My journey on keto has been quite the adventure. It’s like, hello, my name is Savannah and I am a food-a-holic. I mean, how, exactly, do you “give up” an addiction like FOOD?!? There’s no quitting cold-turkey, because starvation is a real problem, right? Keto meal planning is the answer.

The original article, “7 Tips for Keto Meal Planning” laid out some ideas for successfully navigating the keto diet. This article expounds upon the first tip, “Start with existing Keto favorites.”

Recap of Tip #1:

“Begin by identifying meals and foods you already enjoy that are keto-friendly. This will make the transition easier and more sustainable as you’re not drastically changing your eating habits all at once. Examples include bacon and eggs for breakfast or a grilled chicken salad for lunch.”

The Beginnings of My Keto Journey

Starting the keto diet can be intimidating, especially with all the dietary changes it entails. The idea of eliminating most carbs and focusing on high-fat foods was daunting. However, focusing on foods I already loved and that naturally fit into the keto framework made the journey much less stressful. And more delicious!

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My List of Favorite Keto Foods

1. Eggs

Eggs quickly became a staple in my keto diet. They’re incredibly versatile and packed with nutrients. Whether boiled, scrambled, poached, or turned into an omelet, (or even keto-friendly DEVILED!) eggs are a quick and easy meal option. My go-to breakfast is a cheese and spinach omelet, loaded with healthy fats and greens to start my day right.

2. Avocados

Avocados are another favorite. They are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and various essential nutrients. I often add sliced avocado to my salads, mash them into guacamole, or simply eat them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Their creamy texture and rich flavor make them a satisfying addition to almost any meal.

3. Cheese

Cheese is a keto dieter’s best friend. It’s high in fat, moderate in protein, and virtually carb-free. I keep a variety of cheeses on hand, from sharp cheddar to creamy brie. One of my favorite snacks is cheese slices with a handful of nuts. I also love making cheesy cauliflower rice or adding shredded cheese to my morning omelet.

4. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are perfect for snacking and adding texture to meals. Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds are some of my favorites. They provide healthy fats and protein while keeping carb counts low. I enjoy a handful of mixed nuts as a snack or sprinkle chia seeds over my yogurt.

5. Meat and Poultry

High-quality meats and poultry are essential in a keto diet. I favor grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and fatty cuts of pork. Grilling a steak or baking chicken thighs with herbs and olive oil provides a hearty and satisfying meal. One of my favorite dinners is a juicy steak paired with roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in bacon fat.

6. Low-Carb Vegetables

While keto limits most carbohydrates, it’s important to include plenty of low-carb vegetables. Spinach, kale, zucchini, and broccoli are my go-to choices. I love making zoodles (zucchini noodles) topped with a rich Alfredo sauce or sautéing spinach with garlic as a side dish. Before keto, the only way I could eat broccoli was smothered in cheese, and I felt guilty about it. Not any more!!!

7. Berries

Fruit is a high-glycemic food item, so they are severely limited on the keto diet. However, there are a few fruits we can eat. Berries, in moderation, are a delightful way to satisfy a sweet tooth without breaking keto. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are lower in carbs compared to other fruits. I often enjoy a small bowl of mixed berries with a dollop of whipped cream or blend them into a smoothie with almond milk.

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Recipes Using My Keto Favorites

Spinach and Cheese Omelet

– Ingredients: 3 eggs, 1 cup fresh spinach, 1/4 cup shredded cheese, salt, pepper, butter.

– Instructions: Beat the eggs with salt and pepper. Melt butter in a pan, add spinach, and cook until wilted. Pour in the eggs and cook until set. Sprinkle cheese on top, fold the omelet, and serve hot.

Avocado and Bacon Salad

– Ingredients: 1 avocado, 2 cups mixed greens, 2 slices cooked bacon, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper.

– Instructions: Dice the avocado and tomatoes. Toss all ingredients together with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

– Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp butter, salt, pepper.

– Instructions: Grate the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces. Sauté in butter until tender, then stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

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Tips for Incorporating Favorites into Your Keto Plan

Start Simple

When beginning your keto journey, it’s important to keep things simple. Use ingredients you’re familiar with and that you enjoy. This approach reduces the learning curve and makes the diet more sustainable.

Meal Prep

Preparation is key. I often spend Sunday afternoons prepping meals for the week. This includes boiling eggs, grilling chicken, and chopping vegetables. Having these components ready to go makes sticking to keto easier, especially on busy days.

Explore New Recipes

While sticking to familiar foods is comforting, don’t be afraid to explore new recipes. It’s on of the FUN parts of this diet! The keto diet offers a vast array of delicious dishes. Trying new recipes can keep your meal plan exciting and prevent boredom.

Keep Healthy Snacks Handy

Having keto-friendly snacks readily available is crucial. I always have a stash of nuts, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs in the fridge. This prevents me from reaching for carb-heavy snacks when hunger strikes. Secret admission: Remember when you were a kid at family Thanksgiving dinners, and the black olives were the first thing you went for… because you could eat them off your fingers?! Yeah, black olives are a GREAT Keto Snack item!

Embracing the Keto Lifestyle

Starting the keto diet by focusing on foods I already loved made a significant difference in my success. It helped me ease into the diet without feeling deprived or overwhelmed. Over time, I discovered new favorites and recipes that kept my meals varied and enjoyable. Giving up french fries and pasta was not fun, but it was easier when I had so many other, healthier options. Frankly, I was too full to notice! Really!

So, hopefully you will find these ideas useful. By following the tips outlined in my previous article, “7 Tips for Keto Meal Planning,” and starting with your existing keto favorites, you can set yourself up for a successful and satisfying keto journey. Remember, the key to success is preparation, simplicity, and a willingness to explore new culinary horizons.

Up next, Tip #2, Keeping Keto Staples On Hand.