70 Keto and Low Carb Holiday Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What cheese is good for keto? ›

The best keto cheeses include cheddar, Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese, while the worst are cottage cheese and low fat and processed varieties. If you're following the keto diet or know someone who is, be sure to keep these cheeses in mind to promote ketosis and meet dietary goals.

Fish: salmon, trout, haddock, tuna. Eggs: whole eggs, egg whites, egg yolks. Non-starchy vegetables: spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, tomatoes. Lower carb fruits: oranges, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries.

But if you don't get enough fat and aren't in ketosis because you eat too much protein, you could leave the body in a state of energy limbo. “If protein and carbohydrate intake is not managed, the person on a ketogenic diet may not go into ketosis and may just feel completely deprived and hungry,” Shapiro said.

Cheese is a good source of calcium: a 30g portion of cheddar provides over a quarter of an adult's daily requirements. However, other dairy products, such as yoghurt and milk, are just as good for the bones and much lower in fat and salt.

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.

We'll also share some great low-carb egg-based keto recipes. Eggs are keto-friendly and safe to eat when you're on the ketogenic diet. Eggs are low in carbs while containing high amounts of protein and healthy fats. You can have 6 to 7 eggs every day while on the keto diet.

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.

Food and drinks allowed on a no-carb diet include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, butter, oils, water, and plain coffee or tea. If you're less stringent, you can also eat nuts, seeds, non-starchy vegetables, and high fat fruits like avocado and coconut since these foods are low in net carbs.

"Vegetable-based pastas, such as zucchini noodles or hearts of palm noodles, tend to be lowest in carbs and calories," says Sassos. "They are also packed with nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals and are naturally gluten-free. Shirataki noodles and kelp noodles are also quite low in carbs and calories."

What is a cheap low-carb food? ›

Mistake #1: Too much protein, not enough fat

A well-formulated ketogenic diet is moderate, NOT HIGH, in protein. Protein has a moderate insulin-stimulating effect, and although it's less than the impact from a similar amount of carbohydrates, it can interfere with ketone production by the liver when consumed in excess.

Instead, try incorporating a variety of low intensity, steady state activities into your workout routine to get the most bang for your buck on the ketogenic diet. Jogging, biking, rowing, and doing yoga are just a few examples of physical activities that may be especially beneficial on keto.

#1: Eating too much protein.

The body can convert the amino acids from excess protein into glucose, potentially sabotaging your weight loss efforts and keeping your body out of ketosis. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this translates to about 75g of protein at about 10-20% protein.

Goat cheese is an excellent choice for someone following the keto diet. It contains 0 carbs, making it a great way to hit your macros — 1 ounce (oz) of goat cheese also offers 103 calories, 8 g of fat, and 6 g of protein, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

According to the USDA, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese contains 17.6 grams of fat and 20.4 grams of protein. It's also rich in calcium, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. While not the best option for keto because of its carb content (3.83 grams), practitioners say you may still be able to consume it in moderation.

Similar to my corn dog recipe, these keto mozzarella sticks feels like you are cheating but you're not! Each fried cheese stick is only 0.2 grams of carbs – practically zero carbs. Ready in under 12 minutes, get your ranch and marinara sauce ready for this restaurant favorite appetizer.