What is a keto diet?
A ketogenic diet (or keto for short) is one that focuses on low-carb foods, protein and healthy fats with the goal of shedding extra pounds. Similar to the Atkins diet, keto eaters strive to consume between 20 and 50 grams of carbs a day in order to put the body into a state of ketosis. When the body is in this mode, it uses its own fat to burn calories, rather than carbohydrates. There are several versions of the keto diet, though the standard keto plan is the most followed. As with any major change in your eating habits, before jumping on the keto bandwagon or switching your midday noshes to keto-friendly snacks, speak with your doctor.
Why prep keto snacks ahead of time?
When it comes to snacks, eating low-carb, high-protein snacks that include a healthy fat is one of the better choices to make, as far as snacks go. They will keep you full until your next meal and won’t cause a spike in your blood sugar, which means you won’t be crashing in an hour. All these protein-packed snacks are easy to make at home and many are no-bake recipes that are ideal for hot summer days, if you ask us. The best keto snack recipes are also easy to customize, using whatever sugar-free sweetener you prefer. Just taste and adjust as you go. Having healthy low-carb snacks like these in your freezer or fridge is the best way to keep from indulging in high-carb temptations.
Best keto diet snack tips
If you’ve never tried a low-carb diet before, starting to eat keto can take some getting used to. One you get the go-ahead from your physician, check out these tips for keto beginners:
Clean out the pantry. Donate the foods that don’t fit with the keto foods you plan to consume. Remove grains like bread, rice and pasta and starchy veggies like white and sweet potatoes. Sugary fruits are next, which means skipping the bananas, apples and grapes.Designate a shelf. If you’ve got the space, clear off a spot just for your keto foods and keto-friendly snacks and keep the things others eat at your house in a separate spot.Go slowly at first. Once you’ve stocked your pantry and fridge with keto-appropriate foods and keto snacks, begin this diet slowly. Eliminate food categories one at a time, starting with soda and candy first and then moving on to grains and then fruits.Watch your portions. You can overdo the helpings on a keto diet so stick to the plan you’ve chosen. Another smart tip: Eat only when you’re truly hungry and stay hydrated, which means drinking water throughout the day, before you start to feel thirsty.
Super easy no-cook keto-friendly snacks
No time to whip up these keto snacks? If you plan your shopping right and keep the following items on hand, you can put together keto-friendly snacks in no time:
Nut butter. Choose from peanut, almond or sesame butters.Olives. Easy to pack up and take with you, olives are an excellent keto snack.Hard-boiled eggs. Cook a half dozen every Sunday night for an easy, keto-friendly breakfast.Cheese. This dairy delight has both protein and fat—and it’s delicious too.Crudités. Green bell peppers, carrots and celery sticks are crunchy and hydrating.
Got salty and sweet cravings at the same time? Here are 43 quick and easy keto treats that’ll hit both notes deliciously.
