Ham is a food that can be included in a keto diet, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Ham is a meat, and therefore has no carbs, and is high in fat, making it perfect for achieving ketosis. However, it is typically prepared with a glaze, which often contains honey or brown sugar, and these are serious no-nos on the keto diet. Deli hams should also be avoided, as they are often cured with sugar and other non-keto-friendly ingredients.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | None |
Fat | High |
Glaze | No honey or brown sugar |
Condiments | Mustard only |
Deli ham | Cured with sugar |
What You'll Learn
Ham is keto-approved as long as it's not glazed in sugar
Ham is a meat, and as such, it contains no carbohydrates, and it is high in fat, making it perfect for a keto diet. The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that helps with weight loss by forcing the body into a state of ketosis, where the body uses fat instead of carbohydrates as its primary energy source.
Ham is keto-approved as long as it is not glazed in sugar. Typically, ham is prepared with a glaze of honey or brown sugar, which are serious no-nos on the keto diet. Deli hams are also often cured with sugar and other non-keto-friendly ingredients, so it is best to check the label before purchasing.
When preparing keto-friendly ham, it is important to avoid adding any sugar or starch to the glaze. Instead, opt for a glaze made with keto-approved ingredients such as mustard or other sugar-free condiments.
In addition to avoiding sugar-glazed ham, those on a keto diet should also be mindful of their overall consumption of processed meats, as these can be high in sodium and other preservatives. It is always best to opt for fresh, whole foods whenever possible and to consume processed meats in moderation.
Overall, ham can be a great option for those on a keto diet, as long as it is prepared and consumed in a mindful and informed manner.
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Deli hams are often cured with sugar so they're not keto-friendly
Deli hams are often cured with sugar, so they're not keto-friendly. While ham is a meat that is typically keto-approved, the sugar added during the curing process means that deli hams are best avoided if you're on a ketogenic diet.
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to force the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This means that keto dieters need to be mindful of the amount of sugar in their food, as it can offset their macros and hinder their progress towards ketosis.
Ham is a popular holiday staple and is usually prepared with a glaze, which can be a source of hidden sugars. Some hams are glazed with honey or brown sugar, which are serious no-nos on the keto diet. Deli hams may also be cured with sugar, so it's important to check the label before purchasing.
When choosing ham for a keto diet, opt for a good-quality thick-cut ham that is not glazed or cured with sugar. You can use leftover ham to make keto-friendly dishes like ham and cheese bites, or incorporate it into casseroles, salads, or soups. Just be mindful of the other ingredients you use and avoid adding extra sugar or carbohydrates.
Overall, while ham can be a great keto-friendly option, it's important to be aware of how it is prepared and cured to ensure it fits within the parameters of the keto diet.
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Keto-approved hams can be used in recipes like ham and cheese bites
Ham is a keto-approved food, and keto-approved hams can be used in recipes like ham and cheese bites. The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that puts the body in a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.
When making ham and cheese bites, it is important to ensure that the ham used does not have added sugar, such as honey-baked ham. The recipe for ham and cheese bites includes a combination of ham, cream cheese, shredded cheese, eggs, and either coconut or almond flour. The ingredients are mixed together to form a dough, which is then chilled before being baked in the oven.
The bites can be served warm or cold and are a convenient option for a quick breakfast or snack. They can also be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for later use.
In addition to ham and cheese bites, there are several other keto-friendly recipes that utilise ham, such as casseroles, soups, salads, and fritters. These recipes offer a variety of options for those following a keto diet while incorporating the versatility and flavour of ham.
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Ham and cheese rolls are another keto-friendly recipe
To get the perfect, easy bread-like rolls, you can use a perforated silicone baking mat over your cookie sheet to allow any extra egg liquid to drop below the mat, giving the bread a crispy crust.
If you're looking for a simple, unfussy keto roll recipe, this is a great option. You can eat these rolls alongside dinner, in a tortilla/wrap style with sandwich meat inside, or as a bun for a burger.
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There are many keto-approved recipes that use leftover ham
Ham is a keto-approved food, but only if it is not glazed in sugar. Deli hams are also often cured with sugar, so these are best avoided, too.
If you have leftover ham from a holiday feast, there are plenty of keto-approved recipes to use it up. Here are some ideas for keto meals that use leftover ham:
Breakfast
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Burrito Bites
- Make-Ahead Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Ham and Cheese Frittata
- Keto Breakfast Sandwich: Monte Cristo
- Breakfast Casserole with Ham
- Keto Breakfast Muffins with Zucchini, Cheddar, and Ham
- Keto Ham and Cheese Breakfast Biscuits
- Keto Breakfast Casserole
Soups
- Keto Cheesy Ham Chowder
- Keto Creamy Ham and Cabbage Soup
- Creamy Cauliflower and Ham Soup
- Keto Pea and Ham Soup
- Broccoli Ham and Cheese Soup
- Creamy Keto Ham and Vegetable Soup
- Keto Ham “Potato” Poblano Chowder
- Keto Ham and Bean Soup
- Ham and Cheese Cauliflower Soup
- Ham Bone Soup
Salads and Sandwiches
- Jalapeno Ham Salad (Deviled Ham)
- Italian Grinder Salad
- Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad
- Ham and Cheese Keto Macaroni Salad
- Easy Keto Egg Salad with Ham
- Low Carb Layered Ham Salad using Easter leftovers (ham & eggs)
- Ham, Bacon and Ranch Green Pea Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Ham & Cheese Unwich with Sriracha Mayo
- Keto Ham and Cheese Sliders
Dinner
- Ham Fried Cauliflower Rice
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Low Carb Ham and Cheese Casserole
- Baked Asparagus with Ham and Cheese
- Ham and Cauliflower Casserole au Gratin
- Keto Creamy Ham and Vegetable Casserole
- Keto Mac and Cheese with Ham
- Keto Italian Sub Sandwich Casserole
- Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Keto Broccoli Casserole with Ham & Cheese
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, ham is keto-approved as long as it is not glazed with sugar. Deli hams should also be avoided, as they are often cured with sugar and other non-keto-friendly ingredients.
Keto-approved foods include meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, nuts, fats and oils, and some above-ground vegetables.
Foods that are not keto-approved include bread, rice, pasta, fruit, corn, potatoes, beans, sweets, juice, and most beer.
Some keto-approved recipes that use ham include keto ham and cheese bites, keto ham and cheese rolls, and keto ham with a sweet butter bourbon glaze.