Eating foods high in fat, like butter, cheese, and bacon, sounds counterintuitive, but that's just what the ketogenic diet [1] entails. It means high-fat, low-carb eating in order to reach ketosis [2], a natural metabolic state in our bodies that forces the use of ketones over carbohydrates for energy. The good news is there are plenty of really delicious low- to no-carb meals out there, like this spaghetti squash mac and cheese [3] or this one-pan salmon and crispy kale [4] dish. Of course, healthy, balanced meals, research, and consulting your doctor are always recommended before starting any diet.
Maintaining this diet may seem nearly impossible with the holidays coming up, but check out these keto-friendly recipes that are as delicious as they are easy to whip up. This is the perfect start for those wanting to try the keto diet, those wanting to cut down on carbs in general, or those who just need some new recipe ideas. Keep in mind, though, that a couple of these recipes may require very slight substitutions to be fully keto!
Salmon With Crispy Cabbage and Kale
Get the recipe: salmon with crispy cabbage and kale [5]
Guacamole Chicken Salad
Get the recipe: guacamole chicken salad [6]
Grilled Shrimp
Get the recipe: grilled shrimp [7]
Baked Egg in Avocado
Get the recipe: baked egg in avocado [8]
Healthy Kale Caesar Salad
Get the recipe: healthy kale caesar salad [9]
Gluten-Free No Mac and Cheese
Get the recipe: gluten-free no mac and cheese [10]
Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Get the recipe: slow-cooker green bean casserole [11]
Easy Roasted Chicken Breast
Get the recipe: easy roasted chicken breast [12]
Egg Cheese Muffins
Get the recipe: egg cheese muffins [13]
Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese With Broccoli
Get the recipe: spaghetti squash mac and cheese with broccoli [14]
Slow-Cooker French Onion Pot Pie Soup
Get the recipe: slow-cooker French onion pot pie soup [15] (skip the pie-crust crackers to make this keto!)
Grilled Chicken Salad
Get the recipe: grilled chicken salad [16]
Sheet-Pan Fajitas
Get the recipe: sheet-pan fajitas [17]
Pan-Seared Steaks
Get the recipe: pan-seared steaks [18]
Cod With Asparagus in Parchment Paper
Get the recipe: cod with asparagus in parchment paper [19]
Lemon-Thyme Baked Chicken
Get the recipe: lemon-thyme baked chicken [20]
Garlic Lemon Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits
Get the recipe: garlic lemon shrimp and cauliflower grits [21]
Turkey-Sausage and Broccoli Frittatas
Get the recipe: turkey-sausage and broccoli frittatas [22]