In order to kickstart your weight-loss efforts, one of the key pieces to the puzzle is having a bunch of healthy, go-to recipes at your fingertips. If you’re curious about giving the keto diet a try, we spoke with Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN—the founder and director of Real Nutrition, a New York City-based private practice dedicated to healthfully and successfully guiding clients to their optimal nutrition, weight, and overall wellness, who reveals exactly how it can benefit your weight-loss goals. With Shapiro’s insight, we also rounded up some of our best keto recipes for weight loss so you have a variety to choose from for your next meal.
“[The keto diet] can be beneficial for some individuals as it reduces carbohydrate intake to [less than] 5% of dietary needs. This causes the body to use fat for energy instead of carbohydrates,” Shapiro explains. “[In addition,] by reducing carbohydrate intake, [the keto diet] reduces the amount of foods you can eat—and often foods that people overeat like bread, cake, candy, soda, etc. Finally, fat and protein keep you [fuller] than carbohydrates so your cravings [are reduced]. With that being said, I am not an advocate for this diet for everyone.”
When it comes to dieting, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. As Shapiro explains, the keto diet may not be for everyone. It’s always a smart idea to check in with a medical professional or registered dietitian to see if a diet is the best path for you and your goals. If you receive the green light, there are certain things to keep in mind when cooking keto meals.
According to Shapiro, “Portion sizes are important—especially if the recipes are high in fat and calories … look for fats from plant sources not just animal sources. Look for recipes that are also high in protein, which is lower in calories than fat. Look for whole food ingredients [and] low-carb vegetables to add volume (greens, cauliflower), and aim to diversify your protein sources so enjoy meals that contain seafood along with other lean proteins that are more dense like beef.”
If you’re ready to get started, keep reading for our best keto recipes for weight loss. And when you’re finished, be sure to…