The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a restrictive, low-carb, high-fat eating plan that limits daily carbohydrate consumption to less than 50 grams, with some sources suggesting no more than 20 grams. As a result, many fruits, which are typically high in carbs, are considered off-limits. However, some low-carb fruits can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a keto diet.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Fruits allowed on keto | Avocados, lemons, tomatoes, berries, kiwis, watermelon, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, cantaloupe, star fruit, olives, limes, coconut, blueberries |
Number of carbs allowed on keto | 20-50 grams per day |
Net carbs allowed on keto | 25 grams per day |
Calories from fat | 55-60% |
Calories from protein | 30-35% |
Calories from carbohydrates | 5-10% |
What You'll Learn
Avocados are keto-friendly
Avocados are often used like a vegetable in savoury dishes, but they are actually a seed-bearing fruit. They are promoted for their rich and healthy fat content, but they are also keto-friendly because they are low-carb.
Avocados have around 8.5 grams of carbohydrates, 6.7 grams of fibre, and 14.7 grams of fat per 3.5-ounce fruit (or 100-gram serving). This means that, along with being low-carb and high-fat, avocados are a good source of fibre. They also contain various essential nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate.
Avocados are a natural and healthy choice for a keto diet as they contain 1.9 grams of protein, 1.9 grams of carbohydrates, and 19.7 grams of fat per 100 grams.
The predominant fat in an avocado is unsaturated, making it a great substitute for foods high in saturated fat, such as butter and other full-fat spreads. Avocados are also available all year round, so you can include them in your keto diet for as long as you decide to follow it.
Avocados can be eaten alone or included in a wide variety of dishes such as salads, soups, desserts, sauces, and guacamole.
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Lemons are keto-friendly
The high vitamin C content in lemons can promote a strengthened immune system and enhance overall health. Additionally, the acid in lemon juice can help aid digestion and may even help with weight loss. Lemons are also considered a low-glycemic food that will not cause spikes in blood glucose, which is why the American Diabetes Association considers them superfoods suitable for people with diabetes.
Lemons can be prepared in a variety of ways. You can squeeze the juice into a glass of water for a refreshing drink, add lemon zest to baked goods or marinades for an extra burst of flavour, or use lemon juice to make salad dressings or marinades. Lemon juice is also a natural preservative for fruits and vegetables.
However, it is important to remember that everyone's body reacts differently to various foods. Some individuals may be more susceptible to specific foods than others. If you are still determining whether or not lemons will affect your ketosis, it is always best to check with your doctor or a qualified nutritionist.
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Tomatoes are keto-friendly
Tomatoes are a keto-friendly food, despite being technically classified as a fruit. This is because they are low in carbohydrates, with only 2–5 grams of net carbs per 3.5–4 ounces (100–120 grams). In comparison, most other fruits contain up to ten times more net carbs, making them less suitable for a ketogenic diet.
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. To achieve this, the diet restricts daily carbohydrate intake to around 50 grams or less.
Tomatoes are an excellent option for those on a keto diet because they are not only low in carbs but also rich in nutrients. They contain B vitamins, folate, vitamin K, copper, zinc, and antioxidants such as lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which offer a range of health benefits. Tomatoes are also a good source of potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure and promote a healthy heart.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, tomatoes can help satisfy sweet cravings due to their tangy and mildly sweet flavour. This can help reduce sugar cravings while on a ketogenic diet.
While raw tomatoes are considered keto-friendly, it is important to note that not all tomato-based products are suitable for a keto diet. Many store-bought tomato products, such as tomato paste, sauce, salsa, and canned tomatoes, often contain added sugars, increasing their total carbohydrate content. Therefore, it is important to check ingredient labels when purchasing tomato-based products to ensure they fit within the keto diet's carbohydrate restrictions.
Overall, tomatoes are a healthy and keto-friendly food option that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways while adhering to the ketogenic diet's guidelines.
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Blackberries are keto-friendly
Blackberries are a great choice for anyone following a keto diet. They are low in net carbs and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a nutritious and filling snack option.
Net carbs refer to the total amount of carbohydrates in a food item minus its fiber content. The body cannot digest fiber, so it is not counted towards the daily carbohydrate limit on a keto diet. Tracking net carbs is important for staying within your daily carb limit while still getting enough fiber for digestive health.
A 150-gram serving of blackberries, or about a cup, contains 14.4 grams of carbohydrates and 7.95 grams of fiber, resulting in around 6.4 grams of net carbs. This is well within the recommended daily carb limit for a keto diet, which is typically around 20-50 grams.
Blackberries are an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and A. They also contain essential minerals like potassium and manganese. With nearly 8 grams of fiber per 150-gram serving, blackberries can help you meet your daily fiber needs, which range from 25 to 38 grams.
Blackberries are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways. You can add them to recipes, snack on them raw, or include them in your keto meal plan as a side dish or dessert. They are a great addition to yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies, providing both sweetness and nutritional benefits.
Yes, other fruits that are considered keto-friendly include avocados, lemons, tomatoes, raspberries, strawberries, and olives. These fruits are lower in net carbs and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a keto diet.
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Strawberries are keto-friendly
The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a restrictive eating plan that focuses on extremely low carbohydrate consumption. While some fruits are high in carbs, strawberries are a keto-friendly option.
Strawberries are low in carbs and high in fibre, making them a good fit for a keto diet. A 1-cup serving of strawberries provides just 11.7 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fibre. This equates to 8.7 grams of net carbs per cup.
Strawberries are also an excellent source of other micronutrients, including vitamin C, manganese, and folate. Plus, like other types of berries, strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and procyanidins.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Nutrients suggests that eating strawberries daily could help promote better blood vessel functioning and protect against the risk of heart attack.
There are several ways to incorporate strawberries into a keto diet. For example, they can be added to Greek yoghurt, tossed into a salad, thrown on top of a keto dessert, or used to flavour water.
Frequently asked questions
Fruits that are allowed on keto include avocados, lemons, tomatoes, berries, and kiwis.
Fruits that are not allowed on keto include apples, bananas, cherries, pineapples, and peaches.
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that puts your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates or sugars.