How to Survive & Thrive On a Keto Diet (2024)

Jumping into low carb high fat eating? Here are 5 steps you need to take to set yourself up for success!

One of the most popular diets of our days is Keto and for a good reason! When done right it’s extremely powerful and the results can be amazing -- both mentally and physically. With that said, it’s also one of the hardest diets tostick with since it requires a radical changesfrom the standard American diet.

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carb diet that forces the body in a state of “ketosis” to burn fats rather than carbohydrates. It can be super tough to start, after all, it’s likely a radical departure from the way you’re eating now (a typical western diet is high in carbohydrates and processed foods).

Before jumping into it, check out these practical tips to prepare and get ready mentally for this huge change to come!

1.The First 10 DaysMay Be The Toughest
Before starting, you should be aware thatif you drop carbs cold-turkey,the first few days you will most likely experience symptoms of your body adjusting to lack of glucose.Many people starting off keto will go through this and it’s often referred to as the “Keto Flu”. It’s caused by your body adjusting to burning fat for energy instead of carbs and it can make you feel weak and lethargic. In some cases you may experience mental fog, fatigue, or hunger. An alternative is gradually shift to a paleo-ish or low carb diet before starting full keto. Incorporating lots of healthy fats in your diet will prepare your body to start burning fat for fuel.Regardless,it’s best to pick a start date when you can take time to adjust.

2. Incorporate Electrolytes to Prevent or Mitigate Unpleasant Keto Side Effects

In ketosis, your kidneys excrete more water and electrolytes. Make sure your body is getting all the essential minerals it needs to function well. Incorporate electrolytes in your diet, such as a sprinkle of sea salt in your water. Another easy way to cover this is by supplementing with an exogenous ketone BHB-salt, which usually has more than enough sodium and magnesium to compensate.

3.Fat-BoostedCoffee and Matcha is a Game-Changer!

The recipe is super simple: mix freshly brewed coffee with MCT oil and your favorite nut milk or creamer. Blend it all together and your delicious, rich, creamy coffee drink is ready to start your morning! It’s not only yummy but it will also help give you more energy and assist in ramping up your fat-burning metabolism.

4. Start Gradually Preparing Before “Going Live”

Keto is a high-fat, low carb diet. Before throwing yourself into the challenge and cutting off all carbs at once it’s a good idea to take baby steps and start to make small adjustments to what you’re eating every day. Instead of rice and potatoes try to opt for greens and veggies. Start cooking with more oils like olive or avocado oil. Realize that eating habits that may work well in other diets such as eating skinless grilled chicken breast simply don’t make sense in Keto as you won’t get enough fats (and they don't taste as good!).

5. Think About Protein

Finally we often forget that Keto is actually a low-carb and moderate protein diet. Youshould watch your protein intake as overeating protein can easily take your body out of ketosis. Think of your ratios and try to have smaller portions or fattier portions of meat. Plant-based alternatives can also be a good way to ensure you're not over-consuming protein.

That's all for now! Good luck and comment below with your questions.

How to Survive & Thrive On a Keto Diet (2024)

FAQs

What are the top 10 keto foods? ›

These are the top 10 keto foods you should include if you're on...
  1. Salmon. Whether wild or farm-raised, salmon is rich in fat, making it an essential ketogenic diet staple. ...
  2. Eggs. This affordable protein and fat source is highly versatile. ...
  3. Cauliflower. ...
  4. Greens. ...
  5. Avocado. ...
  6. Nuts. ...
  7. Olive oil. ...
  8. Zucchini.

What's the hardest day of keto? ›

1.The First 10 Days May Be The Toughest

Before starting, you should be aware that if you drop carbs cold-turkey, the first few days you will most likely experience symptoms of your body adjusting to lack of glucose. Many people starting off keto will go through this and it's often referred to as the “Keto Flu”.

What food is not allowed in keto? ›

10 Foods You Can't Eat on the Keto Diet & Their Substitutes
  • Grains and Starches. ...
  • Sugary Foods and Sweets. ...
  • High-Carb Fruits. ...
  • Starchy Vegetables. ...
  • Legumes and Beans. ...
  • Processed Foods with Hidden Carbs. ...
  • Alcohol and co*cktails. ...
  • High-Carb Sauces and Condiments.

What is the trick to keto diet? ›

Strategies for encouraging the body to enter ketosis include:
  1. Significantly reducing the carbohydrate intake. ...
  2. Increasing physical activity. ...
  3. Fasting for short periods. ...
  4. Increasing healthful fat intake. ...
  5. Testing ketone levels. ...
  6. Checking protein intake. ...
  7. Consuming more MCT oil.

What foods can you eat unlimited amounts of on keto? ›

Foods you can eat on the keto diet include fish and seafood, meat and poultry, non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, avocados, berries, nuts and seeds, eggs, high-fat dairy products, olive oil and other oils, and high-cocoa chocolate.

What is the most filling food on keto? ›

13 of the best keto foods that keep you full
  • Mushrooms are a very filling vegetable. ...
  • Sauerkraut is rich in filling fiber. ...
  • Coconut yogurt can promote satiation. ...
  • Green pesto has an amazing fiber content. ...
  • Sardines are incredibly healthy. ...
  • Add eggs to your diet . ...
  • Make sure you are consuming full-fat dairy.
Oct 9, 2018

Is peanut butter keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

How to speed up keto weight loss? ›

To maximize weight loss on a ketogenic diet, get adequate sleep, reduce stress, be more active and consume whole, nutritious, low-carb foods whenever possible.

How much weight can you lose in a month on keto? ›

How Much Weight Can You Lose in a Month on Keto? Individuals on a keto diet can lose an average of 10-12 pounds in their first month if they stay consistent with the diet and maintain a calorie deficit. However, weight loss can vary depending on starting weight, age, and activity level.

What junk food is keto-friendly? ›

Keto Junk Food Alternatives: Our Top 15 Alternatives
  • Southern Recipe Original Pork Rinds. ...
  • Keto Pizza Bites From Hog Heaven. ...
  • Keto Jalapeño Popper Burgers. ...
  • Family Size Chili & Lime Pork Rinds. ...
  • Keto Donuts - Krispy Kreme* Copycat Recipe. ...
  • Keto Roast Beef Sandwiches. ...
  • Spicy Dill Pork Rinds.
Feb 23, 2024

What meat is not keto-friendly? ›

A lot of people think that the keto diet is all about consuming meat and meat alone. But eating too much meat that is processed, like sausages, smoked meat, bacon and hot dogs is definitely not good. These kind of meat contain gluten, preservatives and sugar, that will increase carb intake and kick body out of ketosis.

Can I eat popcorn on keto? ›

Net carbs are calculated by taking the total grams of carbohydrate in a food and subtracting the amount of fiber. In this case, popcorn contains 6 grams of carbs per 1 cup serving and 1.2 grams of fiber, bringing the net carbs per serving to 4.8 grams. Yes friends, popcorn is indeed a keto food.

What are big mistakes on keto? ›

Eating too much protein and not enough fats

Proteins as well can cause insulin spikes when over-consumed. The only macronutrient that doesn't spike insulin is pure fat. For this reason, you need to be adhering to very specific fat/carb/protein ratios when following a Keto Diet.

What are the golden rules of keto? ›

The basic rules of keto are eating few carbohydrates and emphasizing fat with a moderate intake of protein. In order to be in a state of ketosis, you will likely have to track the amount of carbohydrates you eat by weighing out your food.

What are the don'ts on keto diet? ›

For the most part, legumes, nuts and seeds are foods to avoid on a keto diet. You may include small amounts of raw nuts, like almonds, cashews, walnuts and their associated flours, but be mindful of your intake.

What foods kick you from ketosis? ›

Sausages, bacon with sugar, and glazed ham are just a few examples of processed meats that can knock you out of ketosis. While many dairy products are high in healthy fats and protein, others are high in carbohydrates. Animal milk, in particular, is high in carbs and should be avoided entirely on a ketogenic diet.

What sweets can be eaten on keto? ›

  • Lily's Chocolate Bars. ...
  • ChocZero 50% Dark Chocolate Squares. ...
  • SlimFast Keto Fat Bomb Snacks. ...
  • Russell Stover Sugar-Free Pecan Delights. ...
  • Atkins Snack Bar Caramel Chocolate Nut Roll. ...
  • think! ...
  • Rebel Ice Cream. ...
  • Halo Top Keto Chocolate Cheesecake.
Jul 13, 2020

What fruit can I eat on keto? ›

Keto fruits by definition are low in carbohydrates. You still need to exercise portion control with most keto-friendly fruits to be within the limits of a keto diet. Keto-friendly fruits include avocados, watermelon, strawberries, lemons, tomatoes, raspberries, peaches, cantaloupe, star fruit, and blackberries.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 6289

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.