Where do you even begin when you’re shopping for a keto diet? The goal, presumably, is to lose weight and improve health. To do that, you’ll need to stay on track for a while, and that means getting very low-carb foods that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle.
There are tons of keto-friendly products on the market, so how do you choose the ones that are right for you? Here are six things to look for when shopping for a keto diet.
If you’re used to eating high-carb foods such as pasta, bread, and rice, you might miss them if you can’t eat them anymore. Netrition has lots of swaps for traditional high-carb foods so you never have to feel deprived. Here are some examples.
- Zero Carb Bread, Bagels, Hot Dog Buns, and Pizza Crust
- Shirataki Noodles and Protein Pasta
- Protein Mashed Potatoes
- Cauliflower and Broccoli Rice
You don’t have to depend on highly processed foods with a long list of artificial ingredients. Keto-friendly foods can also include natural ingredients. These are some examples.
Some products claim to be keto, but don’t assume that they are truly low in carbs. Read the nutrition facts panel to be sure. When you look at the panel, check the following items.
- Grams of carbohydrates (total carbs).
- Grams of sugars.
- Serving size, since some packages have more than one serving.
Sugar-Free Candy, Pork King Fried Pork Rinds, and Carbolicious Low-Carb Melba Toast are examples of truly low-carb products.
Some foods are low in carbs, but they’re also low in nutrition. It can be a good idea to look for products with fiber, protein, or healthy fats, for example. They’re more filling than starchy or sugary foods. Protein Chips and Pudding, High-Fiber Pasta, and Sugar-Free Nut and Flax Granola are examples of products with more nutrients.
Trans fats raise “bad” LDL cholesterol and lower “good” HDL cholesterol levels. In other words, they’re not good for heart health. It’s best to avoid products with trans fats. You can check the nutrition facts panel and also make sure the ingredients do not include partially hydrogenated oils. You’ll also want to look for products that are free from hydrogenated oils. They’re known to be bad for the heart.
You deserve to have treats, even on a keto-friendly diet. Without a treat, you’re likely to feel deprived and to go off of your diet. Instead, consider keto-friendly treats, such as these.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate
- Sugar-Free Candy
- Keto Cookies or Keto Cookie Mix
- Protein Chips
Netrition is your source for keto-friendly products and other foods and supplements to support weight loss and health goals. Be sure to check out our Keto and Low-Carb Foods, as well as vitamins and other supplements you might want to take to stay nourished and at your best. We’re here to help you reach your goals and love the journey!