The ketogenic diet, or keto for short, has gained a lot of attention over the years, and with good reason. It’s a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that pushes your body to burn fat instead of glucose for energy. If you’re just starting out, the food choices can be overwhelming, but don’t worry. I’m here to give you a rundown of my top 10 keto foods. I’ve lived it, I know what works, and I’ll be honest about what doesn’t.
Let’s dig in!
1. Eggs: The All-Rounder
Eggs are the true MVP of the keto world. Seriously, they’re cheap, versatile, and packed with healthy fats and proteins. Whether you’re whipping up an omelette, scrambling them, or boiling them for a quick snack, eggs have your back. They also keep you full, which is key on keto because those carb cravings can hit hard at the beginning.
I’ve found that eggs are a lifesaver when I need a quick meal. Add some cheese and bacon, and you’ve got a perfect keto dish. However, if you’re eating six eggs a day, you’ll eventually tire of them. But when that happens, it’s time to get creative. Egg muffins, frittatas, deviled eggs — there’s a ton of options.
2. Avocados: Fat Bombs in a Skin
Avocados are a blessing in disguise. They’re packed with healthy fats and virtually no carbs, making them a keto dream come true. Plus, they’re loaded with potassium, which is something your body will crave while you’re on keto.
Slice them up in a salad, mash them into guacamole, or eat them straight out of the skin with a sprinkle of salt. And yes, I know, some people don’t like the texture. If you’re one of those, try blending them into a smoothie with some coconut milk and a little stevia for sweetness. Avocados will make you a believer, trust me. They also help keep your body in ketosis, which is the holy grail of this diet.
3. Cheese: Keto’s Best Friend
When I first started keto, cheese was my savior. It’s satisfying, high in fat, and comes in so many varieties that it’s impossible to get bored. Plus, it’s the ultimate low-carb snack.
Whether you go for cheddar, mozzarella, brie, or cream cheese, there’s no shortage of options. I love using cheese to top off casseroles, wrap around meats, or just snack on a slice in the middle of the day. But be warned: cheese can add up calorie-wise, and if you’re not careful, you might stall your progress if you overdo it. Everything in moderation, even the stuff we love.
4. Meat: The Protein Powerhouse
Let’s talk meat. On keto, meat is a staple, whether it’s beef, pork, chicken, or lamb. It’s your main source of protein, and the fatty cuts of meat are particularly keto-friendly. Forget the lean cuts—bring on the ribeye, the fatty pork belly, and the chicken thighs.
Personally, I’ve become a fan of ground beef, simply because it’s affordable and so versatile. Burgers, taco bowls (minus the shell), meatballs—ground beef does it all. Just remember, when eating meat, always opt for fattier cuts. The lean stuff doesn’t give you that satiating feeling, and you’ll end up hungry sooner.
5. Olive Oil: The Liquid Gold
Olive oil is the king of healthy fats. Drizzle it over salads, vegetables, or even use it to fry your eggs. The high-fat content will help you hit your daily macros, and it tastes fantastic. Plus, olive oil is loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, so you’re doing your body a favor while boosting your fat intake.
I’d recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best quality. It’s the least processed and retains more nutrients. But be mindful, not all olive oils are created equal, so go for a reputable brand. Honestly, I pour this stuff on everything, and I’m not even sorry about it.
6. Butter: Fat Without the Carbs
Butter is the unsung hero of the keto diet. Rich, creamy, and full of fats that keep you in ketosis, butter is one of those foods that makes you wonder why we ever believed fat was the enemy.
I slather it on everything: veggies, steak, even in my coffee (ever heard of bulletproof coffee?). It’s also excellent for frying or sautéing because it gives food a flavor boost that’s unbeatable.
But here’s a tip: Go for grass-fed butter if you can. It has more nutrients like omega-3s and vitamins. Not to mention, it just tastes better.
7. Coconut Oil: The Keto Staple
Coconut oil is another keto must-have. It’s rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which your body can use for energy quickly, making it perfect for staying in ketosis.
I’ve found that coconut oil is great for cooking, especially because it has a higher smoke point than olive oil. I also use it in my bulletproof coffee or smoothies for an extra fat boost. And while we’re at it, let’s talk MCT oil. MCT oil is extracted from coconut oil and is more potent, but also more expensive. Start with coconut oil and see how you like it before going all-in with MCT oil.
8. Nuts and Seeds: Snack-Worthy and Satisfying
Nuts and seeds are a great way to keep your keto snacking in check. They’re full of fats and low in carbs, making them ideal for keto. Almonds, macadamia nuts, walnuts, and chia seeds are my personal favorites.
But, and this is important, you can overdo it with nuts. They are calorie-dense, and it’s easy to go overboard. I can’t tell you how many times I thought I was “just having a handful,” only to realize I had downed 500 calories in five minutes. Stick to measured portions, and you’ll be fine.
If you’re craving something crunchy, seeds like chia or flax are fantastic additions to yogurt or smoothies. They’re also loaded with fiber, which helps keep your digestion on track (something you’ll need while eating so much fat).
9. Leafy Greens: Low-Carb and Nutrient-Dense
Let’s not forget the veggies, because they matter too. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are your go-to vegetables on keto. They’re super low in carbs, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals.
One of my favorite keto meals is a big salad made with leafy greens, topped with avocado, cheese, and some grilled chicken or bacon. Drizzle it with olive oil or a high-fat dressing, and you’re good to go.
Don’t skimp on these greens. I know it’s easy to overlook vegetables on keto since you’re focused on fats, but trust me, you’ll feel better if you include them. Plus, they help keep things moving (if you know what I mean).
10. Bacon: The Keto Superstar
Ah, bacon. I had to save one of the best for last. Bacon is practically the poster child for the keto diet, and for good reason. It’s high in fat, incredibly satisfying, and—let’s face it—delicious.
Bacon makes everything better, from breakfast to dinner. Crumble it on a salad, wrap it around chicken, or just eat it on its own. The possibilities are endless. Just keep in mind that bacon is processed meat, so while it’s fine in moderation, don’t make it your only source of protein.
I could honestly eat bacon every day, but I try to balance it with other healthier fats like avocado and olive oil. Still, there’s nothing like a few crispy strips of bacon to make you feel like you’re winning at keto.
Conclusion: The Keto Journey
If you’re new to keto, these 10 foods will be your foundation. They’re all keto-approved, nutrient-dense, and will help keep you on track as your body adjusts to this high-fat, low-carb way of eating. But here’s the blunt truth: keto isn’t a magic bullet. You still have to pay attention to portion sizes, and you’ll need to figure out what works for you in terms of fat and protein balance.
There will be days when you feel like you can’t look at another egg or avocado, and that’s normal. The trick is to keep things varied and don’t be afraid to experiment. Keto can be incredibly effective, but it’s also a lifestyle. That means finding foods you enjoy and that fit into your routine.
These are my top 10 keto foods, and they’ve kept me going strong. So whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your keto meal plan, give these staples a try. Happy ketoing!
