Here’s the thing about our favorite healthy foods, they may not be keto. This is a hard truth for so many, but if you can commit to alternatives for non-keto favorites (or opt out of even looking for alternatives)…this journey will be much easier!
The truth is, many “healthy” foods are also higher in carbs than what we think. So how does this work?
On keto, you need to average between 20 and 25 grams of net carbs per day. As you become accustomed to being in ketosis you will also learn which number best fits your body’s needs. So, to stay in between those numbers you have to be carefully and honestly counting the net carbs you are consuming.
What about those vegetables and fruits I love and thought were good for me?
Well…. They may be high in carbs and require an alternative! And since we’re making adjustments, this should be okay.
Alternatives for Non-Keto Favorites
Skip the croutons, and go for hemp hearts. Croutons are bread, so that is off-limits. But hemp hearts are high in protein and crunch! They are also low in net carbs, so it is a win/win!
Don’t bother with the green peas, and make broccoli your best friend! Peas are a starchier vegetable than many alternatives. Broccoli, spinach and zucchini are low carb alternatives.
Say no to bananas, they are high in carbs and definitely not worth it. But if you want a sweet and fruity snack, reach for a few raspberries! Make sure you are mindful of how many you eat, the natural sugars in these can be a problem if there are too many!
You may be a lover of honey glazed ham, but sugar is sugar when it comes to keto. The best alternative is deli meat. It’s easy to measure how much you eat (ham deli meat has carbs), and you can easily opt out of honey glazes.
Sweet potatoes aren’t so sweet on keto! Yes, they are full of antioxidants, but they are also full of sugar and carbs. Choose cauliflower as an alternative, at this point cauliflower can be an alternative to almost anything! Again, calculate the carbs, but enjoy!
Cow’s milk is a major carb loader! An alternative for cow’s milk is unsweetened almond milk. Add it to keto smoothies, to your coffee, or to keto granola as a great snack idea!
Trail mix is a major source of carbs and sugar, it’s also something we used to think was a healthy snack. As an alternative, have some peanuts or raw almonds.
Skip the soda’s, even the “diet” ones. Many sweeteners are not good alternatives for sugar, particularly the ones found in diet soda’s! Sparkling water has become a staple in my household, can we say peach flavored Perrier?!
I mean, the truth is being keto can cause you to eliminate some traditionally “good for you” foods.
However, the alternatives listed are also good for you AND they will not break you out of ketosis.
The goal is, and always will be, to be healthy.
This means eliminating some foods you are accustomed to eating, changing old beliefs about food, switching up some old habits, and creating new ones!
I hope this list of alternatives for non-keto favorites is helpful. Go ahead and drop a comment if there are any you found to be super useful!
Amy XO
p.s. Make sure you’ve downloaded my Keto Guide to help YOU get started (or restart) on your Keto Journey
Thank you Amy.
Thank you for all your help!
Thanks for sharing this information. I thought sweet potatoes was ok. Now I know not to eat them.
I appreciate all your good advice.
Thanks!
Awesome thank you for the information
Thank you for the info.
Thank you for your suggestions ‼️‼️☺️☺️
Thank you for the list of alternatives. It will be helpful.
Thanks for the information
Bea
NORTHERN OHIO
You are so awesome I have learned so much from all that u and the team does .Thank u for being u
I appreciate all you do Amy. I count on you. You are a blessing
Thanks for the helpful information. I’ll be using it! Also thanks for all you do for us on the Keto journey.
those are great alterntives!
Great alternatives, love me some cauliflower and broccoli!! Avocados are my best friend and I don’t miss bread since I’m a celiac and gave it up years ago! Thank you amy
Thanks for all the great tips.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your life to help all of us…..so appreciative of you!!!!!
Thank you Amy for the advice, I learned about hemp hearts now, will try these, been craving a “crunch” in my salads!
I like all of these alternatives.
Thank You Amy
Thanks again
I always look forward to your blogs! Always learn something new. This time “hemp hearts.” Going to try them!
Thank you Amy! 😊
Thank you again for all the great alternatives . I’m not fond of cauliflower, but I will definitely try the hemp hearts
I have never tried hemp hearts, I need to get some.
Thank you Amy!!
I love your blog, I always get lots of value from them.
I love the super tips you provide. Thanks for being constant and caring for all of our keto needs.
Great tips
As always great advice. Thanks
Great suggests.
Limiting my fruit is so hard. Appreciate the suggestions
Love your weekly blog, Amy! Thank you for all you do for us 💜
Thanks for the suggestions. I struggled so much since there are very few vegetables I like. I struggle just trying to force myself to even try them. Definitely have to change my mindset.
Thank you. For alternative ideas
Great ideas!! I miss bananas and have not had one in almost 2 years but I found banana skinny syrup….🥰. Thanks for all that you do for us!!
Thank you for all you do to help us all🥰
Thanks for info and thank you for all you do.
I’m wondering why I never hear about konjac noodles as a replacement for spaghetti. It is 5 calories and virtually no carbs. What gives?
love to read your blogs for quick education. thanks for the ideas and motivation
I’m looking forward to trying hemp hearts, I’ve never had them before. I do like some crunch in my salad…thanks for the suggestion
Hello, it is hard to stay on track. Thanks for the tips it helps to know the struggle is real.
Have a good day.
Thanks for your suggestions. Appreciate the help 😊
Thanks to your faithful post and web sites I have learned all the things on this blog and I know everyone reading this will benefit greatly. Thank you and all your support group for your hard work to provide us with the tools we need to be successful on Keto.
Great tips. The link to take me to the Facebook community does nothing but circle and circle. Love the blog.
Thanks, Amy!
Thanks, as always for your hempful (helpful) hints!! Keto on!!
I’ve been doing keto for two years now. My habits and tastebuds have changed in the process. It does become natural to reach for and make keto foods! Keep moving forward and a huge thank you to Amy❣️
Always enjoy your blogs and learn something. Thanks
I never realized the effects of dairy on my system until I quit using it. You are correct, it is just not worth. It.
Thank you Amy, you always give me that boost that I need from time to time. Hemp hearts- can’t wait to try something new.
Great reminder!!
This is awesome reminder Amy. Thank you
Your blogs are super helpful. Thanks for all you do to help keep us in ketosis.
Thank you! Great reminders for sure, and I’ve been seeing great things about hemp hearts, must be a sign I need to try them lol.
I enjoy your blogs so much. I learn something with almost each one that I read. Thank you.