It is safe to say that we could all write a list of the foods that we know should be eating to maintain a healthy, balanced diet, but it can sometimes be difficult to stay on track with healthy eating, especially if we think there has to be extra effort involved in preparation of foods or that it must be paired with a gruelling exercise routine in order to show the benefits.
Busy lifestyles can lead to the desire for a quick fix, but if you’re seeking a healthier and more balanced life when it comes to your diet, exercise and overall health, then it really is worth making the changes to your diet that can be incorporated into your daily life and will benefit you in the long run.
The lifestyles of many people today often flag up warning signs for health conditions that can be avoided or controlled by healthier eating and exercise. Type 2 diabetes, for example, is said to be better managed by those following a keto diet due to the weight loss and lowering in blood sugar levels that is produced by those following the plan. If you think this could benefit you then this Guide for Beginners made by PlanKetogenic could be just what you need to get you started.
Here, we take a look at eight foods that are not only tasty and varied but bring with them an array of health benefits to aid in a healthy and balanced lifestyle – and they all happen to be keto-friendly, too.
Seafood, meat and poultry
High in omega-3, B vitamins, potassium and selenium, seafood not only provides you with some healthy foods to eat, but some rather tasty ones, too. Meat and poultry are key for a balanced diet and contain high-quality protein – opt for grass-fed meats and you will see even more benefits.
Berries
Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are all fantastic keto-friendly sources of fibre, while being packed full of antioxidants too – the substances that protect your cells from free radicals. In season in summer and into early autumn, add to your breakfast cereal, smoothies or enjoy as a tasty snack.
Low carb vegetables
We all know that we should be filling our plates with a selection of vegetables and what many of us do is reach for our favourites, but we should stop doing this. A variety of vegetables is best – 30 different types a week say the experts – to ensure we get a good mixture of nutrients and vitamins. Try to stay away from starchy vegetables if you’re trying to limit the carbs on keto (check out this guide on controlling hunger on keto) and go mad with cauliflower, green beans, spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, asparagus, broccoli, aubergine, lettuce, olives and peppers.
Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and can be enjoyed in a number of dishes. Add to your breakfast smoothie for a filling feeling or thicken up your morning oats. Alternatively, you can make a number of dips to be enjoyed with your crudités for a tasty snack.
Olive oil
The information around fats can be confusing to say the least, but one we all now know is that unsaturated fats are our friend, especially when it comes to our heart health. Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fat and is best consumed at room or low temperature rather than within high temperature cooking.
Eggs
Eggs are a hugely versatile ingredient and can be made the star of a dish or part of a delicious meal. Full of nutrients that are said to protect eye and heart health, be sure to eat the whole egg for all the benefits. From omelettes to devilled, frittata to quiche to simply scrambled with a side of smoked salmon, you can have a lot of fun with eggs.
Dark chocolate
Everyone needs a treat, and dark chocolate not only offers this, but also brings with it some health benefits, too – a win-win if you ask us. As well as dark chocolate containing flavanols, which is good for the circulatory system, cocoa is on a similar level to blueberries when it comes to antioxidant activity. Make sure to eat at least 70% cocoa solids.
Nuts and seeds
Considered a source of healthy fats for keto, nuts and seeds provide you with fibre among an array of minerals that help keep your body ticking away nicely. Eat as a snack or warm up and sprinkle over your stir-fry for a delicious treat.
In conclusion
Eating a nutritious and balanced diet can seem like a big task at times but it can be enjoyable to get and stay healthy with plenty of preparation and lots of recipe ideas. A Keto-friendly diet containing all of the above foods, and more is a good place to start if you think the plan is a good way to go for you. There is a wealth of information out there, so get researching and enjoy paving your way to a healthy life filled with delicious and nutritious food.
