Ketosis is a natural state of the human body, which occurs when it burns fat instead of glucose. Ketosis is often associated with low-carb diets, but it can occur in any diet that reduces carbohydrate intake and increases protein intake. Fatty meats, and foods with high in fat and low in carbs like avocados for example.
Fatty Fish
Fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel are high in protein and low in carbs. They’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health.
To get the benefits of a ketogenic diet without adding too many carbs to your diet, try eating 2-3 servings per week of fatty fish (preferably wild-caught). You can eat it raw or cooked—just make sure you don’t overcook it!
Meat
Meat, poultry, and seafood are all high in protein and fat. They also contain cholesterol. Cholesterol is a type of fat that’s found in animal products (including eggs), but it’s also found in some plant-based foods like avocados and olives.
Cholesterol helps build hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids—all of which play important roles in your body’s metabolism. As you may already know from reading your nutrition label on food packages at the grocery store, saturated fat is one type of fat that can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels if consumed too much over time or if eaten at high levels for a long period (like eating 2 pieces of bacon every day).
Cheese
Cheese induces ketosis due to its low carbohydrate content and high-fat content. When consumed, the body experiences a significant reduction in glucose availability, forcing it to rely on fat metabolism for energy production. The high fat intake from cheese promotes the production of ketone bodies in the liver, which serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain and muscles.
As a result, the body shifts into a state of ketosis, wherein it efficiently burns fat for fuel, aiding in weight loss and providing a steady source of energy without the spikes in blood sugar levels associated with carbohydrate-rich foods.
Avocados
Avocados are a great source of fat, so they’re often used as an ingredient in ketogenic recipes. They can be added to salads or sandwiches, or eaten plain with a spoon. When you eat avocados, you’re getting fiber which helps to keep your digestive system working properly by slowing down digestion. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, your body mustn’t use up all its insulin before it has time to clear sugar from your bloodstream. Eating foods rich in healthy monounsaturated fats like avocados can help prevent this by improving insulin sensitivity.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein, but they’re also high in fat and low in carbs. They’re an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin D, and choline. Eggs also contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs to function properly.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), aids in easy digestion and serves as an energy booster without inducing ketosis. Moreover, it contains lauric acid, which has demonstrated its ability to regulate appetite and prevent obesity in mice. Not only can coconut oil be used as a cooking oil, but it also adds a delightful touch when drizzled over salads as a dressing.
Foods that are high in fat and low in carbs promote ketosis
Foods that are high in fat and low in carbs promote ketosis. The following foods can help you reach a state of nutritional ketosis:
- Fatty fish, meat, cheese, avocados, eggs, and coconut oil.
- Fatty fish like salmon or mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids (which help to lower triglycerides). They also contain monounsaturated fats that increase levels of HDL cholesterol while reducing LDL levels (the bad kind).
- Beef is another excellent source of protein as well as other nutrients such as iron and zinc which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Conclusion
All of the foods listed above can cause ketosis, as well as many other different types of symptoms. It’s important to know what you’re eating so you can make an informed decision about what will be best for your body and health goals.
