8 Best Keto Foods for Weight Loss
Looking for the best keto foods for weight loss? Check out our list of the top 8 keto-friendly foods that can help you lose weight .
Keto Foods for Weight Loss
In order to understand the keto diet for weight loss, we must first understand how carb intake works in the body. Carbohydrate intake is the primary source of fuel for the body. Your brain depends on a constant supply of sugar or glucose from carbs. The body can make glucose from ketones, which are the byproduct of fat breakdown in the liver. But, the body still requires a certain amount of glucose. The rest is typically stored in the form of glycogen in the liver, kidneys and muscles. The body can only hold 2300 calories worth of glycogen.
Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and glycogen, which become the body’s primary source of fuel. If you are eating carbs and glucose is constantly being supplied to the body, then little room is left for fat, which is stored as a backup energy source. When you limit your carb intake, your body cannot store as much glucose in the initial stages. If you don’t eat carbs, your body has to break down fat in order to get glucose for fuel. This is what the keto diet for weight loss is all about. It forces the body to break down fats instead of carbs for energy. This can cause the body to lose weight.
You must consume fat to burn fat. You cannot burn fat from carbs. Your body needs a healthy balance of carbs, proteins and fats in order to keep working. By restricting carbs, you are forcing your body to burn fat.
1. Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of healthy protein.
According to 24Trusted Source, eggs may be ideal for keto because each large egg contains approximately 6 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of carbohydrates.
Additionally, it has been demonstrated that eggs produce hormones that enhance feelings of fullness.
Since the yolk contains the majority of an egg’s nutrients, it is essential to consume whole eggs rather than egg whites. This includes the eye-healthy antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.
Egg yolks have a lot of cholesterol, but they don’t seem to make you more likely to get heart disease.
2. Sea Foods
Shellfish and fish are keto-friendly. In addition to being nearly carb-free, salmon and other fish are high in selenium, potassium, and B vitamins.
However, different kinds of shellfish have different amounts of carbs. Oysters and octopus, on the other hand, contain carbs, whereas shrimp and most crabs do not. These foods can still be eaten on the keto diet, but you should keep careful track of your carb intake to stay within your range.
Furthermore, salmon, sardines, mackerel, and other greasy fish are extremely high in omega-3 fats, which have been related with lower insulin levels and expanded insulin awareness in individuals who are overweight or have weight.
Fish consumption has been linked to better brain health and lower disease risk.
Adults over the age of 18 should consume between 8 and 10 ounces of seafood each week, according to the American Heart Association.
3. Green leafy vegetables
Yes, there are several green leafy vegetables that are great options for those following a keto diet. Here are some examples:
- Spinach – high in nutrients such as iron and vitamin C, and low in carbs.
- Kale – another nutrient-dense option that’s low in carbs.
- Arugula – a slightly bitter green that’s low in carbs and high in vitamin K.
- Collard greens – a great source of vitamin A and low in carbs.
- Swiss chard – high in vitamins A and C, and low in carbs.
- Bok choy – a cruciferous vegetable that’s low in carbs and high in vitamin C.
- Romaine lettuce – a low-carb option that’s also high in vitamin C and beta-carotene.
These vegetables are all great options for those following a keto diet because they are low in carbs and high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
4. High fat Veggies
Although they are technically both fruits, avocados and olives are distinct among vegetables due to their relatively high fat content. They likewise contain fiber and are low in net carbs.
Oleuropein, olives’ primary antioxidant, may shield your cells from damage and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Moreover, one investigation discovered that individuals who ate one avocado each day experienced enhancements in heart wellbeing risk factors, including lower levels of LDL (terrible) cholesterol .
5. Nuts and Seeds
Seeds and nuts are good for you because they are high in fat and low in carbs.
A reduced risk of heart disease, certain cancers, depression, and other chronic diseases has been linked to eating nuts frequently.
Additionally, the high fiber content of nuts and seeds can help you feel fuller longer and naturally reduce your calorie intake.
Although the majority of nuts and seeds contain few net carbs, the amount varies greatly depending on the type. These are the keto-friendly foods with the fewest carbs:
pecans, walnuts, chia seeds, macadamia nuts, almonds, and flaxseeds.
6. Berries
Berries are an exception to the rule that most fruits are too high in carbs for the keto diet.
Especially strawberries and raspberries, are high in fiber and low in carbohydrates. Although blackberries and blueberries contain fewer carbohydrates than some other fruits, they may not adhere to strict ketogenic diets.
Antioxidants found in these small fruits may help reduce inflammation and prevent disease.
7. Olive oil
Olive oil has impressive heart-health benefits.
It has a lot of oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fat that has been shown to lower risk factors for heart disease.
Extra-virgin olive oil also contains a lot of polyphenol antioxidants, which are plant compounds that help keep the heart healthy by reducing inflammation and improving the function of the arteries.
As an unadulterated fat source, olive oil contains no carbs. Salad dressings and healthy mayonnaise can use it as a base.
Olive oil is best used for low-temperature cooking or added to dishes after they have been cooked because it is less stable at high temperatures than saturated fats.
Avocado oil and coconut oil are two additional excellent oils made from plants that are suitable for keto.
8. Vinegar
Vinegar is yet another extremely low-calorie condiment that can be used in place of higher-calorie additions. A few human examinations likewise recommend that vinegar can be helpful for weight reduction in alternate ways too.
For instance, a 12-week study on obese people found that consuming 15 or 30 milliliters of vinegar per day led to a weight loss of 2.6–3.7 pounds (1.2–1.7 kilograms). The study’s authors suggested that the ability of vinegar to make people feel fuller might be the reason for these findings.
