Your Keto Diet Cheat Sheet
Your keto diet cheat sheet is here! This quick and easy guide will answer all of your burning questions about the keto diet, like “Can you eat sweet potatoes on keto?”
We know the drill: you’re committed to eating low-carb and staying in ketosis, but sometimes you just need a little cheat sheet to keep things straight. From what you can (and can’t) eat, to how to stay on track when dining out, we’ve got you covered.
So whether you’re a keto pro or just getting started, consider this your go-to guide for all things keto.
Introduction
If you’re thinking about trying the keto diet, there’s a lot to know. The keto diet is a high-fat, low carb diet that’s traditionally been used for treating seizure disorders, but it’s gaining popularity as a weight loss tool.
Before you jump on the bandwagon, though, there are a few things you should know. Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet, complete with everything you need to know about the keto diet, what you can and can’t eat, and what to expect.
What is the keto diet?
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that involves significantly reducing your intake of carbs and replacing them with fat. When your body is in a state of ketosis, it produces ketones, which are molecules that can be used for energy.
What can you eat on the keto diet?
You’ll need to drastically reduce your intake of carbs and replace them with healthy fats. This means saying goodbye to bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit, and sugar. You can still enjoy plenty of delicious food on the keto diet – think fatty meats, eggs, cheese, low carb veggies like broccoli and cauliflower, and oils and nuts.
Can you eat sweet potatoes on keto
Sweet potatoes are a type of starchy tuberous root vegetable. They’re usually orange or yellow in color, although they can also be white, red, or purple. Sweet potatoes are often mistakenly called yams, but they’re actually two different vegetables.
Like other types of potatoes, sweet potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. They also contain vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and magnesium. However, sweet potatoes are not considered to be a low-carbohydrate food and are therefore not suitable for the keto diet.
Why are they good for you?
When you’re on the keto diet, you’re deliberately working to reduce your intake of carbs and sugar because those macronutrients can raise your blood sugar levels and kick you out of ketosis. However, that doesn’t mean you have to eliminate all forms of carbohydrates from your diet – sweet potatoes are an example of a complex carb that can actually be beneficial for keto dieters. Here’s a look at why sweet potatoes are good for you and how they fit into the keto diet.
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of fiber, which is an important nutrient for overall health. Fiber helps to regulate digestion, promote satiety, and control blood sugar levels. On the keto diet, Fiber is especially important because it helps you feel full and satisfied after meals – which can prevent you from overeating or snacking between meals. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, potassium, and manganese.
How to cook them?
Simply roasting sweet potatoes whole in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes to an hour will give you perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every time. But there are other methods for cooking sweet potatoes that can speed up the process, or give you different flavor and texture profiles to work with.
Recipes
-Keto Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
-Sweet Potato & Bacon Hash: In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Add cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and green onions, and cook for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with cooked bacon before serving.
-Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl: Cook cubed sweet potatoes in a large microwave-safe bowl for 3 minutes, or until tender. Stir in eggs, shredded cheese, diced ham, salt, and pepper. Microwave for an additional 2 minutes, or until eggs are cooked through. Top with diced avocado before serving.
Tips and tricks
The keto diet can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. Here are some tips and tricks to help you stick to the diet and reach your goals.
1. Plan your meals in advance. Planning ahead will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the restrictions of the diet.
2. Make sure you’re getting enough fat. Fat is an important part of the keto diet, so make sure you’re including plenty of healthy fats in your meals and snacks.
3. Don’t be afraid to experiment. The great thing about the keto diet is that there are so many delicious recipes out there. Experiment with different recipes and find ones that you love.
4. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is important on any diet, but it’s especially important on the keto diet because it helps your body stay in ketosis.
5. Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for overall health, but it’s also important for maintaining a healthy weight. Getting enough sleep will help your body regulate its hunger hormones and allow you to stick to your diet goals.
FAQs
Are sweet potatoes keto?
Unfortunately, sweet potatoes are not keto-friendly. One large sweet potato contains over 26 grams of carbs, which is way too high for the keto diet. If you’re really craving sweet potatoes, you could try making a low-carb version using cauliflower or another keto-friendly vegetable.
What are some other keto-friendly vegetables?
While sweet potatoes are not keto, there are plenty of other vegetables that are. Some great options include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and spinach.
Conclusion
So, can you eat sweet potatoes on a keto diet?
The answer is yes! Sweet potatoes are a great source of nutrients and fiber, and they can be a delicious addition to your keto meal plan. Just be sure to keep an eye on your portion sizes and carb counts to ensure that you stay in ketosis.