
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb plan that restricts carbohydrates, limiting them to about 5% to 10% of your daily calories. This equates to 25 to 50 grams of carbohydrates per day for a 2,000-calorie diet. As a result, most legumes, which are high in carbohydrates, are typically avoided on a keto diet. However, some legumes are lower in carbohydrates and can be consumed in moderation on a keto diet, such as green beans, soybeans, and green peas. Additionally, cyclical keto, which involves following the keto diet for a few days and then taking a break to consume carbohydrates, allows for more flexibility in including legumes in the diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legumes allowed on keto diet | Green beans, black soybeans, edamame, green peas, soybeans, boiled peanuts, lupini beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans |
| Legumes to be avoided on keto diet | Black-eyed peas, chickpeas, cowpeas, fava beans, garbanzo beans, great northern beans, lentils |
| Legumes with high carbs | Most beans and legumes contain a low amount of carbs, but some contain more carbs than others. |
| Legumes and cyclical keto diet | Cyclical keto is a modified keto diet that allows high-carb days when you work out and low-carb days when you rest. |
| Legumes and keto diet planning | With careful planning, legumes can be included in a keto diet in small amounts. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Legumes are high in carbs and should be restricted on a keto diet
- Green beans, soybeans, and green peas are keto-friendly legumes
- Kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans are low-carb legumes
- Legumes can be eaten on a keto diet with careful planning and portion control
- Some legumes are high in fibre and protein, offering health benefits

Legumes are high in carbs and should be restricted on a keto diet
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb plan that restricts carbohydrates to about 5% to 10% of your daily calories. This amounts to 25 to 50 grams of carbs per day for a 2,000-calorie daily intake. Legumes, which include beans, soybeans, peas, chickpeas, and peanuts, are typically high in carbohydrates and should be restricted on a keto diet.
For example, black-eyed peas contain approximately 11 grams of carbs per cup, while chickpeas contain 19 grams of carbs per cup. Cowpeas have 7 grams of carbs per cup, and fava beans have a combined total of 18 grams of carbs per 1/2 cup serving. Garbanzo beans contain 15 grams of carbs per cup, and Great Northern beans are also high in carbs and should be limited on a strict keto diet.
However, this does not mean that legumes are completely off-limits on a keto diet. Legumes can be included in small amounts or on specific high-carb days if you are following a cyclical keto diet. Additionally, some legumes are lower in carbs than others and can be enjoyed in moderation while still maintaining ketosis. For example, green beans, soybeans, and green peas are considered keto-friendly due to their lower carbohydrate content.
When incorporating legumes into a keto diet, it is important to monitor your carbohydrate intake and practice portion control. The recommended portion size for most legumes is half a cup cooked. By choosing low-carb varieties and enjoying legumes in moderation, individuals can reap the health benefits of legumes without compromising their low-carb goals.
Are BarkThins Keto-Friendly? What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Green beans, soybeans, and green peas are keto-friendly legumes
Legumes are generally considered to be high in carbs and therefore unsuitable for a keto diet. However, some legumes are keto-friendly, including green beans, soybeans, and green peas.
Green beans are a keto-friendly option as they are low in carbs. A 1/2-cup (60-90 gram) serving of green beans contains only 2 grams of net carbs. They are also a nutritious and crunchy vegetable, making them a great addition to any keto meal plan.
Soybeans are another legume that can be easily incorporated into a keto diet. They are low in net carbs, with 2.36 grams of net carbs per 100-gram serving, and free of non-keto ingredients. However, some people recommend avoiding black soybeans due to the potential effects of soy on hormone balance, although no firm conclusions have been drawn.
Green peas are starchy vegetables that are relatively high in carbs compared to other green veggies, with 12 grams of net carbs per cup. While they may not be the best option for those strictly limiting carbs, they can still be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet.
It is important to note that while these legumes are keto-friendly, the overall success of a keto diet depends on limiting net carb consumption to around 20-50 grams per day. Additionally, it is recommended to choose natural and minimally processed sources of fat, such as olive oil, MCT oil, and grass-fed butter.
Bacon on Keto: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans are low-carb legumes
Legumes are a good source of vegetarian protein, fibre, and important vitamins and minerals. However, most beans are too high in carbs to be considered keto-friendly staples. The keto diet typically restricts daily total carb intake to 50 grams or less, or no more than 25 grams of net carbs.
Kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans are all legumes that are relatively high in carbs. Kidney beans, for example, are mainly composed of starchy carbs, which account for approximately 72% of their total calorie content. Similarly, a one-cup serving of pinto beans contains 35.8 grams of total carbs and 27 grams of net carbs. Black beans have slightly higher carb content, with a one-cup serving containing 40.8 grams of total carbs and 25.8 grams of net carbs.
However, it is important to note that the keto diet allows for careful planning and portion control. Small servings of beans, such as a 1/2 cup or 90-gram portion, can be incorporated into a well-planned keto meal. Green beans and black soybeans are recommended as keto-friendly bean options, with only 2 grams of net carbs per 1/2-cup serving.
Tomatillos on Keto: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Legumes can be eaten on a keto diet with careful planning and portion control
Legumes are a broad category that includes all the edible plant fruits and seeds in the Fabaceae family. This includes beans, soybeans, peas, chickpeas, and peanuts.
Legumes are typically high in carbohydrates, which are restricted on a keto diet. Therefore, most legumes are not considered keto-friendly. However, this does not mean that legumes cannot be consumed on a keto diet at all. It is possible to include legumes in a keto diet with careful planning and portion control.
Firstly, it is important to choose low-carb legume options. Some legumes that are relatively low in carbohydrates include green beans, soybeans, green peas, black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. These legumes can be incorporated into a keto diet, but it is crucial to monitor your daily carb intake and stay within keto limits.
Secondly, portion control is essential. The recommended portion size for most legumes on a keto diet is around half a cup, which is equivalent to 60-90 grams. It is important to measure the amount of legumes consumed to accurately log your carb intake. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid baked beans, as they often contain added sugars or syrups, which can significantly increase the carb count.
By opting for low-carb legumes, practicing portion control, and being mindful of added sugars, individuals on a keto diet can include legumes while still maintaining their low-carb goals. However, it is important to note that legumes should be consumed in moderation and may not be suitable for a strict keto diet or individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
Dried Figs and Keto: A Match?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Some legumes are high in fibre and protein, offering health benefits
Legumes are a broad category that includes all the edible plant fruits and seeds in the Fabaceae family. They are a good source of fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, they also contain carbohydrates, which can disrupt ketosis if consumed in excess. Therefore, legumes should be consumed in moderation on a keto diet.
Some legumes are higher in carbohydrates than others. For example, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, cowpeas, and fava beans are all high in carbohydrates and should be limited or avoided on a keto diet. On the other hand, green beans, soybeans, and green peas are low-carb legumes that can be considered keto-friendly. Lupini beans are also a good option, as they contain 11 grams of fibre per serving, bringing their net carb count down to just 1 gram.
It is important to note that the keto diet is not fully balanced and often restricts fruits, legumes, dairy, starchy vegetables, and whole grains. As a result, people on the keto diet are at risk of deficiencies in essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully plan your diet and vary the types of foods you eat to ensure you are getting a range of nutrients.
One option for including legumes in a keto diet is to try cyclical keto or keto cycling. This involves following a ketogenic diet for a few days and then taking a break to eat higher levels of carbohydrates, which can include legumes. This can improve your body's ability to switch between fuel sources and ensure you are getting a range of nutrients.
In conclusion, some legumes are high in fibre and protein and offer health benefits. However, they also contain carbohydrates, so they should be consumed in moderation on a keto diet. By carefully planning your diet and including a variety of foods, you can enjoy the health benefits of legumes while maintaining ketosis.
Dried Cherries and Keto: A Match Made in Heaven?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only in moderation. Most legumes are high in carbohydrates, which can disrupt ketosis if consumed in excess. Opt for low-carb legumes like black beans, green beans, soybeans, and green peas, and always monitor your daily carb intake.
Legumes that are high in carbohydrates and should be avoided or limited on a keto diet include black-eyed peas, chickpeas, cowpeas, fava beans, garbanzo beans, and great northern beans.
If you want to include legumes in your keto diet, choose low-carb varieties and watch your portion sizes. The recommended portion size for most legumes is half a cup cooked. You can also try keto cycling, which involves following a ketogenic diet for a few days, then taking a break and eating high or average levels of carbohydrates, including legumes, for a day.










































