The Keto diet is a low carb, high fat and moderate protein diet that has been all the rage nowadays and for good reason. People claim to have lost more than 20 pounds through the keto diet.
Often people want to try a keto diet, but they find it’s difficult because of the ingredients. Most of us so used to carbs, we don’t know how to cook without them.
What I find helps is creating your keto pantry before you start with your keto diet. This way it will be easier to stay on track and you can create your keto meals without any hassle.
Make keto easier by creating your keto pantry:
Fats
It’s no surprise that fats are at the top of our list. Cutting down on carbohydrates means that fats are basically your main source of energy and are crucial in ensuring that you meet your daily caloric intake. Stock your keto pantry with coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, and avocado oil. Don’t hesitate to use a bit of butter or ghee too in your food every now and then too.
Proteins
Just like fats, proteins are a vital source of fuel in the keto diet too. Meats like poultry (duck, turkey, chicken), beef, lamb, bacon, and goat are a great source of protein. Fish and shellfish are good too. Add nut butter (peanut, almond or any other nut/seed butter) to your keto pantry for a convenient protein source for when you’re in a rush.
Although protein powders are a popular option, some people tend to have a hard time stomaching it, so be sure to experiment with your options and eat what makes your body feel good! Remember, dieting isn’t supposed to be torture.
Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, and Seeds
Starch is a complete no-no on the keto diet, so stick to non-starchy vegetables instead. Leafy greens are great at providing your body with a host of essential vitamins. Stock up on spinach, kale, collard greens, bok choy, and arugula. Mushrooms, celery, cucumber, broccoli, tomatoes, and zucchini are excellent options too.
Where fruits are concerned, tread carefully. Avoid and fruits with too much sugar. Lemons, limes, avocados, olives, coconuts, and berries are great though.
Avocado is the king when it comes to keto friendly fruit.
Help yourself to nuts and seeds too! Macadamia nuts, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and cashews are all great options. Sunflower, pumpkin, flax and chia seeds will store well in your keto pantry too and are great to snack on when you’re in need of an extra boost of energy.
Flours
Your average flour isn’t allowed on the keto diet, but don’t worry. There are some great substitutes in the market. Low carb flours like almond flour and coconut flour are the most popular options among dieters and will keep for a long time without going bad in your keto pantry.
Dairy
Since this diet allows fats, help yourself to full-fat dairy options available in the market. Cheese like goat cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and most hard cheeses can be enjoyed in moderation. Sour cream and full-fat yogurt can be a super yummy addition to any dinner too.
Sweeteners
You’ll need to limit your refined sugar intake while on this diet. For most people, a maximum of 50 grams of total carbohydrates is allowed in a day. This means that all sources of carbohydrate, including refined sugar, should be limited to as little as possible.
If you must have a sugar substitute when creating your keto pantry, then choose between stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit.
The Best Places to Shop for Keto Food
After creating your keto pantry, send us some pictures for some Inspiration 101.
