Following a ketogenic diet requires a careful selection of foods, and finding the best keto snacks can be especially challenging. Unlike traditional snacks that are often high in carbs and low in fat, keto snacks should provide a good amount of healthy fats, moderate protein, and minimal carbohydrates.
Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious and satisfying snacks that fit within the parameters of a ketogenic diet, from crunchy nuts and seeds to creamy cheese and guacamole.
In this article, we will explore some of the best keto snacks that can help you stay on track with your dietary goals, while keeping hunger at bay and satisfying your taste buds.
What Makes a Good Keto Snack?
A good keto snack should be low in carbohydrates, high in healthy fats, and moderate in protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. It should also be nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Ideally, a keto snack should also be convenient and easy to prepare, so you can grab it on the go or pack it in your bag for work or travel.
Finally, it’s important to choose snacks that fit into your daily macronutrient goals, as overconsumption of calories, even from healthy foods, can impede weight loss and hinder progress on the keto diet.
Top 10 Keto Snacks to DIY
Here are 10 examples of keto snacks that you might want to try:
Hard-boiled eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are a great keto snack because they are high in protein and healthy fats, and have very few carbs.
Cheese and olives: A snack consisting of a few slices of cheese and a handful of olives is a good option for those following a keto diet, as both cheese and olives are low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
Avocado: Avocado is a popular keto snack, as it is high in healthy fats and low in carbs. You can enjoy it on its own, or make guacamole and dip low-carb vegetables in it.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a great keto snack because they are high in healthy fats and protein. Just make sure to stick to low-carb options like almonds, macadamia nuts, and chia seeds.
Pork rinds: Pork rinds are keto-friendly snacks that is high in protein and very low in carbs. They can be enjoyed on their own, or used to add crunch to salads or other dishes.
Beef jerky: Beef jerky is a high-protein, low-carb snack that is easy to take on the go. Just make sure to choose a brand that is free from added sugars.
Coconut chips: Coconut chips are a great keto snack because they are high in healthy fats and low in carbs. You can enjoy them on their own, or use them to add crunch to salads and other dishes.
Low-carb veggies and dip: Raw veggies like celery, cucumber, and bell pepper make great option when paired with a dip made from sour cream, cream cheese, or avocado.
Deviled eggs: Deviled eggs are a delicious keto snack that are high in protein and healthy fats. Just make sure to use a keto-friendly mayonnaise and avoid adding any sweeteners.
Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is a great keto-friendly snack because it is high in healthy fats and low in carbs. Just make sure to choose a brand that is at least 70% cocoa and free from added sugars.
These are just a few examples of the many keto-friendly snacks that you can enjoy while following a ketogenic diet.
Tips for Making Your Own Keto Snacks
Making your own keto snacks can be a great way to ensure that you have healthy and delicious options on hand at all times.
Here are some tips for making your own keto snacks easier:
Choose keto-friendly ingredients: The first step in making your own keto snacks is to choose ingredients that are low in carbs and high in healthy fats. Some great keto-friendly ingredients include nuts, seeds, coconut oil, avocado, and low-carb vegetables like cauliflower and zucchini.
Keep it simple: Making your own keto snacks doesn’t have to be complicated. Some of the best keto snacks are simple and require very little preparation. For example, you could make a quick snack by spreading almond butter on celery sticks or wrapping prosciutto around slices of avocado.
Plan ahead: One of the keys to success on a keto diet is to plan ahead. Take some time each week to prepare a batch of keto snacks that you can keep on hand. This could include things like homemade energy bars, hard-boiled eggs, or roasted nuts.
Experiment with flavors: Just because you’re following a keto diet doesn’t mean that your snacks have to be boring. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find snacks that you truly enjoy. For example, you could make a batch of keto-friendly cheese crackers by mixing together almond flour, shredded cheese, and spices like garlic and paprika.
Stay within your daily macros: When making your own keto snacks, it’s important to keep track of your daily macros (i.e., your daily intake of carbs, fat, and protein). This will help you ensure that you’re staying within your daily carb limit and getting enough healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
By following these tips, you can create a wide variety of delicious and healthy keto snacks that will help you stay on track with your diet and reach your health goals.
Conclusion
Snacking on a keto diet can be both enjoyable and healthy when you choose the right foods. Good keto snacks should be low in carbs, high in healthy fats and protein, and satisfying enough to keep you full until your next meal.
Whether you prefer to buy pre-packaged snacks or make your own, there are plenty of delicious options that fit within a keto lifestyle.
With the right knowledge and preparation, you can easily stick to your keto diet while still enjoying tasty and convenient snacks throughout the day.