Keto meal ideas and snacks plus a helpful shopping list
A ketogenic diet (better known as the “keto” diet) is all about swapping carbs for fats to fuel your body. This is done with the goal that it will kickstart the body's fat-burning process, also known as ketosis, so that you can begin to lose fat.
Eating a keto diet comes with many perks, for example, it has the potential to lower the risk of certain diseases like seizures and epilepsy as stated by the National Library of Medicine. Plus, it can reduce your blood sugar and insulin levels. If you’re interested in trying it out but you’re not sure where to begin, then don’t worry as we have created a simple-to-follow, mouth-watering guide to the keto diet, complete with advice on what foods to avoid, as well as some delicious meal ideas and a useful shopping list. This guide is great for beginners and people who need some inspiration on their keto journey.
What foods to avoid on a keto diet
When looking to begin eating a keto diet, the best place to start is by understanding which foods are not keto. Knowing this will prevent any slip-ups to make your keto journey a whole lot easier.
With a keto diet, you should avoid carbohydrates and exchange them for fats. That means waving goodbye to foods that are high in grains and starches. This includes starchy vegetables and high-sugar fruits like white potatoes, corn, grapes and apples. Like most other health-focused diets, you’ll typically want to avoid things like sweets with refined sugars and alcohol.
What breakfast foods to eat on a keto diet
Let’s talk about breakfast, often referred to as the most important meal of the day, and as such you should make sure you’re eating the right things. We’ve created some easy, healthy keto breakfast ideas so that you can kickstart your mornings while staying true to your diet.
Keto-friendly pancakes
Just because you should avoid carbs on a keto diet doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some delicious, fluffy pancakes. There are a lot of keto-friendly versions of your favourite foods out there, it’s just a case of finding the best way to substitute the carbs in them. Keto pancakes are typically made with almond flour instead of wheat flour as almond flour is a lot lower in carbohydrates. If you don’t have almond flour to hand, you can also blend some almonds to make a fine powder that works just as well.
Smoothies
Packed with flavour and a great way to get some key nutrients, smoothies make for a great start to your day. You can make a wide variety of smoothies that include all of your favourite low-sugar fruits and low-starch vegetables to suit your taste and the best part? They’re carb-free and especially great if you live an on-the-go lifestyle.
Mushrooms, eggs and avocado
A powerful trio for a keto diet, mushrooms, eggs and avocados are a delicious combination that's low in carbs and high in healthy fats. You can enjoy them solo, or try them with a delicious keto bread alternative for a healthy and substantial meal to start your day.
Lunch meals for a keto diet
Eating a balanced lunch is essential to keep your energy levels up and your mind sharp throughout the day. We have some fantastic keto lunch ideas to share with you that will keep you fuelled up and feeling satisfied.
Zucchini noodles with pesto chicken
Zucchini noodles (also known as zoodles) are a deliciously wonderful, carb-free substitute for pasta. It’s as simple as spiralising the zucchini into noodles and then sautéing them in olive oil until tender. Throw some chicken mixed with pesto on top and you’ve got yourself a high-in-fat, low-carb meal that has the added bonus of being high in protein to keep you feeling full for longer. It’s easy to reheat too, so it’s great for a quick and easy meal on the go.
Crustless quiche
A crustless quiche is a great, versatile choice when following a keto diet. You can adapt this recipe to your tastes and load it up with your favourite low-carb veggies and meats. Not to mention the eggs are packed with protein to ensure your hunger is satisfied. Crustless quiche can be enjoyed all year round, as you can serve it cold with a salad or hot with some vegetables.
Baked salmon and veggies
Rich in omega-3, fatty acids and chocked full of protein, baked salmon and veggies are a nutritious and filling lunch idea. Pair it with some broccoli, carrots or beets to keep it keto-friendly. It’s easy to whip up and it’s even easier to take to work to enjoy later as a delicious lunchtime meal.
Dinner meal ideas for keto diets
Keto Pizza
Craving pizza but not willing to give up on your keto diet? Don’t say goodbye to your favourite foods just yet. Picture a carb-free pizza crust made from cauliflower rice, coconut flour or almond flour, and flax seeds. Keto pizzas are a perfect way for you to indulge in one of your favourite foods without ditching your goals. You can customise these pizzas with all of your favourite keto-friendly toppings, like pepperoni, mushrooms, shredded chicken, anchovies, and bell peppers. These are just a few of the flavourful add-ons you can put on your pizza to make it a mouth-watering, dinner-time meal.
Peanut butter chicken curry
This warming recipe is an explosion of flavour, full of spices and herbs and is best of all filled with healthy fats from peanut butter and coconut milk. Serve it up as a stew or pair it with cauliflower or mushroom rice for a hearty, keto-friendly dinner.
Cauliflower steaks
Bursting with flavour and a great keto dinner idea, cauliflower steaks are low in carbs and high in fibre. Whether grilled or roasted, they are a great alternative to meat-based dishes and also go great alongside a salad. It’s a win-win for curbing those cravings while sticking to your keto plan.
Making a keto-friendly shopping list
When you’re diving into a new diet the key to success is stocking up on the right ingredients, to help make sure it’s easy to stay on track with your goals. To make things simple, we’ve provided you with a delicious and nutritious keto shopping list to get you fully equipped and inspired for your journey.
Proteins
Vegetables
Dairy
Other
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Almond flour (a great low-carb alternative to regular flour)
Where to buy keto foods?
Now you’re ready to make a range of keto meals, but what about some snacks for in-between meals? No longer being able to enjoy your favourite snacks can often be the most challenging part of starting a new dietary lifestyle. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to find tasty alternatives with our dedicated keto shop, where we stock a huge range of keto-friendly snacks including some great substitutes for crisps and chocolates so you can enjoy your favourite foods while sticking to your goals.
