So you’ve decided to get started on the keto diet. Congratulations! This high-fat, low-carb diet has many benefits, including weight loss, increased energy levels, and improved mental clarity.
But now that you’ve made this decision, you may wonder what to cook. After all, you’re used to eating a lot of carbs, and suddenly you have to cut them out almost entirely.
This article will share some of our favorite easy keto recipes for beginners. These recipes are all simple to make but also delicious and satisfying. Trust us, and you won’t even miss the carbs!
30 Easy Keto Recipes for Beginners
When we started writing this article, we wanted to ensure that we included all kinds of dishes, including beverages, soups, snacks, salads, desserts, and savory dishes for any occasion.
We also ensured that all 30 entries followed keto guidelines as closely as possible. So we’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner ideas.
1. cauliflower rice
Starting off our list is a food item that many probably consider a hallmark of the keto diet: cauliflower rice.
This dish is simple to make, and it can be used as a replacement for traditional rice in almost any recipe. Plus, it’s low in calories and carbs but high in fiber and nutrients. So if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to rice, this is it!
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower florets
- Olive oil
- Pepper
- Salt
Long story short, cauliflower rice is nothing more than moderately cooked cauliflower florets that have been seasoned with salt and pepper and then turned into rice using a food processor.
As far as looks and taste go, it’s pretty close to the real thing – but without all the carbs.
For example, one serving of cauliflower rice (approx. 200 grams) contains just 53 calories and 3 grams of net carbs, while regular rice has around 300 calories and 60 grams of net carbs.
2. Creamy Keto Mashed Cauliflower “Potatoes”
Another popular food you’ll have to say goodbye to is mashed potatoes, but once again, cauliflower comes to the rescue in the form of creamy keto mashed cauliflower potatoes.
This dish is a delicious and healthy alternative to mashed potatoes, and it’s just as easy to make, and it’s also loaded with butter and cheese, so the taste factor is there.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower florets
- Finely shredded Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Unsalted butter
- Minced garlic
- Sour cream
Just like with cauliflower rice, you’ll need the help of a food processor to get things done, only this time, you’ll be mashing the cauliflower into a smooth and creamy consistency.
A blender will also do, but you’ll have to cut the florets into smaller pieces if you want to avoid any lumps.
One serving of this faux mashed potatoes contains 139 calories and 4 grams of net carbohydrates, so go ahead and pair it with your favorite type of protein, like a nice big Salisbury steak.
3. Keto Tomato Sauce – Quick Marinara
We firmly believe in making your food with as few processed ingredients as possible.
Since, nowadays, everything is processed, knowing how to make some basic kitchen ingredients can be a very important skill, especially if you’re on the keto diet.
That’s why the next recipe on our list is for something that we think anyone should know, regardless of whether they follow the keto diet – homemade keto tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- Canned crushed red tomatoes
- Finely chopped garlic
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Oregano
- Salt
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
This is the most basic type of keto sauce that you can learn, and it’s also a great recipe to practice your skill of using a saucepan.
The sauce itself tastes great, has no added sugar, and you can use it in pretty much any other recipe where a red sauce is required.
One serving of this natural tomato sauce (approx. 5 oz) contains 108 calories and 4 grams of net carbs, much lower than any store-bought tomato sauce you’ll find on the shelves.
4. sugar free condensed milk
Condensed milk is yet another ingredient in many dessert recipes, and it’s notorious for the sheer amount of sugar it contains.
But don’t worry, because we have a keto-friendly recipe for condensed milk that’s just as good as the real thing, only it contains no sugar.
Ingredients:
- Heavy cream
- Monk fruit sweetener
Yet again, you’ll need to know your way around the saucepan, as you’ll need to cook the condensed milk on medium heat until it thickens, ensuring it doesn’t burn and get that characteristic smokey flavor.
The monk fruit sweetener gives the condensed milk its characteristic sweetness without any sugar, so you can use it in all your favorite keto desserts without the guilt.
One serving of this homemade condensed milk contains 239 calories and 4 grams of net carbs.
5. easy keto chaffle recipe
Flour is a big issue in the keto diet since it’s filled with carbs, and many popular recipes use flour or wheat meal as a primary ingredient.
That’s why the chaffle ( a portmanteau of cheese and waffle) has become such a popular keto-friendly recipe, as it’s made with just two main ingredients – cheese and eggs – and it can be used instead of flour in many recipes.
Ingredients:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Eggs
- Almond flour (optional)
This recipe is as easy as it gets – all you need to do is mix the shredded cheese with the eggs and pour the mixture into a waffle iron, and that’s pretty much it.
Almond flour will make your chaffles feel fluffier and lighter, but they’re mandatory for this recipe.
One chaffle contains 170 calories and 2 grams of net carbs, so feel free to enjoy it with your favorite type of protein or veggie for a complete meal.
Note: Almond and coconut flour are two ingredients that you’ll frequently see in keto recipes since they’re one of the best keto flour substitutes that you can find.
6. keto balsamic dressing
Another basic ingredient that you should learn to make by yourself is a classic salad dressing, and that’s where this recipe for keto creamy balsamic dressing comes into play.
You see, the typical balsamic dressing contains balsamic vinegar, oil, and sugar, and while we’re ok with the first two ingredients, sugar is a big no-no on the keto diet.
Not only did we skip the sugar, but we also added a few extra ingredients just to give this dressing a creamier texture.
Ingredients:
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dried oregano
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Mayonnaise
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
You can’t get any simpler than this recipe since all the ingredients go into one big bowl, and you then whisk them together until you reach the desired consistency.
It’s just one of many keto salad dressings you can make if you feel like adding some extra flavor to your greens.
One serving of this dressing (approx. 2 tbsp) contains 152 calories and 2 grams of net carbs, which is pretty good considering its flavor.
7. keto tortillas
Since flour is not allowed on the keto diet, many of your favorite fast foods suddenly seem impossible to replicate, such as any dish that involves tortillas.
Well, not exactly, since you can make your tortillas using almond flour, and they’re amazing.
Ingredients:
- Almond flour
- Salt
- Eggs
- Xanthan gum
- Baking powder
- Ground linseeds
- Apple cider vinegar
The best thing about these tortillas is that they are not only low in carbs but also gluten-free, so those of you with a history of gluten intolerance can finally enjoy some delicious tacos without any issues.
Besides, since almond flour is filled with lots of healthy fats, these tortillas will keep you fuller for longer, even if you eat them without filling.
Single tortillas contain 93 calories and 2 grams of net carbs, whereas a regular tortilla contains about 159 calories and about 25 grams of carbs.
8. low carb tortilla chips
If you’ve mastered the art of making tortillas, it’s time to learn about its delicious byproduct – tortilla chips.
Making your keto tortilla chips is a great way to have a low-carb snack on hand at all times, and it’s pretty easy to do.
Ingredients:
- Shredded mozzarella
- Cayenne pepper
- Cream cheese
- Garlic powder
- Almond flour
- Chilli powder
- Cumin
- Eggs
- Salt
Unlike the regular tortillas, these tortilla chips include cheese in the batter, so they’ll be naturally flavored.
Sure enough, there’s no harm in adding more cheesy seasoning, especially since most are made up almost entirely of fats.
One serving of these tortilla chips contains 94 calories and 2 grams of net carbs. You get the same carbs from just one regular corn tortilla chip.
9. keto cheese chips
When it comes to snacking on crunchy goods, the world is divided into two categories, those that love tortilla chips and those that love regular potato chips.
Since we’ve showcased a recipe for keto tortilla chips, we think it’s only fair if we did the same with regular potato chips, so here are the keto cheese chips!
Ingredients:
- Cheese (e.g., American, cheddar, or provolone)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Jalapeño pepper slices (optional)
Everyone knows that cheese melts when you heat it, but did you know that if you bake thin slices of cheese the right way, they will turn into crunchy chips?
That’s all you need to do to create these chips, and since they’re made entirely out of cheese, they have no added carbs. One serving of these chips contains just 20 calories and 0 carbs.
10. easy Keto Cheese Sauce
Let’s say you’re hosting a party and have chips and tortillas (keto, of course). You’ll need to have something to dip them in.
It would be a shame to buy or make keto chips or tortillas simply to ruin them with a sugar-loaded dip, so we decided to include this recipe for keto cheese sauce since you never know when it comes in handy.
Ingredients:
- Shredded Cheddar cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Mustard powder
- Garlic powder
- Heavy cream
- Black pepper
- Salt
The best thing about this sauce is that it’s completely natural, with no additives or preservatives.
It takes less than 10 minutes to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, so you can make a big batch and simply reheat it when needed.
One serving of this sauce contains 177 calories and 2 grams of net carbs, so don’t worry about drenching your chips in it; you’ll still be well within your daily macros.
11. keto cheese buns recipe
A nice warm bun is something that a lot of people dream of, even if it means eating it plain.
But if you’re on the keto diet, those days are behind you.
Now, you can have your bun and eat it, too, with this recipe for keto cheese buns! They’re soft and fluffy and help keep your stomach full, just like a regular bun, but with fewer calories and no gluten.
Ingredients:
- Mozzarella cheese
- Ground pepper
- Baking powder
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Almond flour
- Eggs
- Salt
The best time to serve these cheese buns is when they have cooled down but are still warm, so you can feel the molten mozzarella cheese inside.
One bun contains just 90 calories and 2 grams of net carbs, so you can have 2 or even 3 of them without blowing your daily carb allotment.
However, these macros vary based on how big you decide to make the buns (the original recipe is for 20 of them).
12. classic keto deviled eggs
If you’re hosting a party, then knowing how to make an appetizer is a must, and these keto deviled eggs are the perfect keto option.
Not only are they tasty, but they’re also low in carbs and high in healthy fats, so neither you nor your guests will have to worry about derailing your diet.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Mayonnaise
- Sea salt
- Paprika
- Chopped fresh chives (optional)
The great thing about eggs is that they’re an affordable source of high-quality protein (egg whites) and healthy fats (egg yolks), so they’re perfect for the keto diet.
Besides, if you happen to get your hands on some organic eggs, we recommend putting a few aside and using them to make the mayonnaise yourself.
Just one of these delicious devolved eggs contains 114 calories and less than 1 gram of net carbs, so both you and your guests can enjoy them without guilt.
13. keto pumpkin soup
Fall is, for many people, their favorite time of the year, but now that you’ve embarked on the keto diet, you’re probably wondering if pumpkins are keto-friendly or not.
The answer is a resounding yes, and since soups are a great way to enjoy light meals without having to worry about overindulging, this keto pumpkin soup is the perfect recipe for you.
It’s creamy, flavorful, and will certainly put you in that nostalgic autumn mood, especially if you make it using pumpkins in season.
Ingredients:
- Canned pumpkin puree
- Chicken broth
- Garlic powder
- Heavy cream
- Pepper
- Thyme
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sour cream (to serve)
- Roasted, salted pepitas (to serve)
All the ingredients go together in a saucepan and are brought to a simmer, so there’s very little cooking involved with this soup.
However, since you’ll be using canned pumpkin puree, we recommend you check the label to ensure that there’s no added sugar.
Other than that, the ingredients are perfect just the way they are, and a single bowl of this creamy pumpkin soup should set you back around 190 calories and 7 grams of carbs.
14. peanut chicken slaw
Another type of light meal that everyone enjoys, especially during the summer, is a salad.
Unfortunately, not all vegetables are keto, so you’ll need to be very careful with what kind of salad you make for yourself.
This peanut chicken slaw is perfect for the keto diet since it’s loaded with protein and healthy fats and is very low in carbs.
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped green onion
- Unseasoned rice vinegar
- Minced fresh ginger
- Prepared slaw mix
- Sriracha sauce
- Peanut butter
- Garlic powder
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt
This salad has a distinct Asian flavor to it, thanks to the sesame oil, soy sauce, and the added peanut butter.
Speaking of peanut butter, make sure you use the zero-sugar, all-natural kind for this recipe to keep the carb count down.
You can use any kind of cooked chicken you want, but we recommend that you use chicken breast since it’s higher in protein and lower in fats when compared to other parts of the chicken.
A single serving of this salad has around 333 calories and 7 grams of carbs, so go ahead and add some extra dressing; you’ll still be within your macros.
15. keto taco salad recipe
If you like your salad to be a bit more filling, the best way to do it is by adding lots and lots of protein, and very few types of meat can match beef when it comes to protein content.
This Mexican-style taco salad is the perfect example of a filling yet tasty and keto-friendly salad you can enjoy without feeling guilty.
Ingredients:
- Chopped romaine lettuce
- Shredded cheese
- Taco seasoning
- Sliced avocado
- Tomato salsa
- Ground beef
- Sour cream
- Limes (optional)
Besides the part where you brown the ground beef and season it, this recipe doesn’t require any cooking.
The rest is just a matter of mixing all the ingredients in a bowl and enjoying your salad.
You can use any type of salsa you want, and you can even try using some keto cheese sauce listed earlier.
All in all, it’s perfect for those with a very active lifestyle since one serving contains 34 grams of protein and 6 grams of net carbs, and everything adds up to a total of 486 calories, so it feels like a full meal.
16. keto broccoli salad
The best thing about the keto diet is that it lets you eat things that other diets consider “unhealthy,” such as bacon. And what goes better with bacon than broccoli?
This recipe for keto broccoli salad is the perfect example of a delicious and healthy salad that’s also very easy to make.
The original article also contains a recipe for a mayonnaise-based dressing, which is perfect for this type of salad.
Ingredients:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced red onions
- Sunflower seeds
- Broccoli florets
- Bacon
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Black pepper
- Mayonnaise
- Salt
Just like with the taco salad described earlier, you have to cook the meat for a bit, combine it with the salad and the dressing into one big bowl, and then serve.
Sure enough, the dressing isn’t mandatory, so if there’s any other recipe that happens to be your favorite, by all means, go ahead and use that instead.
One serving of this bacon-flavored salad contains 350 calories and 8 grams of net carbs.
17. easy oven roasted asparagus
One of the easiest types of dishes that you could make is oven-baked vegetables seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper, among other things.
Well, we made some oven-roasted asparagus, and while it may sound like a bland dish, it’s surprisingly delicious and can go well with a variety of other keto-friendly meals.
Ingredients:
- Trimmed asparagus
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Salt
Since asparagus is made up almost entirely of water, you’ll need to make sure that you set the oven temperature just right and that you check on the asparagus while it cooks, or else it may either turn into mush or dry up into a tasteless crisp.
The asparagus and the olive oil are the only things that contain any calories or carbs, bringing the macros for one serving of this dish to just 85 calories and 2 grams of net carbs.
Note: This cooking method is so popular that we tried it with other vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, so check out those recipes.
18. grilled mushrooms
Another healthy way to cook your food is to grill it, regardless of whether it’s on a grill pan or a full-fledged outdoor grill.
Since healthy food is something we firmly believed in, we had to include something that was grilled, so we went with this recipe for BBQ-style grilled mushrooms.
Ingredients:
- White or button mushrooms
- Balsamic vinegar
- Steak seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt
- BBQ skewers
The reason we chose mushrooms is that they’re a very popular vegan alternative to steak and because they taste amazing when grilled.
If white or button mushrooms are unavailable, we recommend using the biggest portobellos you can find.
One skewer with 4 grilled mushrooms is one serving, containing 204 calories and 20 grams of net carbs.
However, you can greatly reduce the number of carbs by skipping the steak seasoning since most of them usually contain sugar.
19. keto creamed spinach
Another vegetable you should get accustomed to now that you’re on the keto diet is spinach, which is loaded with nutrients and very low in carbs.
One of the most popular cooking methods for spinach is creamed spinach, and this recipe for keto creamed spinach is a perfect example of how you can take something that’s already considered to be healthy and make it even healthier.
Ingredients:
- Baby spinach
- Salt
- Butter
- Black pepper
- Heavy cream
- Minced garlic
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Grated mozzarella cheese
- Nutmeg (optional)
Some find frozen spinach to be a lot easier to work with since it’s already cooked and wilted, but we recommend you use fresh spinach instead since it tastes much better and contains a bit more nutrients.
As for the seasonings, garlic is a very popular option for spinach, so go ahead if you feel like adding more than what the original recipe recommends.
One serving of this delicious side dish contains 218 calories and 3 grams of net carbs, and it goes well with a nice side of pork or beef.
20. jerk chicken
When it comes to baking or grilling chicken, your choice of marinade will play a significant role in how the overall dish will taste, especially since chicken by itself is pretty bland.
Well, the marinade is at the center of our recipe for jerk chicken, a very popular Caribbean dish made by marinating chicken in a combination of spices, including allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers.
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Thyme
- Olive oil
- Allspice
- Lime juice
- Cinnamon
- Green onions
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Diced jalapenos
- Brown sugar (to be replaced)
Since brown sugar plays an important role in giving the jerk spice that iconic Jamaican taste, you’ll have to use a keto-friendly alternative instead of skipping it completely.
Fortunately, most keto sugar substitutes come in brown sugar varieties, especially erythritol or monk fruit, which we recommend you use.
As for the macros, we’re talking about 233 calories, 21 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and only 2 grams of net carbs per serving.
21. sheet pan chicken fajitas keto
If you made chicken the night before and are left with leftovers, don’t throw it away just yet, as you can use it to make these amazing sheet pan chicken fajitas.
They’re very convenient to make as you only need one oven tray to cook everything, and they’re also quite healthy since they’re loaded with vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Sliced white onions
- Sliced avocados
- Ground cumin
- Garlic powder
- Bell peppers
- Chili powder
- Kosher salt
- Olive oil
- Limes
- Sour cream (optional)
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Things can’t get any easier than with this recipe since all you need to do mix all the ingredients together, put them on an oven tray, and bake.
You can use any type of bell peppers you want, but we recommend using a mix of red, yellow, and green for aesthetics and flavor.
As for the macros, each serving contains 310 calories and 6 grams of net carbs. Besides, since the chicken is already served with some veggies, there’s no need for any side dish.
22. cauliflower mac and cheese
Since you’ll be avoiding flour, this also means that any pasta is out of the question, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have mac and cheese on a keto diet.
This cauliflower mac and cheese recipe is the perfect example of how you can make a low-carb version of this classic dish without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower florets
- Shredded Cheddar
- Grated Parmesan
- Mustard powder
- Garlic powder
- Heavy cream
- Black pepper
- Salt
Unlike our previous cauliflower recipes, you’ll need something chunky to act like substitute macaroni.
As for the cheese, you can use whatever kind you like most, although we recommend that you don’t skip the cheddar since it’s a key ingredient in most mac and cheese recipes.
In terms of carbs, each serving of this dish contains only 5 grams of net carbs, but all that cheese brings the calories per serving to around 202 calories.
23. Keto No-Bake Cookies
Thanks to the popularity of all kinds of natural and artificial sweeteners, desserts are no longer viewed as something you need to steer away from when you’re on a diet (keto or otherwise).
Things like erythritol and stevia allow recipes like this one for keto no-bake cookies to exist.
Ingredients:
- Salt
- Butter
- Vanilla
- Almond butter
- Coconut chips
- Cocoa powder
- Sliced almonds
- Powdered erythritol sweetener
While technically, no baking is involved in preparing these cookies, you will have to use the microwave to cook the cookie batter.
However, a few minutes in the microwave is still a lot easier than preheating an oven for 10 minutes and then baking the cookies for 20 minutes.
Once they’re done, let them chill, and then serve them alongside a nice big glass of almond milk.
Each cookie has 147 calories and 2 grams of net carbs. A typical chocolate chip cookie contains around 20 grams of net carbs, which is your daily limit on a keto diet.
24. fudgy keto brownies
Brownies are one of those desserts that anyone can make, even if it’s their first time, so brownie recipes are a must in any list of beginner-friendly recipes.
This recipe for fudgy keto brownies is just as easy to make as regular brownies, but since it uses almond flour instead of wheat flour, they’re a lot lower in carbs.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Kosher salt
- Almond flour
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder
- Unsalted butter
- Sweetener (e.g., Swerve)
All you have to do to get the batter ready is put all the ingredients in a bowl and then whisk them together until there are no more lumps and everything looks puffy and aerated.
Normally the brownies would be perfect as is, but if you want to add a bit of extra flavor, we recommend adding coconut chips, chopped nuts, or even some sugar-free chocolate chips once the brownies have cooled down.
25. keto chocolate mug cake
Mug cakes are desserts for people that hate making desserts; since they’re small, they don’t require a lot of ingredients, and the only things you need in your kitchen are a mug, a spoon, and a microwave oven.
The same thing can be said about this keto chocolate mug cake recipe, except that you don’t feel guilty after eating one (or two).
Ingredients:
- Salt
- Eggs
- Butter
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Sweetener (e.g., Swerve)
- Sugar-free chocolate chips (optional)
Since mugs are a lot narrower than bowls, we recommend that you mix the mug cake batter well to avoid any lumps, and also make sure that you mix the ingredients that may have stuck to the bottom of the mug, especially along the sides.
As for the chocolate chips, we recommend that you also try looking for white chocolate chips since those will contrast against the darkness of the cake and make it look even more appetizing.
A single one of these mug cakes contains 397 calories and 4 grams of net carbs, and since they only require about 2 minutes to make, they’re the perfect quick and easy dessert for when you’re craving something sweet.
26. strawberry cheesecake fat bombs
Normally you’d probably wonder how something called a fat bomb can help you lose weight, but on a keto diet, fat bombs are a necessity.
They help you reach your daily fat intake goals while also satisfying your sweet tooth, and this recipe for strawberry cheesecake fat bombs does both of those things perfectly.
They look delicious, require very few ingredients, and no baking is involved, so they’re incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- Salt
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Fresh strawberries
- Sweetener (e.g., Swerve)
If you have a bowl, a blender, and a muffin tray, you have everything you need to make these fat bombs.
The first step is to blend the strawberries until they’re smooth, add the rest of the ingredients, and blend again until everything is combined.
Once that’s done, you must pour the mixture into the muffin tray and then put it in the freezer for a few hours until they have a butter-like consistency.
27. pecan praline recipe
If you want to try making a dessert that not only tastes good but also looks incredibly fancy and worthy of being served at a dinner party, then this recipe for pecan pralines is perfect for you.
They have a toasted pecan flavor with a hint of sweetness, and they’re made using 3 sources of fat, so your ketosis won’t be interrupted.
- Butter
- Pecans
- Sea salt
- Heavy cream
- Xanthan gum
- Sugar (to be replaced)
Normally you’d not be advised to add any sugar to your foods when you’re on the keto diet, especially if you’re following the strictest kind where the limit is 20 grams of carbs per day.
However, if you’re on a more lenient version of the diet or you’re just starting, you can add a bit of sugar to your recipes, but only just enough to give them a taste.
This recipe makes 20 pralines, each containing 7 grams of net carbs and 206 calories, although the numbers would be much lower if you skipped the sugar.
28. keto hot chocolate low carb
You’d be surprised to know that many of the carbs we consume daily come in the form of drinks and beverages, especially since sweetened beverages go down much easier than sweetened snacks.
For example, even the common hot chocolate is incredibly high in carbs, but our recipe for keto hot chocolate is not only low in carbs but also sugar-free.
Ingredients:
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Erythritol sweetener
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream
- Salt
Another reason why we recommend making your hot chocolate is because the vast majority of people have probably never actually tasted real hot chocolate, just the powdered mix kind.
When you make it from scratch using high-quality cocoa powder, you’ll be blown away by the difference in taste, and you’ll probably never return to the mix again.
One mug of this winter favorite contains just 260 calories and 5 grams of net carbs. By comparison, a typical mug of hot chocolate contains about 275 calories and a bit over 30 grams of carbs.
29. keto pumpkin spice latte
You can usually tell when Halloween and Thanksgiving are about to begin when you start seeing people drinking lots of pumpkin spice lattes, but those lattes are loaded with sugar and carbs.
Not only is our keto pumpkin spice latte low in carbs, but it’s also sugar-free, but they also taste a lot better, so go ahead and give it a try.
The article contains 3 recipes in one, depending on whether you want to make your pumpkin spice latte using regular brewed coffee, espresso, or cold brew concentrate or if you want to make a bulletproof latte.
Ingredients:
- Vanilla extract
- Pumpkin puree
- Pumpkin pie spice mix
- Granulated sweetener
- Brewed coffee (for regular brewed coffee)
- Heavy cream (for regular brewed coffee)
- Espresso or cold brew (for espresso or cold brew concentrate)
- Unsweetened almond milk (for espresso or cold brew concentrate)
- Butter, MCT oil, or coconut oil (for bulletproof only)
If you have no other goal than to lose weight as efficiently as possible, we recommend making your pumpkin spice latte in bulletproof coffee style because it will help you feel fuller for longer and give you a nice energy boost.
One cup of our keto pumpkin spice latte made using regular brewed coffee contains just 2 grams of net carbs and 118 calories, making it one of the best easy keto recipes for beginners.
30. healthy keto green smoothie
Smoothies have become synonymous with health, but most are loaded with sugar and carbs, which is the exact opposite of what you want on the keto diet.
So how do you make a low-carb smoothie that’s also healthy and nutritious? You make sure you use the right ingredients, so your smoothie is low in carbs but high in healthy fats, proteins, and fiber, just like we did with our healthy keto green smoothie.
Ingredients:
- Ice cubes
- Avocados
- Lemon juice
- Fresh spinach
- Erythritol sweetener
- Unsweetened coconut or almond milk
- Chia seeds (optional)
- Blueberries (optional)
- Protein powder (optional)
Avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats, spinach is high in vitamins, minerals, and fibers, and veggie milk gives the smoothie a nice silky texture and flavor, making it much more enjoyable to drink.
The only drawback with smoothies, in general, is that you need to drink them as soon as you make them, or up to 24 hours later, or else they will start to lose their nutrients and develop a bad taste.
One smoothie contains 172 calories and 2 grams of net carbs, and we recommend it in the early mornings before you do your stretches or a light workout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Those of you that are new to the keto diet probably have a lot of unanswered questions, and that’s perfectly normal.
That’s why we’ve collected some of the most frequently asked questions and provided detailed answers to them so that you can feel more confident about starting your journey into ketosis.
How does a keto diet work?
A keto diet works by putting your body into a state of ketosis, which is when your body starts to burn fat for energy instead of carbs.
This process is achieved by eating a high-fat, low-carb diet and reducing your overall carb intake.
Is the keto diet healthy?
The key to being healthy is to supply your body with every nutrient that it needs, including carbs.
That is why the keto diet does allow a small number of carbs each day, and that’s also one of the reasons why it’s not recommended that you stay on the keto diet for too long.
Following the keto diet too strictly for too long can cause a lot of health issues, including:
- Constipation
- Kidney stones
- Low blood pressure
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Increased risk of heart disease
What foods do you eat on the keto diet?
You can eat whatever you want that’s low in carbs and contains moderate amounts of protein and high amounts of fats. This includes:
- Eggs
- Avocados
- Fish and seafood
- High-fat dairy products
- Low-carb fruits and veggies
- Any meat (e.g., poultry, beef, mutton, pork, etc.)
- Nuts, seeds, and other sources of healthy vegetable oils
How fast will I lose weight on keto?
A lot of the weight you’ll lose while on the keto diet is water weight, so people with larger frames tend to lose more weight a lot faster than those with smaller frames.
That said, expect to lose between 1 and 5 pounds during the first week alone.
However, the rate at which you lose weight starts to slow down the longer you stay on a diet, so it’s important not to get discouraged and to continue following the diet and doing regular exercise.
How long should you do keto?
To avoid long-term nutrient deficiencies, most dieticians recommend that you stay on the keto diet for between 3 and 6 months, depending on how strict you are with the diet.
When you’re not on the keto diet, you must stick to a much healthier lifestyle than before, consuming both fats and carbs in moderation and getting plenty of exercise.
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, you don’t have to be a bonafide chef to make delicious and easy keto recipes.
All you need is some creativity, a few key ingredients, and a willingness to experiment.
So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
