The keto (ketogenic) diet has become extremely popular among health-centric people over the last few years. The diet’s aim is to send one’s body into a state of “ketosis”, which is done by avoiding carbohydrates as much as possible. Scientists and experts agree that the ketogenic diet help people lose weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and improve their overall health. However, many people find the keto diet hard to follow because the meal plans can be somewhat complex. In order to make it easier, this article will present nine easy keto meal recipes that you can try right now. However, as a plant-based eater myself, I tend to steer people towards eating less meat and dairy, so please keep that in mind as you read on – and check out this Keto Calculator for more insights.
Broccoli and Kale Juice
Many people think that juice is incompatible with the keto diet because of the high sugar content. This isn’t always the case. You can prepare your own juice on the ketogenic diet, provided that you eat approved vegetables and fruits. Broccoli and kale are favorites among many adherents to the keto diet. You simply need to blend broccoli, kale, ginger, and ice cubes. While this may sound simple, this drink is very refreshing, very good for you, and a great alternative to water, which alone can get very boring, very fast.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned beef is a type of food very popular with young people, particularly students. This is because it is often served as a school lunch. As people grow older, however, their corned beef consumption tends to fall. Corned beef is compatible with the keto diet, which makes it a great option for anybody that remembers this dish fondly. As the dish’s name suggests, it is very straightforward. Simply combine corned beef – prepared however you like – with steamed cabbage, as well as carrots. Season with black pepper and salt. This dish can be consumed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I do want to say that it is recommended reduce corned beef consumption due to it being a processed food, and processed foods having a higher link with cancer and other diseases.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Mac ‘n’ cheese, like corned beef, is a favorite among school children and young people. While this too is another dish that is compatible with the keto diet, I suggest turning it into a dairy-free option, when possible.
If you are going to make mac ‘n’ cheese then you need to make sure that you make it with pasta that is low in carbohydrates. Traditionally prepared pasta is very high in them, so naturally, it is not compatible with the keto diet. You can find approved keto pasta all over the internet, and most of them can be delivered straight to your door. Make sure that any pasta you buy is keto-approved, otherwise, you are damaging your diet’s effectiveness.
Fried Chicken
Who doesn’t love fried chicken? Yes, fried chicken can also be eaten on a keto diet, though it’s advisable to eat it in small quantities and infrequently. The reason for this is that fried chicken is notoriously bad for your health. With that said, you can prepare it in an air-fryer, which makes it significantly less unhealthy. The way that you make your fried chicken depends on your personal taste, though a good basic recipe is as follows: black pepper, large eggs, double cream, almond flour, crushed pork scratchings, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and of course, chicken breasts.
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad with [vegan] cheese and [vegan] bacon is a very popular keto dish, especially with people who’re fans of bacon. As with other fried, processed foods, it’s a great idea if you limit your bacon consumption to as rarely as possible. If you are going to eat bacon often, however, then it’s definitely worthwhile doing your research and trying to find one that’s not processed or preserved, and oven cook it. Unfortunately, if you do fry it, you are consuming a lot of fat and oil. Try to find a vegan cheese that’s low in fat too, if you are concerned about your health.
Garlic Pork Chops
Garlic pork chops seasoned with rosemary – another classic dish. You can prepare and cook this dish however you want. As with bacon, it’s best to avoid frying pork chops. You also want to find organic and pasture-raised pork. Experts recommend seasoning them with garlic several hours in advance so that it has time to soak into the meat. The same is true for the rosemary. You can increase the flavor of the dish by frying rosemary, then adding it to the meat as a marinade. Make sure to lightly fry, so that the rosemary does not burn.
Bacon Chicken
This dish is just as the name suggests: bacon and chicken! In order to prepare this dish, wrap bacon around chicken breasts, and bake. You can also fry in an air-fryer, which is a very popular way of preparing this dish. Make sure to grate cheese over your bacon chicken once it is finished. Then, when you have grated cheese, put it inside an oven or under a grill, and let the cheese crisp up. Again, choosing vegan options here is recommended.
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is an extremely popular dish, with people both on and off of the keto diet. You will be delighted to know that it is keto-friendly. If you are going to prepare this dish, then prepare it as you normally would, were you not following a keto diet. As for cheese, you can put any cheese that you want on it. Though, as the dish suggests, Parmesan complements it best. You can also use Pecorino.
Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps
Cheesesteak lettuce wraps are cheesesteaks, wrapped in lettuce (simple, right?). In order to prepare this dish, prepare your cheesesteaks as you ordinarily would, season with salt, and wrap in washed lettuce leaves. You can use a cocktail stick to hold them together, or just use your fingers. Lettuce wraps go very well with salads of all kinds which is something to bear in mind.
The keto diet is taking the world by storm. If you want to hop on and try it out, then follow this article’s recipe list, or create your own. Experts advise easing yourself onto the keto diet. It can be very difficult to cut carbohydrates out altogether and more often than not, cutting them out completely is not recommended and can, in fact, hurt your body in the long run.
If you need more diet advice, let me help! I am a Holistic Nutritionist so that is what I do!