The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It involves reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with healthy fats to put the body into a state of ketosis. This process allows for efficient fat burning and can lead to weight loss and improved overall health. Here are five delicious snack options you can make at home that are perfect for those following a ketogenic diet:

1. Guacamole and Celery Sticks – Guacamole is an excellent source of healthy fats from avocado, making it a great option on a keto diet. Serve with celery sticks for added crunch and fiber.

2. Cheese and Nuts – Hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda are rich in nutrients and have a low carb content. Pair them with nuts such as almonds or pecans for even more healthy fats.

3. Zucchini Chips – These crispy treats are made by slicing zucchinis thinly and baking them until they’re crisp. They’re low in carbs and calories but still provide plenty of flavor and texture.

4. Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts – Wrap water chestnuts in bacon and bake them until crispy for a tasty treat that’s both satisfying and filling. Just be sure to choose high-quality bacon without added sugars or preservatives.

5. Grilled Shrimp – Shrimp are another protein-rich food that fits well within the confines of a ketogenic diet. Cook up some shrimp and serve them alongside a side salad for extra vitamins and minerals.

Benefits of a Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet can offer many benefits beyond just weight loss. Some studies suggest that it may help reduce inflammation throughout the body, improve cognitive function, and lower risk factors for certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, it’s important to note that not everyone should follow this diet, especially if you have specific medical conditions or take certain medications. Always consult your doctor before starting any new diet or lifestyle change.

Nutritional Information for Each Snack

Here’s a breakdown of the macronutrient composition for each of the above snacks:

Guacamole and Celery Sticks – Guacamole contains approximately 8g of total fat per serving (about 1/4 cup), while celery provides almost no carbs or calories.

Cheese and Nuts – A typical portion size of hard cheese would be around 1 oz, which contains about 70 calories and less than 1 gram of net carbs. Almonds contain roughly 6g of total fat per serving (around 1/4 cup).

Zucchini Chips – One medium-size zucchini typically yields around 6 cups of slices, which equates to only about 90 calories and less than 1 gram of net carbs per serving.

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts – One serving (approximately 6 pieces) contains around 200 calories and over 1 gram of net carbs due to the addition of bacon.

Grilled Shrimp – Two large cooked shrimp contain about 100 calories and virtually zero carbs or net carbs.

Recipe Directions and Ingredients Lists

Here are recipe directions and ingredient lists for each of our top five keto friendly snacks:

Guacamole and Celery Sticks – In a bowl, mash together two ripe avocados, one small diced tomato, juice of half a lemon, salt to taste, and fresh cilantro leaves. Use as desired. For celery sticks, simply wash and slice celery stalks and serve alongside guacamole.

Cheese and Nuts – Simply pair your favorite hard cheese with raw or roasted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, or pecans. Sprinkle with sea salt or other spices to taste.

Zucchini Chips – Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut off the ends of a medium-size zucchini and then slice lengthwise into thin rounds (approx. 1/4″ thickness). Place slices onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts – Preheat oven to 375°F. Take several water chestnut halves and wrap each one tightly with a piece of bacon (using kitchen twine if needed). Place wrapped chestnuts onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and repeat until all chestnuts are used. Drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crispy and golden brown. Let cool briefly before serving.

Grilled Shrimp – Heat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Add cleaned and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and additional condiments of choice.