To jumpstart your weight-loss journey, having a collection of healthy and reliable recipes readily available is crucial. If you're considering trying the keto diet, we consulted with Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, the founder and director of Real Nutrition, a private practice in New York City dedicated to guiding clients toward optimal nutrition, weight management, and overall well-being. She sheds light on how the keto diet can positively impact your weight-loss goals. With Shapiro's expert advice, we've compiled a selection of our top keto recipes for weight loss, ensuring you have a variety of options for your next meal.
"The keto diet can be advantageous for certain individuals as it restricts carbohydrate intake to less than 5% of daily dietary requirements. This shift prompts the body to use fat for energy instead of relying on carbohydrates," Shapiro explains. "Additionally, by reducing carb consumption, the keto diet limits the types of foods people often overindulge in, such as bread, cake, candy, and soda. Lastly, fats and proteins tend to keep you feeling fuller than carbohydrates, reducing cravings. However, it's important to note that I don't recommend this diet for everyone."
In the realm of dieting, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. As Shapiro emphasizes, the keto diet may not suit everyone. It's wise to consult a medical professional or registered dietitian to determine the most suitable dietary path for your individual goals. If you receive a favorable assessment, there are specific considerations to bear in mind when preparing keto meals.
According to Shapiro, "Pay attention to portion sizes, particularly when the recipes are rich in fat and calories. Seek fats from plant sources, not exclusively from animal sources. Opt for recipes that are high in protein, as they tend to have fewer calories than fat. Choose whole-food ingredients and incorporate low-carb vegetables like greens and cauliflower to add volume. Aim to diversify your sources of protein by including seafood and other lean, dense proteins like beef in your meals."
If you're ready to begin, read on for our top keto recipes tailored for weight loss.
1) Keto Smoked Salmon on Cucumber Slices With Lemon-Avocado Sauce
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this smoked salmon on cucumber slices recipe, featuring an Everything Bagel spice mix and a zesty lemon avocado sauce that elevates every mouthful. For those aiming to shed some pounds, this refreshing and light keto recipe is an essential addition to your snack repertoire.
2) Keto Zucchini Noodles With Bacon Vinaigrette
Discover your new preferred method of enjoying zucchini noodles with this recipe. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional pasta without compromising on taste. You'll find a delightful combination of fresh zucchini noodles and sliced radishes, tossed in a bacon vinaigrette, and crowned with a protein-rich poached egg, making it a perfectly balanced meal for your weight-loss journey.
3) Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
Let's admit it: Instant Pot meals are a real lifesaver during hectic weeks. With this Instant Pot lemon chicken recipe at your disposal, you can effortlessly prepare your entire meal in one pot and have a delectable dish ready in less than 30 minutes. You'll enjoy a generous serving of lean protein from the succulent, tender chicken, and you can effortlessly pair it with prepped roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
4) Keto Overnight Oats With Berries and Cream
Overnight oats come to the rescue when you're in a morning rush but need a satisfying breakfast. To transform this recipe into a keto-friendly option, we've substituted grains with low-carb hemp hearts. This breakfast delight is enriched with fresh blueberries, chopped walnuts, chia seeds, a touch of vanilla extract, and creamy full-fat coconut milk, creating a delicious morning indulgence.
5) Keto Thai Scallop Curry With Zucchini Noodles & Shiitake Mushrooms
Your dinner routine just received a delightful and effortless upgrade, courtesy of this keto Thai scallop curry recipe. Brimming with seafood and vibrant vegetables, it's a breeze to prepare in under 30 minutes. What more could you desire? This delectable meal only clocks in at around 463 calories, yet it delivers a substantial 19 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber—two essential components of a victorious weight-loss regimen.
6) Keto Arugula and Grapefruit Salad With Dill Ranch Dressing
Savor the revitalizing flavors of this grapefruit and arugula salad, which can serve as a delightful side dish or take center stage when adorned with lean protein. The ingredients required are simple: grapefruit, arugula, red onion, roasted pumpkin seeds, and a luscious ranch dressing, with the option to add sliced avocado for extra goodness. In its original form, this salad boasts a mere 171 calories, delivering 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.
7) Chilled Avocado Soup
This effortless and nutritious chilled avocado soup is simply irresistible and fully compliant with keto guidelines. It boasts low carbohydrate content while delivering a burst of flavors that will quickly become a household favorite. Moreover, its creamy texture is achieved using fresh avocados instead of heavy cream, rendering it a considerably healthier alternative to traditional creamy soups. With only 324 calories per serving, this soup offers 7 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein.
8) Keto Butter-Baked Salmon and Asparagus
Sometimes, the simplest dishes, like baked salmon and vegetables, can create a memorable dining experience. This is where the butter-baked salmon and asparagus recipe shines. It's effortlessly prepared, and satisfying, and boasts a luxurious creaminess thanks to the mayonnaise topping.
9) Tandoori Chicken Legs and Roasted Cauliflower
This tandoori chicken legs and roasted cauliflower recipe makes for a scrumptious keto-friendly dinner. The chicken legs are complete with garam masala, lemon zest, garlic, chopped pecans, chopped cauliflower, and coconut oil for a healthier version of the traditional dish. The protein is marinated overnight in spices and yogurt to deliver a flavor you'll love.
10) Keto Seared Ginger-Cumin Swordfish With Blueberry-Avocado Salsa
Elevate your traditional swordfish dinner experience with our seared ginger-cumin swordfish recipe. This substantial fish is adorned with a distinctive and refreshingly flavorful blueberry avocado salsa. In total, this meal provides 392 calories, boasting an impressive 35 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. Furthermore, it's a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.