A keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat, and moderate protein diet that has recently become very popular. Many opt to adopt it for the various health benefits. If you’re looking to get into a healthier lifestyle, a keto diet is the way to go. Before you jump into it, get to know foods that don’t make the cut in a keto diet for beginners.
Carbs
A keto diet’s number one rule is to avoid the carbs. The lower the number of carbs in your food, the more effective the diet becomes. Anything between 20 to 50 grams of daily net carbs is ideal. Measuring can be a helpful way to maintain this range in the beginning. As you go on, you’ll get accustomed hence won’t need to calibrate anything. Examples of carbs to avoid are sugary and starchy foodstuffs such as potatoes, white rice, pasta, white bread, and potatoes.
Grains
Cereal, crackers, and other wheat and oats types are high in carbohydrates. Whole-wheat pastas and the newest bean-based pastas are also a no-go zone for keto beginners. Instead, swap pasta with vegetables and shirataki noodles which contain low-carb level. Sugary breakfast cereals and healthy whole-grain are also high in carbohydrates and should be minimized.
Sweeteners
Honey, syrup, sugar, or sweeteners of any kind are discouraged in a keto. They’re high in carbohydrates and low in nutrients. Water is the perfect keto diet drink. Coffee and tea are fine, too, as long as you keep the sweeteners out of them. A splash of milk or cream here and there is okay, but if you’re having multiple cups in a day, then the carbs can add up.
Gluten-Free Baked Goods
Gluten-free does not necessarily equal carb-free. In fact, many gluten-free baked products can be just as high in starch as the traditional types, plus they lack fiber.
Starchy Vegetables and High-Sugar Fruits
Starchy vegetables contain more digestible carbohydrates than fiber and should be limited in a keto diet. The likes of corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and beets are a no-no on the list. Their high sugar levels can spike your blood glucose levels.
Please note that no foods are really off-limits in a keto. What is mainly focused on is the overall carb intake. Even though the recommended carbohydrate level is between 20-50 grams a day, should your schedule keep you more active, you’re allowed to indulge in a higher carb level than most people. In terms of burning fat more effectively, a keto diet for beginners comes with vast mental and physical health benefits. It comes highly recommended by doctors and other healthcare practitioners.