Keto

A ketogenic diet is when you limit your carbohydrate intake and primarily live on foods high in protein and healthy fats. Instead of burning carbohydrates for energy, your body uses ketones. When this happens, it is known as ketosis. You can also follow a modified version known as Atkinson’s diet, which is when the carb intake is higher, making it easier to follow.

Benefits of a keto diet

A ketogenic diet contains a lot of carbohydrate restrictions. However, there are a wealth of benefits to following a keto diet.

• Best for weight loss

• Increases energy

• Improves mood

• Better sleep

• Regulates blood sugar

• Smoother digestion

• Lowers inflammation

• Better focus

• Balances hormones

• Minimises seizures in some types of epilepsy*

*Only follow a ketogenic diet for epilepsy if you have been advised by your neurologist or GP.

FAQs about a keto diet

Check out our frequently asked questions if you’re interested in going keto.

What are the basic rules of a keto diet?

The basic rules of a keto diet are to eat a high amount of healthy fats and protein, minimise carbohydrates, and eliminate sugary foods. That means avoiding pasta, bread, rice, pastries or snacks high in carbs, such as crisps and crackers. Some vegetables also contain a lot of carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes. So, stick to foods such as eggs, bell peppers, avocado and lean meats.

What foods are in a keto diet?

You can eat many foods on a keto diet, such as cheese, eggs and lean meat (e.g., chicken, pork and turkey). Seafood and fish are also good options as they are high in omega-3, and nuts and seeds provide healthy fats and proteins. Plain Greek yoghurt will give you probiotics, and certain vegetables, such as bell peppers, are low on carbs.

Can you eat bananas on keto?

It’s best to skip bananas on a keto diet as they are high in carbohydrates and natural sugars. Instead, concentrate on healthy fats and lean proteins and choose low-carb fruits and veggies like avocados and green bell peppers.

Can you drink alcohol on keto?

You can drink some types of alcohol on a keto diet as long as they are low in sugar and carbohydrates. For example, spirits such as vodka, gin and rum are fine if you do not mix them with sugary drinks (such as lemonade or coke). Regular beer and lager are too high in carbs for a ketogenic diet, so check the label before consuming. Light wines may also be a keto option as long as you look at the sugar and carbohydrate percentages before drinking.

What kind of bread is keto-friendly?

Coconut flour bread is high in protein and healthy fats and low in carbohydrates, making it the perfect keto bread to fill you up. Bread made using psyllium husk powder and ground flaxseed are also great options, which you can find under our keto diet foods.

Enjoy your keto diet with Grape Tree

At Grape Tree, we aim to provide a variety of keto-friendly foods. Browse our high-quality stock of protein powders, oils, nut butters, seeds and flour alternatives today.