When I started withketo dietssix months ago, my biggest challenge was giving up my favorite snack: crackers and cheese. Oh, how I loved a crunchy, crunchy, flavorful cookie.
With a keto diet, the goal is toreduce carbohydrate intake(buh-bye Cheez-Its) and increase your fat consumption. "Reducing carbs puts you in a metabolic state called ketosis, where your body burns fat (instead of carbs and sugar) for energy," he says.Jes Ernst, R.D.N., a Cincinnati-based keto-focused nutritionist. “Fat burning createsa ketone, which your body uses as fuel.
When in fat burning mode (also known ascetose), you really shouldn't feel the need to snack. "If you eat enough fat at every meal, you should feel full," explains Ernst.
It's true: On a keto diet, I find I can go a lot longer between meals without feeling hungry. But that doesn't mean I'm okay with living a snack-free lifestyle. I like to snack (preferably something crunchy) and I don't plan on giving up anytime soon. satisfying,Denise Potter, R.D.N., a nutritionist who specializes in the keto diet, says it's okay. "Some people need snacks on the keto diet," she says.
How to Build a Satisfying Keto Diet Snack
✔️ Watch your macros:"The key is to think in terms of proportions when choosing a snack," says Potter. You want the snack to be 70-80% fat and 20-30% protein and net carbs (the total amount of carbs minus fiber and sugar alcohols) combined. For example, an ideal keto snack is 1/2 an avocado because it contains 15g of fat, 2g of protein and 2g of net carbs. That's a 15:4 ratio (about 79% fat to 21% protein and net carbs).
Unless you are on keto to treat a medical condition (such asepilepsyofmigraine), don't worry too much about the numbers - all you have to remember is to keep the fat high and the carbs low (protein levels can vary).
✔️ Look for Whole Foods:Both Ernst and Potter are advocates of choosing fresh keto snacks (like cheese and nuts) over packaged products whenever possible. “On a keto diet, you generally want to consume less processed foods,” says Potter. Processed foods often contain added sugars and starches - there aren't any on the keto diet as you're trying to keep your carb intake low.
✔️ Scan the labels:Of course, when you're on the go, it might not be possible to eat fresh snacks, so packaged goods can come in handy. Before you buy, check the label to make sure it contains simple, pronounceable ingredients and little to no added sugars, starches, or sugar alcohols (like xylitol and maltitol), says Potter. In other words, don't fall for the "keto-friendly" or "low carb" marketing claims and read the label.
Ready to start snacking? Ahead, the best keto snacks (fresh and prepackaged) to keep your stomach full and your taste buds happy.
When my craving for something cheesy and crunchy hits, I reach for these addictive cheese chips.Made from just one ingredient(real cheddar cheese), they taste like a crispy slice of sharp cheddar. They have no extraneous additives and one packet contains 9g of fat and only 1g of carbs. Potter suggests crumbling them over a salad.
Ernst recommends seeds as a low carb keto snack, and I totally agree. I love these pumpkin seeds, thosehave the right amount of salt.A few handfuls provide 14g of filling fat and just 1g of net carbs.
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Meat gets the green light for a keto diet. These tasty beef jerky sticks make it easy to get your fat and protein on the go. It is made of100% grass fed beef, no questionable ingredients - and 0 g of carbs (a win-win!).
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Ginger Strawberry Fat Bomb
If you've been researching keto snacks, you've probably come across fat bombs.low carb sweetswhich are usually made with coconut oil, coconut butter, cream cheese, avocado and/or nut butter. They're a great way to get a lot of fat, but be careful what recipes you try. "Some of them are barely keto," says Potter. She suggests ketone pump recipes fromcharlie foundation, like this deliciousstrawberry ginger thick bomb.
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Yes, you can eat chocolate on the keto diet! The key is to make sure thatdark chocolate-at least 70% cocoa - and limit your intake to a few small pieces. I'm obsessed with this chocolate from Hu Kitchen, that ismade from just three simple ingredients(cocoa, unrefined coconut sugar and cocoa butter) and contains just 5g net carbs per tablespoon.
"A fat-based dip with raw vegetables makes a great keto snack," says Ernst. Thattasty cheese spread is super satisfying(thanks to 9g of fat per serving) and it's delicious with low-carb veggies like celery, cucumber, and bell pepper. One serving (3 tablespoons) contains only 2 g of carbohydrates.
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If you are a fan of coconut and chocolate you will love this one.delicious brownie bites. They are super rich and have the texture you want from a brownie. Best of all, they're made with six simple ingredients and contain just 3.5g of carbs per serving.
“Salty and crunchy, these are agood substitute for french fries”, says Ernesto. Made with pork raised without antibiotics, one serving has 0g, 2.4g fat and 11g protein. "They can be addictive, so I always recommend measuring them on a scale or putting them in a small bag so you don't overeat," notes Ernst.
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Made with just three simple ingredients (flax seed, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt), these crackers have a great crunch and only 1g net carbs per serving (10 crackers). Ernst loves them for theirhigh fiber content-9g per serving.
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cottage cheese
Whether you're looking for a healthy keto breakfast or an afternoon snack,cottage cheeseit's a winner. Choose full-fat cottage cheese, which contains only 6 g of carbohydrates per serving (1/2 cup) and 12 g of protein. Potter suggests increasing the fat content by addingMCT-olie. For a little sweetness, toss some low-carb fruit on top.
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For an on-the-go option, Potter is a fan of these bars, which are packed with fat (14g) and protein (10g). Regardless of flavor, each bar contains just 5g net carbs andcomes in tasty flavorslike mint chocolate and coconut chocolate chips.
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These banana fritters
Keto snacks can get expensive. A smart solution? Make a batch of keto banana bread muffins. Potter recommendsthis recipefrom the Charlie Foundation due to its high fat content. “Do them once a week andkeep in your freezer so you can warm them upwhenever you need a snack,” suggests Potter.
"This is a good low-carb snack to go," says Ernst. "There's agood cheddar flavor and a satisfying crunch.” Each serving contains 14g of fat, 11g of protein and 1g of net carbs.
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“These baggies of nut butter are great for travel,” says Potter, who loves the flavor of macadamia nuts.Made from nothing but macadamia nuts and sea salt, you don't have to worry about funny ingredients. Each pouch is loaded with 22g of fat to keep you full for hours.
Abigail Libers
Abigail Libers
Abigail Libers is a journalist with over a decade of experience specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, sex, relationships and beauty. In addition to Prevention.com, her work has been featured in Everyday Health, SELF, O: The Oprah Magazine, Glamor, Cosmopolitan, WellandGood.com, Refinery29.com and more.
FAQs
What snack can you eat a lot of on keto? ›
- Nut butters.
- Olives.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Avocados.
- Boiled eggs.
- Cheese.
- Green bell peppers.
- Carrots.
Because Ritz Crackers is a high-carbohydrate, high-fat processed food containing unhealthy ingredients such as sugar, canola oil, and enriched flour, it is not keto-friendly.
Can you eat popcorn on keto? ›Back to the snack in question: The answer is yes, you can eat popcorn on a keto diet — but there are a few things to keep in mind. Once you figure out how many daily carbs your body can take in to remain in ketosis, you can divvy up your allotment however you like, but popcorn can easily fit in a ketogenic eating plan.
What to eat when hungry on keto? ›So it's important that when you plan snacks and meals on the keto diet, you make sure to include high-protein food options like grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, nuts, seeds, and eggs. Protein will keep hunger at bay and help prevent cravings big time!
Are triscuits OK for keto? ›While Triscuit crackers use whole grain wheat to boost nutrition content in the form of fiber and B vitamins, it still does not lower the high level of carbs found in these crackers. At 20 grams per serving, these guys are too carb-heavy to be keto-approved.
What can I use instead of crackers? ›- Kale Chips. ...
- Sweet Potato Chips. ...
- Cauliflower Crackers. ...
- Raw Veggie Slices. ...
- Air-Popped Popcorn. ...
- Mixed Nuts.
Yes. If you eat it in moderation, peanut butter is a keto-friendly and healthy snack to add to your keto diet. The standard ketogenic diet requires you to keep net carb consumption under 50 grams per day.
What kind of bread is keto friendly? ›Cloud bread, or oopsie bread, is very popular with low-carb and keto dieters. Cloud bread is a protein-rich alternative to regular bread and makes an excellent sandwich base or English muffin replacement.
Can you eat oatmeal on keto? ›Eating Oatmeal on a Ketogenic Diet
While oatmeal isn't considered a keto food, it's not entirely off-limits. One serving of our Organic Steel Cut Oats oats contains 31 grams of carbohydrates. The suggested daily carbohydrate intake is typically reduced to less than 50 grams when following the ketogenic diet.
Yes! Cottage cheese and keto are a good match. While not the most keto friendly cheese, carbs are low for the serving size. If you're wondering, “Is cottage cheese a low carb food?”, the answer is also yes!
What can I eat to make me feel full keto? ›
- 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 follow the plan correctly.
- You should try to eat less.
- Add low-carb vegetables to your plate.
- Make sure you eat whole foods.
- Make sure you get enough protein.
- Eat some leafy greens.
- Fill up on fats.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
What are some foods that get you into ketosis fast? Some foods that can help you get into ketosis quickly include avocado, cheese, eggs, fish, meat, and oils, such as coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil. These foods are high in healthy fats and protein, which can help your body enter ketosis.
What is the most filling low carb snack? ›A: The best snacks for a low carb diet are unprocessed foods that can give you quick energy and also keep you filled. Some examples are: nuts, an avocado, turkey and cheese, organic jerky, homemade trail mix, and fibrous veggies.
What snacks have no sugar? ›- Banana Oat Energy Bars.
- Quick Black Bean Hummus.
- Gourmet Microwave Popcorn.
- Hatch Chile Salsa.
- Baked Tortilla Chips.
- Guacamole.
- Roasted Chickpeas.
- Super Easy Hummus.
Stevia won't taste exactly like sugar, but it has no carbs or calories and won't raise your blood sugar or insulin levels[*]. Erythritol: Erythritol is made from fermented corn or cornstarch, and it's also a good way to get some sweetness without any calories or carbs[*].
What foods will not kick you out of ketosis? ›- 36 Keto Snacks That Won't Kick You Out of Ketosis. Sofia Norton, RD. ...
- Pork Rinds. Pork rinds or chicharrones are 60% protein, 30% fat, and 0% carbs 1, which makes them the perfect appetite-curbing snack if you ask us. ...
- Avocado. ...
- Seaweed. ...
- Cacao Nibs. ...
- Kale Chips. ...
- Cold Cuts. ...
- Olives.
A lazy keto diet consists of low-carb foods like meat, fish, full-fat dairy and non-starchy vegetables, but limits high-carb foods such as bread, potatoes, sugary snacks and some fruits. If you've tried the keto before and found it too tedious, lazy keto could be a good compromise.
Can I have pickles on keto? ›Pickles can be keto-friendly as long as they don't contain added sugar. In general, you should select dill or sour pickles but avoid sweet, candied, and bread and butter ones.
What deli cheese is best 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.
Is deli cheese keto friendly? ›
All types of cheese are allowed on the keto diet, as cheese is relatively low in carbohydrate, which complies with the key principle of the keto diet.
What is a healthy substitute for Ritz crackers? ›- 10 Best Healthy Crackers You Can Buy At The Store. Author: ...
- Simple Mills Original Organic Seed Flour Crackers. ...
- Hippie Snacks Almond Crisps. ...
- Mary's Gone Super Seed Crackers. ...
- Orga Foods Super Crisps. ...
- Bob's Red Mill Oat Crackers. ...
- Hu Kitchen Grain-Free Crackers. ...
- Ak-Mak Sesame Crackers.
Baguette is my favorite accompaniment for my cheese tray! 2. Warm Pita Bread - Pop pitas in a warm oven for a minute or two, cut into triangles & serve.
What is the best cracker to eat on a diet? ›Look for crackers made from mostly or all seeds—think flax, sunflower, pumpkin, and more. “These supply healthy fats, fiber, and protein,” Keating says. They also tend to be gluten-free. Look for crackers made with whole grains, or grain-free seed-only products like the Top Seedz below.
What are some keto-friendly peanut butters? ›Best types of PB for keto dieters
Here are a few good choices for natural PB: Once Again Creamy Peanut Butter: 5 g net carbs per 2-tbsp serving. Santa Cruz Organics Creamy Light Roasted Peanut Butter: 2 g net carbs per 2-tbsp serving. Smucker's Natural Chunky Peanut Butter: 4 g net carbs per 2-tbsp serving.
If you're limiting your daily carb intake to 50 grams of net carbs, Whittel says two tablespoons of peanut butter per day will fit nicely into your plan. “Two tablespoons of natural, high-quality peanut butter contains about 185 calories, 16 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein, and 7 grams of total carbs.”
Is dark chocolate good for keto? ›A good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids is still keto-friendly and may be more palatable for beginners.
What can I replace bread with for sandwiches? ›- Corn, reduced-carb or whole-grain tortillas.
- Cheese wraps or cheese slices.
- Coconut wraps.
- Cauliflower bread.
- Cucumber slices.
- Sweet potato slices.
- Bell pepper slices.
- Portobello mushrooms.
- Low carb pasta alternatives.
- Spiralised veggies.
- Shirataki noodles.
- Aubergine lasagne sheets.
- Low carb bread alternatives.
- Lettuce wraps.
- Oatcakes.
- Chickpea pancakes.
Blueberries can definitely be part of a keto diet, particularly if they're raw. However, you need to be mindful of your portion size. While 1/2 cup (74 grams) of raw blueberries can easily be worked into your day if you're counting total carbs, it may be more of a challenge if you're focusing on net carbs.
Can you eat too many vegetables on keto? ›
Vegetables have carbohydrates. And that means that you have to watch how much of them you eat — even lettuce. If you're not careful or are eating them as a free-for-all, you could overconsume carbs and kick yourself out of ketosis.
Can you eat rice on keto? ›No, white rice is not keto friendly. Since the ketogenic diet dramatically reduces net carb intake to an average of 20 grams per day, rice contains too many carbs to qualify as keto-friendly.
Is Philadelphia cream cheese keto? ›Cream Cheese
This is a keto favorite, thanks to its nutritional profile: Per the USDA, 1 oz contains 84 calories, 8 g of fat, 1 g of carbs, and 2 g of protein. That means it's a great addition to a meal or snack when you need more fat.
Cream cheese is an excellent source of fats, and Philadelphia is one of the most widely recognized cream cheese brands. A 2 tbsp serving contains only 2 g of net carbs but packs 7 g of fat. For a low-carb, high-fat diet like keto, those are excellent macros. This delicious spread is incredibly versatile.
Is mozzarella cheese keto? ›Mozzarella (Whole Milk)
With a total carb count of 1 gram per ounce, it is yet another keto-friendly cheese to keep on-hand. Mozzarella also contains probiotics, which have shown to improve digestive health and emotional health! Pair it with fresh tomatoes and basil for a fresh Caprese salad.
- Fasting.
- Avoid snacking.
- Reduce calories.
- Sleep more.
- Quit alcohol.
- Exercise more.
- Watch out for your medications.
If you're also doing resistance training to help burn belly fat, consider adding keto-friendly whey protein post-workout, too. A 2014 study found that timing whey protein intake around resistance training increased visceral fat loss compared to protein only or resistance exercise only[*].
Can you eat mayo on keto? ›Mayonnaise is the perfect condiment for the Keto Diet because it consists of high fat, low protein, and zero carbohydrates. It also has many health benefits that can help you maintain Ketosis and achieve your weight loss goals on the Keto diet.
What are symptoms of ketosis? ›- Increased ketones.
- Weight loss.
- Thirst.
- Muscle cramps.
- Headaches.
- Fatigue.
- Stomach complaints.
- Sleep changes.
Some symptoms you may begin to experience are headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, brain fog, and irritability. If you find yourself suffering today, remember that this is usually temporary, normal, and it'll soon pass!
How long until hunger goes away on keto? ›
Opposite to previous reports that the drive to eat is suppressed while under a ketogenic diet,19, 22 we have shown a transitory increase in hunger from baseline up to 3 weeks on a ketogenic VLED, which then disappear and only come back after refeeding (and no ketosis).
Will a 16 hour fast put me in ketosis? ›Your body may go into ketosis after just 12 hours of not eating, which many people do overnight before they "break fast" with a morning meal.
What fruits are allowed on keto? ›Fruits contain natural sugars, but some are suitable as part of a keto meal plan. Avocados, lemons, tomatoes, berries, and kiwis are among the options. The keto diet is a low-carb eating plan designed to put a person into a state of ketosis.
How can I get into ketosis in 24 hours? ›Increasing Healthy Fats like Coconut Oil in Diet
Healthy fats, like coconut oil, avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, support increased ketone production while satiating your appetite during your 24-hour express ticket to ketosis.
The simple answer is, yes. Snacking on the ketogenic diet is most definitely allowed. However, since the ketogenic diet is so high in fats, most find that they don t need snacks to remain satiated until next meal.
Is it OK to have a cheat snack on keto? ›It's entirely possible to have a cheat day while staying in ketosis, as long as you plan your macros carefully. However, if you want to go all out on your cheat day, be ready for some of the side effects and the fact that you'll more than likely have to spend some time getting back into ketosis.
How many snacks a day can you have on keto? ›Some people swear by three square meals a day while others prefer five or six small meals. And while similar diets such as Whole30 frown upon snacking throughout the day, some have found success eating three moderate meals a day and two small snacks.
How do I eat so much fat on keto? ›- Add Homemade Cheese Sauce to Your Veggies. ...
- Make Some Fat Bombs. ...
- Choose High Fat Proteins. ...
- Whip up Heavy Cream Sweet Treats. ...
- Indulge in Mascarpone/Cream Cheese Sweet Treats. ...
- Use Grass-Fed Butter/Ghee. ...
- Eat Your Avocados.
Despite the many health benefits of fruit, there is an issue with some fruits on the keto diet. Grapes and bananas, for instance, contain high quantities of carbs. 1 cup of grapes has approximately 26 grams and a medium banana, 24 grams of carbohydrate. As a rule, these fruits should be avoided.
Can you do 5 days on 2 days off keto? ›Some people choose to have five or six days on keto followed by a day or two off. Others will do keto for 10 to 12 days followed by three to four days off. Devine typically doesn't recommend taking more than two days off keto.
Will one slice of pizza take you out of ketosis? ›
In fact, a single slice of such classic Pizza can take you out of ketosis. It is so high in carbs because it contains: All-purpose Flour: 4-6 times higher in carbs than keto-friendly flours. Sugar: when it's not used to proof the yeast, it stays in the dough.
What happens if you eat keto but not in ketosis? ›Without getting into true ketosis, dieters risk ingesting an enormous amount of fat—and potentially a lot of saturated fat, if you're eating animal meat—without any of the fat-burning effects of ketosis. “The fat is the thing that's problematic for a lot of people on keto,” Fung says.
What time should I stop eating on keto? ›With a keto diet, there are no shortcuts – the only way to make it work for your body is to stick to the rules. So it's natural to wonder if it's okay to eat before bed on a keto diet, and how eating after 8pm can affect ketosis. The answer is: no, you don't have to avoid eating before bed on keto.
What do you eat the first week of keto? ›The keto diet deliberately reduces carbohydrate intake to encourage the body to burn fat instead. What do you eat during the first week of Keto? Meat, vegetables, cheese, nuts, and other dairy products are a great way to get started. Limit fruits to 2x day.
Is cream cheese good for keto? ›Cream Cheese
This is a keto favorite, thanks to its nutritional profile: Per the USDA, 1 oz contains 84 calories, 8 g of fat, 1 g of carbs, and 2 g of protein. That means it's a great addition to a meal or snack when you need more fat.
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.