The keto diet has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. In this diet, the quantity of carbohydrates consumed is restricted to 20-50gms per day. A keto diet is generally rich in healthy fats and proteins. Its goal is to achieve ketosis, which is a state in which the body burns fats instead of carbs for energy. It’s proven to help with weight loss, epilepsy, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases.

Five foods to eat on a keto diet

1. Seafood
Seafood is one of the best foods to eat on a keto diet. It hardly contains any carbs but is rich in healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines, salmon, mackerel, etc. are some of the fish which are best for this diet. Consuming 2-3 servings of seafood per week is also healthy for the heart, according to the American Heart Association. It can additionally help lower insulin levels in the body. Fish and shellfish come packed with vitamins and minerals as well.

2. Certain fruits and vegetables
There are some fruits and vegetables that are among the best foods to eat on a keto diet, while others are best avoided. If you’re on a keto diet, make sure to include veggies like kale, spinach, zucchini, asparagus, cucumber, cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, and green beans in your meals. Avocado, eggplant, tomatoes, and olives are also excellent additions to a keto diet. Fruits that have a low-glycemic index, like raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, etc. can be added to this weight loss plan. Limes, lemons, and other citrus fruits are also a good addition to keto meals.

3. Dairy
High-fat dairy is among the best foods to eat on keto diets. Butter, yogurt, and cheese like parmesan, feta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, etc. are also great options to consume on a keto diet. Milk should be avoided as the sugar in it can increase the carb intake. Cheese also comes packed with conjugated linoleic acid that aids in fat loss. Brie, manchego, pepper jack, provolone, and halloumi are some other cheeses that are good for a keto diet.

4. Certain beverages
Keto diets can have a diuretic effect on the body (they cause frequent urination). So it’s necessary to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water to keep yourself hydrated. Also, tea and coffee are permitted in small quantities. Just make sure not to add milk to them. Bone broth is another fantastic food to eat on a keto diet. It is packed with nutrients and electrolytes and gives you sufficient energy too.

5. Nuts
Nuts and seeds are among the top foods to eat on keto diets as they are rich in healthy fats and low in carbs. Some nuts are also an excellent source of protein. Brazil nuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts are the best ones. Cashews and pine nuts contain a higher level of carbohydrates, so it’s better to eat them in moderation. Flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, etc. come packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals and should be consumed on this plan.

If you’re planning to lose weight, just consuming these foods is not enough. It’s best to reduce your carb intake by avoiding starchy foods like pasta, potatoes, bread, etc., alongside fried, processed items.