Type of Foods Allowed on a Ketogenic Diet
Many people consider a ketogenic diet to simply be one that is low in carbohydrates, but actually it is a whole lot more. There are over 1500 versions of "low car diets" on the market today, but bodybuilders have been utilizing a ketogenic food diet since the 1990's. You rarely see a fat bodybuilder, so they must be on to something.
The combination of foods allowed on ketogenic diet traditionally would consist of 50% Protein, 20% low glycemic carbs and 30% therapeudic fats. These are the "good" fats, so don't panic. We are going to tell you what types of foods work best on this sort of ketogenic diet.
Protein
Protein builds muscle, pure and simple. The hidden benefit to protein intake is that is curbs the appetite. Many people are unaware of this little fact. Eat your protein first and you are apt to eat less over the course of the meal.
You have lots of options for protein rich foods allowed on ketogenic diet. All types of fish and shell fish, chicken, turkey, any type of beef, eggs, cheese, tofu and even some pork products are considered high in protein. Nuts and beans are vegetarian versions of protein as well, though some nuts can be higher in fat and carbs than you may want.
Protein shakes are a terrific choice for a ketogenic diet. Other than being a source of Protein, those made with soy also stimulate the thyroid which, in turn, increases weight loss from body fat.
Carbs
First off, alcohol is a carb. Sorry, but you should be careful with your alcohol intake. Non-sweet varieties are fine, in moderation, such as vodka, run, tequila, gin, scotch..."well drinks", if you will.
White potatoes are not considered a low glycemic carbs, but sweet potatoes are. Other carb foods allowed on ketogenic diet include vegetables of carrots and corn, fresh not canned. Legumes, such as peas, beans and lentils are good ketogenic diet carbs to ingest, as well.
White bread is not a good carb, while multigrain bread is. Breakfast cereal, as a general rule, is NOT a good carb, even though the box may say "all grain" or "natural" or "low fat". Even most oatmeal is questionable.
Fats
Therapeudic fats are a source of energy. As you will be restricting your carbohydrate intake somewhat when on a ketogenic food diet, you will need to supplement with good fats. Choose unsaturated fats for optimum affect, such as avocados, olives, sunflower and other types of seeds, and some nuts. Stay away from cookies, cakes, processed sugars, potato chips and other common sense items.