Also known as keto, the ketogenic diet encourages food that is low in carbohydrates and high in fat. The science behind the diet is to reduce the intake of carbs and replace them with fat. This will put the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis. This state leads the body to become more efficient at burning fat stores for energy.
One of the biggest challenges of staying on the keto diet is finding tasty yet compliant snacks. Here are eight great keto-compliant snack ideas to consider making a part of your regular rotation:
1.Veggie Sticks Paired with Guacamole
This classic snack never goes out of style. Nearly any type of raw vegetable tastes great coupled with guacamole. Ideas to consider include red bell pepper sticks, carrots, jicama, and broccoli. You can easily make your guacamole by simply mashing some avocado and mixing it with a little diced red onion, jalapeno, and lime juice. Or you can buy preportioned servings for ease and convenience. Avocado is a healthy fat that is definitely a great choice for those on the keto diet as it is high in healthy fats and can also fill you up. Adding guacamole to any meal will also make it much tastier.
2. Mixed Nuts
This keto staple delivers a host of health benefits while also keeping you satiated. Nuts are also extremely portable, making them an easy snack to eat on the go. Because they are full of protein and heart-healthy fat, nuts are also ideal for when you want to stay full. You can eat nuts plain or mix them with a variety of additions such as sunflower seeds and coconut to make a keto-friendly trail mix. They also provide some very essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and vitamin E.
3. Olives
Mix the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet with a keto plan for an explosion of flavor. Olives make a great keto-compliant snack because of their abundance of heart-healthy fats. The high amounts of vitamin E and fiber in olives also reduce inflammation in the body. You can choose to eat your olives plain or you can stuff them with feta or gorgonzola for an additional layer of fat and bursts of flavor. They are easy to add to salads to make a tasty greek style entree.
4. Caprese Salad Skewers
To pair with the olives, consider adding some Caprese salad skewers. Simply skewer together some fresh basil, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes for a delicious treat. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and you are ready to enjoy this fresh and nutritious keto snack. Although the prep on this may take a little bit more time than some of the classic grab and go snacks, the effort will be well worth it. The mozzarella cheese is also packed with protein and will help to keep you satiated for several hours.
5. Mini Egg Frittatas
These little frittatas are an ideal make-ahead snack that is full of protein and other nutrients. You can make your mini frittatas using muffin pans and customize your eggs with a myriad of additional ingredients. Good choices to add to your egg mixture include peppers, onions, spinach, and cheese. You can store them in your refrigerator for a few days until you are ready to eat them. Or freeze them for even more longevity.
6. Cheese Roll-Ups
As a staple of the keto diet, cheese fulfills a variety of snacking needs. Keto lovers enjoy a simple slice of cheese rolled up with a tiny bit of butter. Seasoning the butter with paprika, sea salt, or fresh herbs will boost the flavor profile and allow you to customize with a bevy of different tastes. You can also vary the type of cheese that you use. You can also add a little turkey to give yourself a little extra protein.
7. Protein Bars
For the ultimate in convenience and taste, there is a large selection of keto protein bars that you can try that are really delicious. These bars come in a cornucopia of flavors, making it easy to find the right choice to satisfy your sweet tooth. They also are high in protein, hence the name, and will help to keep you full for longer periods of time. They are super easy to take on the go and to pack for lunches. Protein bars are something anyone on a diet should have on hand.
8. Berries with Cream
Although there are not many fruits that you can indulge in while following the keto diet, berries do fit the qualifications when consumed in moderation. For a special treat, top a small bowl of raspberries with plain and unsweetened Greek yogurt. You can even sprinkle this with walnuts for another layer of flavor, crunch, and texture. This can help to satisfy that sweet tooth and also gives you a nice serving of protein from the greek yogurt. You might be surprised by how satisfying this snack can be.
These eight ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finding amazing snacks that fit into your keto lifestyle. With a little experimentation, you will soon have a varied and nutritious snack rotation that incorporates all of your favorite flavor profiles. With diets like this its important to find foods that you enjoy eating to help keep yourself on track. If you liked the sound of any of these snacks consider adding them to your routine.
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