Best Keto Meals: Your Ultimate Guide To Success

The ketogenic diet, or keto, is a popular method of weight loss and health improvement. It involves eating a low-carb, high-fat diet that puts your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of glucose. While on the keto diet, it is important to monitor your carbohydrate intake and focus on consuming meals high in fat and protein. This can include foods such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, nuts, seeds, and non-starchy vegetables.

Keto breakfast ideas

Breakfast is an important meal of the day, and if you're following a keto diet, it can be tricky to know what to eat. Here are some delicious keto breakfast ideas to get you started on the right track:

Savoury Breakfast Options:

• Keto Breakfast Casserole: This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd. It includes low-carb broccoli rabe, sweet Italian sausage, and creamy Fontina cheese.
• Keto Biscuits & Gravy: These biscuits are made with almond flour to keep them low carb, and the sausage gravy adds fat and protein to fill you up.
• Baked Eggs with Spinach and Tomato: A simple mixture of spinach, onion, canned tomatoes, and spices, topped with a baked egg and creamy feta cheese.
• Keto Sausage Breakfast Sandwich: Instead of putting sausage inside the sandwich, use it as the "buns" for a low-carb and super filling option.
• Bacon Weave Breakfast Tacos: If you're tired of the same old eggs and bacon, try something different with these taco-shaped treats. Weave bacon into a taco shell and fill it with fluffy eggs, cheese, and avocado.
• Keto Chicken & Waffles: A unique combination of crunchy pork-rind-coated chicken tenders and gluten-free waffles made with cheesy eggs.
• Keto Avocado Toast: Use low-carb bread and top it with creamy avocado and an over-easy egg.
• Keto Frittata: A frittata is a great way to get creative with your leftovers. You can add any low-carb vegetables you like, such as broccoli, greens, or bell peppers.
• Keto Hash Browns: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these hash browns lock in at just 3 grams of carbs per serving.
• Keto Quiche: Opt for a low-carb pie crust or skip the crust altogether and make it frittata-style.
• Keto Egg Muffins: These savoury muffins are perfect for meal prep and can be made with various ingredients like spinach, cheese, and ham.

Sweet Breakfast Options:

• Keto Pancakes: Made with almond flour, cream cheese, and eggs, these low-carb pancakes are fluffy and delicious.
• Keto Blueberry Muffins: These muffins are a great option if you're craving something sweet. They are sugar-free, high in protein, and include fruit.
• Keto Cinnamon Rolls: These rolls are made with stretchy mozzarella, which adds a fluffy texture and a sinfully delicious flavour.
• Keto Chocolate-Glazed Donuts: Made with almond flour, these donuts are light and fluffy, and the chocolate glaze puts them over the top.
• Keto Smoothie: Blend raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, coconut milk, and baby spinach for a sweet and healthy breakfast.
• Keto Chia Pudding: A simple and sweet breakfast made with coconut milk and chia seeds, packed with fibre and protein.
• Keto Crepes: Indulge in these delicate and buttery crepes made with almond flour, cream cheese, and eggs. Enjoy them with sweet or savoury fillings.
• Keto Banana Nut Muffins: These muffins use banana extract to get that fruity flavour without the sugar, making them perfect for keto dieters.

So, there you have it! A variety of keto breakfast ideas to choose from, whether you're a sweet or savoury breakfast person. Bon appétit!

Keto lunch ideas

Lunch can be one of the trickiest meals when following a keto diet, especially when eating away from home. However, with a bit of creativity and preparation, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salads

Salads are a great option for a keto lunch as they can be made in advance and are easy to transport. Try a Thai Chicken Salad with cabbage, carrots, edamame, cucumber and a zesty peanut sauce. Or, for something a little different, a Jennifer Aniston-approved lettuce-less salad with assorted vegetables, crunchy nuts and plant-based proteins. If you're a fan of BLTs, try this low-carb twist: a BLT Cauliflower Salad with homemade ranch dressing. For a simple, summery option, a Shaved Zucchini Salad is a great way to use up those beautiful summer vegetables.

Wraps and Sandwiches

Keto-friendly wraps and sandwiches are a convenient option for lunch on-the-go. Try some Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps or, for a more substantial option, some Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps. You can also make your own Keto-Friendly Flatbread to use as a wrap or pizza base.

Bowls

Bowls are a great make-ahead option for lunch and can easily be customised to your taste. Try a Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl or a Greek Chicken Bowl with cauliflower rice, grilled chicken and Mediterranean vegetables. For an Asian-inspired option, a Thai Peanut Buddha Bowl is a colourful, nutritious meal.

Hot Meals

If you're eating at home, there are plenty of hot keto lunch options that are quick and easy to make. Pan-fried salmon is a tasty, keto-friendly option. Or, for something more comforting, try a Keto Chicken Pot Pie Turnover with a crispy keto crust. Keto Enchiladas made with innovative crepe-like tortillas are another fun idea.

Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are a great make-ahead option and always yield plenty of leftovers. Try an Easy Low-Carb Keto Chili or a Creamy Low-Carb Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Snacks

If you're just after a light lunch, there are plenty of keto-friendly snacks to choose from. Keto Deviled Eggs made with avocado and bacon are a tasty option, or you could try some Keto BLT Low-Carb Cheese Wraps.

With a bit of preparation and creativity, sticking to a keto diet at lunchtime doesn't have to be boring!

Keto dinner ideas

The ketogenic diet is a great way to lose weight and improve your health, and these keto dinner ideas will help you stick to your diet while enjoying delicious, satisfying meals. From comfort food classics to elegant dishes, there are plenty of keto-friendly options to choose from. Here are some recipes to get you started:

Keto Chicken Divan

Paula Deen's famous comfort food casserole gets a low-carb twist with juicy chicken and broccoli smothered in a simple cream sauce. It's a quick and satisfying family dinner that's perfect for a busy weeknight.

Low Carb Cashew Beef

This 20-minute recipe is a homemade take-out style dinner inspired by Tieghan of Half Baked Harvest. It features thinly sliced steak and cashews cooked in a golden buttery, sweet, and spicy sauce with a few substitutions to keep the carbs and sugar low.

Keto Bang Bang Chicken

This easy recipe is crispy, creamy, and spicy, and can be made with just a few simple ingredients without adding sugar. It's the ultimate comfort food that can be enjoyed as a keto-friendly option.

Keto Baked Ziti

This recipe combines zesty beef and sausage marinara with gooey cheese baked into low-carb noodles. It's a keto-friendly take on the Pioneer Woman's classic recipe, perfect for a lavish and elegant meal.

Keto Chicken Katsu

This recipe features tender chicken cutlets encrusted with a crispy blend of pork panko and sesame seeds, fried to a golden perfection. It is served with a low-carb tonkatsu sauce, offering a healthier twist to the classic Japanese dish.

Bacon-Wrapped Cod

This recipe is perfect for those who aren't big fans of fish. The cod is wrapped in bacon, giving it a flavorful boost that will leave you wanting more.

Keto Salisbury Steak

A hearty and easy meal, this dish consists of hamburger patties smothered in a thick sauce with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. It's a comforting classic that can be easily made keto-friendly.

Keto Chicken Parmesan

A good chicken Parmesan is hard to resist, and this keto-friendly version is no exception. The chicken is coated with almond flour and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese, making it irresistibly crispy and flavorful.

Keto Beef Stroganoff

This classic comfort food is given a keto twist by replacing the usual egg noodles with cauliflower rice. It's a cozy and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling content.

Feta & Herb-Crusted Salmon

Salmon can be intimidating to cook, but this sheet pan recipe makes it easy and mess-free. Simply arrange the salmon on a sheet pan, sprinkle on the toppings, and bake for 25 minutes. No flipping, no sticking, and you're left with a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Garlicky Greek Chicken

This simple yet satisfying recipe is a great way to switch up your weeknight chicken dinner rotation. With just a few basic ingredients, you can transform chicken thighs into an herby, garlicky dream. Pair it with roasted zucchini and asparagus, or any other seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

Keto Pizza

Pizza doesn't have to be off the menu when you're on the keto diet. You can make a delicious, crispy crust using almond flour and your favorite keto-friendly toppings. Whether you grill it or bake it, keto pizza is a satisfying and versatile option.

Keto snacks

Examples of keto snacks:

• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and more. These are easy to eat on the go, but watch your portion sizes as they can be high in net carbs.
• Cheese: String cheese, babybel, cheese slices, or cheese crisps.
• Avocados: Avocado slices with salt, or made into guacamole.
• Meats: Deli meats like turkey, ham, or roast beef. Also, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and turkey.
• Fish: Tuna, salmon, halibut, and shrimp.
• Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs or devilled eggs.
• Vegetables: Cucumber, bell peppers, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes.
• Fruits: Avocados, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and starfruit.

Keto snack ideas:

• Deli roll-ups: Roll deli meats with cheese for a protein-packed snack.
• Veggie sticks with guac: Slice cucumber, bell peppers, or celery and dip into guacamole.
• Greek yogurt parfait: Mix Greek yogurt with berries, chia seeds, and a keto-friendly sweetener.
• Smoked salmon rolls: Roll up smoked salmon with cream cheese and chives.
• Pickles and cheese: Combine the crunch of pickles with creamy cheese cubes.
• Egg salad lettuce wraps: Mix pre-cooked eggs with mayo and mustard, then spoon onto lettuce leaves.
• Keto trail mix: Combine unsweetened coconut flakes, nuts, and dark chocolate chunks.
• Caprese skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto toothpicks.

Keto snack recipes:

• Keto Parmesan crisps: Bake shredded Parmesan cheese until crispy.
• 90-second keto bread: A quick and easy alternative to regular bread.
• Strawberry cream cheese bites: Spread cream cheese onto a bagel and add strawberries, chill, and enjoy.
• Zucchini chips: Slice zucchini, bake in the oven, and enjoy as a crispy, low-carb chip.
• Keto avocado bowls: Scoop out avocado flesh and fill with mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, and basil.
• Lemon pepper baked wings: Douse chicken wings in lemon pepper sauce and bake until crispy.
• Broccoli cheddar frittata: Combine eggs, broccoli, cheddar cheese, and milk, then bake in a muffin pan.
• Chicken bacon asparagus twists: Wrap asparagus in bacon and chicken, and dip into a herb yogurt sauce.
• Keto bacon "mac" 'n' cheese: Use cauliflower instead of pasta for a low-carb "mac" 'n' cheese, and add bacon.
• Parmesan cheese crisps: Bake Parmesan cheese until crispy and enjoy as a savoury snack.
• Vegetable peel chips: Collect vegetable peels, bake in the oven, and enjoy as a crispy, healthy snack.
• Keto flatbread: A versatile flatbread that can be used as a pizza base or cut into chips.
• No-bake peanut butter coconut cookies: Combine shredded coconut, peanut butter, and other dry ingredients for a quick and easy cookie.

There are plenty of keto snack options to choose from, whether you're looking for something savoury, sweet, crunchy, or creamy.

Keto desserts

If you're looking for keto-friendly desserts, there are plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some ideas for indulgent treats that won't compromise your keto diet:

Keto Blondies

For a soft, gooey, and chewy dessert, try making keto blondies. They are made with almond flour, baking powder, a keto-friendly sweetener like golden monk fruit sweetener, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. You can also add mix-ins like keto chocolate chips or pecans. Bake them until they are just done to ensure they remain soft and gooey.

Keto Chocolate Treats

Chocolate is often a staple craving, and there are many keto-friendly options to enjoy it. You can make a simple chocolate mug cake in the microwave, or try keto-friendly chocolate pudding, chocolate mousse, or chocolate-peanut butter cups. For a more indulgent treat, go for chocolate-coconut mousse, which has cottage cheese as its secret ingredient. If you're feeling adventurous, try making triple chocolate ice cream with whiskey or chocolate-almond-coconut vegan fat bombs.

Keto Cheesecakes

Cheesecake is a dessert that can be easily adapted to the keto diet. You can make a no-bake peanut butter cheesecake, or try a berry swirl cheesecake with a light almond flour base and layers of lemon, berry, and mascarpone. For a festive twist, there's a keto pumpkin cheesecake with an almond pecan crust. If you're short on time, cheesecake cupcakes or a simple mug cheesecake are great options.

Keto Cookies

Cookies are a classic dessert, and you can make keto-friendly versions with a few simple substitutions. Try making 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies with peanut butter, vanilla extract, an egg, and a sugar substitute. You can also bake low-carb almond cinnamon butter cookies or keto coconut cookies. For a chewier texture, go for keto chocolate chip cookies, or if you're feeling creative, try making sugar-free cookie dough.

Keto Ice Cream

You can make keto-friendly ice cream without an ice cream machine. Try no-churn strawberry ice cream or no-churn blueberry-maple ice cream, or for chocolate lovers, there's triple chocolate ice cream with whiskey. If you're feeling fancy, top your ice cream with cake made in a mug.

Other Keto Desserts

There are also many other keto dessert options to explore. You can make keto red velvet pancakes, keto blueberry muffins, or flourless chocolate cake. For a refreshing treat, try a keto avocado pudding or chocolate avocado mousse. If you're a fan of peanut butter, there's also a keto peanut butter mousse and peanut butter fudge fat bombs.

With so many keto dessert options available, you can indulge your sweet tooth without compromising your diet.

Frequently asked questions