What is Keto Dieting?

Keto Dieting is a high-fat, low-carb eating plan. It involves a total shift in food patterns, says New York City-based registered dietitian Kristen Mancinelli. Instead of ordering a burger with fries, for example, you’ll want to order a salad with nonstarchy veggies and a side of lean meat or a healthy fat like olive or avocado oil. It also means learning to love fat, which can be difficult at first.

To keep carbs to a minimum, start by eliminating processed foods like chips, cookies and crackers. Next, look for ways to cut out starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and corn, from your diet. These vegetables are very high in carbohydrates and contain less fiber than other vegetables. Then, focus on adding in lots of greens and other cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, as well as a variety of herbs (parsley, cilantro and mint are popular choices) and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut. You can even try low-carb versions of starchy vegetables such as mashed cauliflower, or a keto-friendly “faux” potato like our Mashed Faux-Potatoes recipe.

Getting enough sleep, managing stress levels and prioritizing chiropractic care are also essential for weight loss, she adds. In addition to these strategies, Mancinelli recommends using a keto stick or glucose meter to measure ketone levels. These devices can help determine if you’re following the diet correctly and are in ketosis, which promotes healthy weight loss. Meal plans designed with your goals in mind are another way to make the keto diet easier, she adds. Many influencers and websites offer weekly or monthly meal plans, while other options include online programs that will calculate your macros for you and deliver a kit with pre-portioned ingredients to your door.