamental keto-friendly foods.