Best Keto-Friendly Food for Low-Carb Diet

Are you looking for the perfect addition to your low-carb, ketogenic lifestyle? Our Best Keto-Friendly Food for Low-Carb Diet is exactly what you need! Packed with healthy fats and proteins, and low in carbs, they’re not just good for your body, they’re delicious too! Stay on track with your health goals without sacrificing taste. Check out our range today and give your diet a delicious twist.

Note: Disclaimer Policy. I am not a physician or nutritionist, so please make sure that it’s acceptable for you to try and enjoy any of the Keto Recipes on this blog. I appreciate it, but it’s my personal preference and choice.
Not only that, but I’ve been following the Keto Cycle program since Feb 14, 2024, and am extremely pleased with the results. Furthermore, by the end of 9 weeks, I’ve lost nearly 15kg, and I am still going strong and feel fantastic. If I can do it, anyone can! If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to reach out. As an affiliate with Keto Cycle, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you sign up through my link.

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What you can eat on a keto diet

On the keto diet, you eat fewer carbs and more fats. You can also have proteins, which can keep you feeling full for longer.

Keto-Friendly Fruits

On a strict keto diet, most fruits are too high in carbs. However, berries are okay because they have lots of fiber, which lowers their net carbs. Also, fruits like avocados and tomatoes, which we usually think of as veggies, are keto-friendly.

Here is a list of 10 of the best keto fruit choices, along with the net carbs contained in one serving:

• Avocado: 4g net carbs per avocado (216g)
• Star Fruit: 4g net carbs per cup (108g)
• Tomatoes: 5g net carbs per cup (180g)
• Blackberries: 6g net carbs per cup (144g)
• Raspberries: 7g net carbs per cup (123g)
• Strawberries: 8g net carbs per cup (144g)
• Grapefruit: 10g net carbs per cup (110g)
• Watermelon: 11g net carbs per cup (154g)
• Cantaloupe: 11g net carbs per cup (160g)
• Kiwi: 12g net carbs per cup (106g)

Can you have fruit on keto? Well, it’s a bit of both yes and no.

You’ve got to be picky about the fruits you choose because some have too much sugar in the form of carbs, which doesn’t fit well with keto.

Strawberries and raspberries are fantastic choices for keto since they’re packed with antioxidants. However, high-carb berries like blueberries and blackberries might push you over your daily carb limit. Even just half a cup of blueberries packs around 10 grams of carbs!

Now, avocado is interesting because it’s technically a fruit, a berry to be precise. But it’s an excellent keto option that you can include in tons of meals.

These aren’t the only fruits you can have on keto, but since many are high in carbs, your keto diet might have fewer fruits than usual.

Keto and berries

Berries are a bit different from other fruits. You can enjoy them occasionally without worry.

Fruits To Avoid on Keto

Certain fruits have more carbs and might not fit well into a keto plan. Here are some to watch out for, along with their carb counts:

• Apples: 27g carbs per medium fruit
• Grapes: 27g carbs per cup
• Bananas: 26.9g carbs per medium fruit
• Cherries: 24.6g carbs per cup without pits
• Pineapples: 21g carbs per cup of chunks
• Peaches: 15.2g carbs per fruit

Fruit and keto don’t usually mix well. Most fruits are high in carbs and sugar.

As a general rule, larger fruits tend to have more sugar.

Say no to bananas, oranges, apples, peaches, and most fruit juices, except lemon and lime.

However, fruits like lemons, limes, cantaloupe, and coconut are keto-friendly. You can enjoy them with a bit of unsweetened whipped cream on top.

But remember, be cautious about how much fruit you eat and how often. Enjoy them in moderation and sparingly. If you hit a weight loss plateau, consider cutting back on fruits for a while.

Keto and vegetables

When it comes to vegetables on keto, focus on those that grow above ground, especially leafy greens. They’re usually low in carbs and packed with nutrients.

Contrary to what some might think, keto does include veggies. It’s more about picking the right ones than skipping them altogether.

Here’s a breakdown:

Above-ground veggies are your best bet on keto. They’re lower in carbs.

Root veggies, like potatoes and sweet potatoes, are higher in carbs and sugar, so it’s best to limit them.

Stick to leafy greens—they’re the most keto-friendly.

Green veggies generally have fewer carbs than colorful ones. For instance, green cabbage has fewer carbs than purple cabbage.

Opt for asparagus, avocado, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, green beans, eggplant, kale, lettuce, olives, and peppers (both green and colorful, but the green ones are slightly lower in carbs).

Keto-Friendly Vegetables

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Mushrooms
• Cucumber
• Green Beans
• Eggplant
• Tomatoes
• Spaghetti Squash
• Jicama
• Radishes
• Turnips
• Brussels Sprouts
• Celery
• Okra

Veggies to avoid on Keto

Remember, not all veggies are low in carbs, and some aren’t great for keto. Here are a few to steer clear of:

• Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
• Onions (in large amounts)
• Certain winter squashes, such as Acorn Squash and Butternut Squash
• Corn
• Beets

Vegetables typically have fewer carbs than fruit because they’re lower in sugar. However, there are still some veggies you should skip on a low-carb diet.

Here’s a list of 10 great keto-friendly veggies, along with their net carb counts per serving:

• Kale: 0g net carbs per 1 cup (21g)
• Spinach: 0g net carbs per 1 cup (30g)
• Bok Choy: 1g net carbs per 1 cup (170g)
• Celery: 1g net carb per 1 cup (101g)
• Cucumber: 2g net carbs per 1 cup (104g)
• Zucchini: 3g net carbs per 1 cup (180g)
• Cauliflower: 3g net carbs per 1 cup (107g)
• Asparagus: 4g net carbs per 1 cup (180g)
• Broccoli: 4g net carbs per 1 cup (91g)
• Green Beans: 4g net carbs per 1 cup (100g)
• Green Bell Pepper: 4g net carbs per 1 cup (149g)
• Brussels Sprouts: 4g net carbs per 1 cup (88g)

Keto-Friendly Cheese

• Blue Cheese
• Brie
• Camembert
• Cheddar
• Chevre
• Colby Jack
• Cottage Cheese
• Cream Cheese
• Feta
• Goat Cheese
• Halloumi
• Havarti
• Limburger
• Manchego
• Mascarpone
• Mozzarella
• Muenster
• Parmesan
• Pepper Jack
• Provolone
• Romano
• String Cheese Swiss Cheese

Cheese is almost perfect for keto—it’s low in carbs, high in fat, and has a decent amount of protein. And yes, that includes cream cheese!

You’ve got plenty of options, whether you fancy cheddar or goat cheese. Full-fat cottage cheese is also keto-friendly and can be enjoyed on its own or used in recipes like keto pancakes or cheesecake.

However, steer clear of American cheese or canned spray cheese on keto. They’re relatively high in carbs per serving and are highly processed.

Here are some foods packed with fats and proteins but low in carbs. Just remember to keep an eye on your carb intake while following a keto diet.

Keto-Friendly Red Meat

Red meats are excellent for keto because they’re low in carbs and high in protein and fat. Beef, pork, and lamb are also packed with essential nutrients like iron and zinc.

But be cautious of red meats with added sugar, such as honey-baked ham and certain deli meats.

Keto-Friendly Seafood

Salmon, a fatty fish, is an excellent pick for keto since it’s low in carbs and rich in omega-3 fats.

Among shellfish, crab and shrimp are carb-free, making them great for keto. However, octopus, mussels, and oysters contain some carbohydrates.

Keto-Friendly Poultry

It’s not just chicken that’s keto-friendly—duck and turkey are also fantastic low-carb sources of protein and essential vitamins

Keto-Friendly Meat Substitutes

Tofu, tempeh, and seitan are meat substitutes that are low in carbs and high in protein. They’re great for vegetarian and vegan keto diets.

Whether you’re following a vegan or vegetarian version of keto or simply reducing meat intake, these options provide the protein you need.

Keto-Friendly Cheese

Cheese is practically made for keto—it’s low in carbs, high in fat, and has a decent amount of protein. And yes, cream cheese is keto-friendly too.

You’ve got plenty of choices, whether you fancy cheddar or goat cheese. Full-fat cottage cheese is also great for keto and can be enjoyed on its own or used in recipes like keto pancakes or cheesecake.

However, it’s wise to steer clear of American cheese or canned spray cheese while on keto. They contain a relatively high amount of carbs per serving and are highly processed.

Keto-Friendly Milk and Cream

Regular cow’s milk is a keto BIG NO, because of its high carb content, but other high-fat dairy products like heavy or sour cream are okay.

Several unsweetened, plant-based milks also have low-carb amounts and are perfect for keto. Some good choices are unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk.

But watch out for grain-based alternatives like oat and rice milk—they pack a lot of carbs per serving.

Keto-Friendly Yogurt

When it comes to yogurt, aim for high-fat and low-sugar options.

Plain Greek yogurt is perfect for keto—it’s high in protein and versatile. Enjoy it on its own for breakfast or a snack, or use it as a base for sauces, dips, or baking recipes.

However, many commercial yogurts with added fruit or sugar contain too many carbs for keto.

Eggs are Keto-Friendly

Eggs are a must-have keto protein source. A single large egg has less than one carb and over six grams of protein.

And the best part? You can enjoy eggs in so many ways. Whether it’s scrambled eggs for dinner or a hard-boiled egg for a quick snack, they’ve got you covered.

Keto-Friendly Nuts

Nuts like pecans, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, Brazil nuts, macadamias, pine nuts, peanuts, and walnuts are low in carbs.

They’re packed with healthy fats, fiber, protein, and vitamins, making them a nutritious and satisfying keto snack

Keto-Friendly Seeds

Seeds are perfect as a standalone snack or added to salads for a crunchy kick. They also blend seamlessly into smoothies, adding extra creaminess.

Top seed choices include sunflower, chia, flax, and hemp seeds.

Keto-Friendly Condiments

Condiments with low sugar content, such as mustard, hot sauce, harissa, and mayonnaise, are excellent choices for keto since they’re practically carb-free.

Additionally, some common condiments have keto-friendly versions available, like sugar-free ketchup and barbecue sauce.

Keto-Friendly Butter

Butter and its clarified version, ghee, are rich in good fats and have minimal to no carbs. Add them to your cooking to enhance the flavor of your keto meals.

Keto-Friendly Oils 

Oils are perfect for keto and help you maintain your fat intake. They’re great for cooking and making homemade salad dressings.

Olive oil isn’t just keto-friendly—it’s also heart-healthy, thanks to its oleic acid. Other oils suitable for keto cooking include avocado, coconut, vegetable, and sesame oils.

Keto-friendly Snacks

Oils are essential for keto and help you meet your fat intake goals. They’re versatile for cooking and crafting your salad dressings.

Olive oil isn’t just good for keto—it’s also beneficial for your heart due to its oleic acid content. Other oils suitable for keto cooking include avocado, coconut, vegetable, and sesame oils.

Keto Sweeteners

There are plenty of ways to sweeten your dishes, drinks, or snacks without using traditional sugar or honey, which aren’t keto-friendly.

Stevia is a natural sweetener that’s virtually calorie-free and doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes.

Monk fruit sweetener is derived from a fruit found in Southeast Asia. It’s incredibly sweet but contains no sugar or carbs.

Sucralose, often found in Splenda, doesn’t get metabolized in the body, so it doesn’t add any carbs or calories to your diet.

Keep in mind that some people may find that non-sugar sweeteners have a different taste compared to traditional sugar.

Keto-friendly Drinks

Staying hydrated is crucial for everyone, even on a keto diet.

Water is the top choice for hydration. If plain water isn’t your thing, add some lemon to give it a refreshing twist. Unsweetened tea and black coffee are also keto-friendly options. Plus, since they’re caffeinated, they can give your metabolism a boost.

If you like your tea or coffee with sweetness or creaminess, you can use a keto-friendly sweetener (like those mentioned earlier) or heavy cream.

Diet soda is okay in moderation for keto since it has zero carbs.

Keto-friendly Recipes

• Keto Almond Flour Pancakes with Almond Butter
• Keto Cookies with Nut Butter
• Indulge in Flavor, Stay Keto Strong, All Day Long

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