With keto we want to minimize our carb intake. But some people become so obsessed with counting carbs at every meal, they begin resenting the keto lifestyle. We suggest you simply eat from this master list of keto-friendly foods and forget about any carb anxiety. What makes these foods keto-friendly is they have extremely low to no carbs. Relax and actually enjoy eating keto. You’ll stick to it for the long term.
Veggies
Artichokes, arugula, asparagus, avocados, bell peppers, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, chard, coconut (fresh or frozen), cucumbers, eggplant, fennel, green beans, jicama, kale, kohlrabi, lettuces, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, olives, radicchio, radishes, spinach, summer squash, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, zucchini
Foods that make things interesting
Most of these are powerful anti-inflammatories
Basil, black pepper, cayenne, cilantro, coriander, cumin, dill, garlic, ginger, green chillies, jalapeños, lemongrass, lemons, limes, marjoram, mint, onions, oregano, paprika, parsley, red chili powder, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, turmeric
Meat
Get grass-fed/organic/pasture-raised meat, as much as possible. And not too lean, we want healthy fats.
Beef, bison, chicken, duck, eggs, fish (especially sardines and anchovies), goat, lamb, pork (yes bacon!), shellfish, turkey
High fat dairy
Butter, cheeses, coconut cream/milk, cream, cottage cheese, ghee, kefir, yogurt (full fat, Greek, Bulgarian, Icelandic)
Oils
Avocado oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil
Sauces/dressings
Apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, coconut aminos, hot sauce (no added sugar), marinara sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, pesto, salsa
Nuts, nut butters, and nut flours
Don’t go overboard. A handful (or spoonful) is a good amount.
Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts
Seeds
Chia, hemp, poppy, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower
Treats (in small amounts)
Blackberries, blueberries, dark chocolate (70% or more cacao. Low or no sugar), raspberries, strawberries
Drinks
Bone broth, coffee, miso soup, sparkling water, tea (black, green, peppermint, chamomile, etc.)
Alcohol
Better if you avoid it. But if life happens, limit to 2 times a month in small amounts
Gin, mezcal, scotch, tequila, whiskey, wine
Conclusion
There is a wide range of foods available to you on keto that don’t require counting carbs. Don’t let maniacal record keeping drive you crazy. Eat from this master keto list and enjoy your keto lifestyle.
Next, check out our Golden keto philosophy.
Then, learn how to do a healthy keto with intermittent fasting for the best results.