KETO TIPS - HOW TO GET STARTED?

Getting started on keto can be overwhelming as it can require a dramatic overhaul of your diet as well as your lifestyle.  The reality of the Keto Flu (see here) as your body transitions can leave you feeling a bit crap, the carb cravings are real and there will be a lot to tempt you into giving up.

CARBOHYDRATES

• Keep Carbohydrate intake under 50g – REDUCE/AVOID wheat, rice, corn or other grains. 
• Instead get your Carbohydrate allowance from Vegetables. 
• Limit root vegetables such as sweet potatoes and butternut squash, opt for vegetables grown above the ground instead of below it
• Eat fruits sparingly, fruits are very high in sugar, tropical fruits are the worst (bananas, mangos) berries are the best.  Fructose is very damaging on the liver.
• Don’t eat sweets, this includes all sugar, honey, agave nectar, corn syrup, maple syrup and artificial sweeteners – Chicory Root Fibre/Stevia/Xylitol is ok in moderation.

FATS

• Increase your omega 3 intake – Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Tuna, Trout, Kippers, Herring
• Eat nuts, the best are macadamias, cashews, hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios.
• Avoid all polyunsaturated oils made from corn, sunflower, canola, rapeseed, soy, this includes vegetable margarine – replace these with natural fats such as coconut oil, butter, and olive oil.
• Go for full-fat varieties (dairy products) rather than more low fat 

PROTEIN

• Eat high-quality meat, preferably organic from grass-fed animals, grain-fed animals are higher in omega 6. Red meat is ok.
• Other sources include fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, dairy, protein powder
• Eat eggs aplenty, again preferably organic from grass-fed chickens.