You want to lose weight and have probably heard of the keto diet. However, if you don’t want to go to extremes, there is now a simplified version of the diet that can be just as effective but is less strict. Here, you’ll find out how the “lazy version” of the Keto-Friendly diet works and how you can easily integrate it into your everyday life.
This is how the keto diet works
The basic idea of the keto diet is that you avoid carbohydrates in particular – a maximum of 50 grams are allowed per day. This not only means saying goodbye to sugar and pasta but also to fruit, grains, and certain vegetables such as potatoes or corn. Essentially, keto is a special form of low-carb diet.
By drastically reducing carbohydrates, your body is forced to get its energy from fats. The liver converts fat into so-called ketone bodies, which are then used by the brain as a source of energy, hence the name Keto-Friendly diet.
Keto-Friendly Diet: Reach for these foods
In the keto diet, the focus is on reducing carbohydrate intake and putting the body into a state of ketosis, where it primarily uses fat as an energy source.
Here are foods that are low in carbohydrates and allowed on the keto diet:
- High-Fat Foods:
Healthy oils: olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil.
Butter and Ghee: Preferably from grass-fed cows.
Fatty fish: salmon, mackerel, sardines. - Protein-rich foods:
Meat: beef, pork, poultry.
Fish: salmon, tuna, and trout.
Eggs: preferably organic or free-range eggs. - Low-Carbohydrate Vegetables:
Leafy greens: spinach, kale, chard.
Brassica vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower.
Avocados are rich in healthy fats. - Dairy products:
Cheese: cheddar, gouda, and feta.
Full-fat dairy products: cream, yogurt (no added sugar). - Nuts and seeds:
Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds: In moderation, as they also contain carbohydrates. - Low-Carb Fruits:
Berries: strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries (in limited quantities). - Sweeteners:
Stevia, or erythritol, is a sugar substitute without calories. - Drinks:
Water: Drinking plenty of water is important.
Coffee and tea: unsweetened.
“Keto-Friendly” Diet: Diet for the Lazy
The traditional keto diet has its pitfalls. The biggest disadvantage is the severely limited food selection; many favorite dishes, such as pasta and rice, are no longer on the menu. In addition, the food composition of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats must be exactly right for the Keto-Friendly diet to be effective.
The “lazy version” of the keto diet is an easy-to-implement alternative and is ideal as a gentle introduction. Unlike the traditional Keto-Friendly diet, there are no strict guidelines for calories, fat, or protein intake. You no longer have to keep track of every calorie and every gram of nutrient; that makes things much more relaxed.
The key to an easy keto diet is to focus on the right foods that are “keto-friendly” and low in carbohydrates. That means lots of meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and healthy oils like coconut oil. Butter, cheese, and berries are also allowed. And don’t forget to drink enough—water and tea are the best companions here. By the way, a cheat day is also allowed!
Sources used: PR