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When following a keto diet, some people may find it difficult to work out the right foods to eat and
when to eat them. Meal plans can help people get used to the diet or stick with it.
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. Potential benefits of the keto diet plan include
weight loss and fat loss.
Though various sources report different percentages, a keto diet comprises approximately:
55–60% fats
30–35% protein
5–10% carbohydrates
A study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism reports that those following a “well-formulated”
keto diet typically consume under 50 grams (g) of carbs and approximately 1.5 g of protein per
kilogram of body weight per day.
In order to stick to these macronutrient ratios, most experts agree that meal planning for a keto diet
is essential.
Read on to learn more about the keto diet and discover what a 7-day keto meal plan might look like.
A keto meal is one that contains under 50 g of total carbs or contributes about 30 g of net carbs per
day. Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber.
Fiber is present in plants and is important to include in a keto diet because fiber protects gut
bacteria, improves digestive function, and helps prevent constipation.
In the keto diet, the majority of daily calories come from fats, while lesser amounts come from
proteins. Meat, fish, eggs, and dairy feature heavily in the keto diet.
When the body cannot rely on carbohydrates for energy, it must burn fat for fuel. This results in a
buildup of acids called ketones in the body. This results in a bodily state of ketosis.
According to a 2012 study, a keto diet may reduce fat mass, waist circumference, and fasting insulin
levels.
Also, a 2012 review of 23 studies indicate that a low carbohydrate diet, such as the keto diet, could
lower some of the primary risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Many people follow a keto plan for a set amount of time before altering the diet to include more
carbohydrates and less fat.
Below is a sample 7-day keto meal plan. People can tailor these meals and snacks to their liking, but
they should be careful not to exceed 50 g of total carbohydrates daily.
It can be challenging for vegetarians and vegans to follow a keto diet, as many of the calories in
these diets come from carbohydrates. Even sources of nonanimal protein, such as lentils and beans,
are often relatively high in carbs.
In the standard keto diet, animal products tend to make up a large portion of meals because these
foods are naturally high in fat, high in protein, and low in carbohydrates.
Though tricky, it is possible to follow a vegetarian or vegan keto diet. Those who do not eat meat or
fish can replace these products with high fat plant-based foods.
Vegetarians can also eat eggs and some forms of dairy as part of the diet.
Tips
The following tips may help people stick to the keto diet:
Summary
The keto diet is a high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate diet.
People following it should aim to consume under 50 g of total carbs each day. Meals tend to consist
primarily of animal proteins and plant and animal fats with nonstarchy vegetables.
It is important to plan meals on the keto diet in order to adhere to the correct macronutrient ratios,
meet fiber goals, and prevent hunger. It can also be helpful to work with a doctor or dietitian to
ensure that nutritional deficiencies do not occur.