These Seafoods Should Be in Your Keto Diet
Nowadays, there are many different types of diets. Your choice depends on what you want to achieve and the types of food that actually work for you. One of those is the ketogenic, or keto, diet.
The keto diet is composed of food that’s very low in carbohydrates and high in fat. The idea is to replace your carbohydrate intake with fats, which then supply energy for the brain and body. The fats that you consume can come from meat, fish, seafood, eggs, and healthy oils. Keto diet is known to help you lose weight, maintain a normal level of blood sugar, and lower the risks of major diseases.
Seafood is one of the major food groups that are allowed in a keto diet. If you’re thinking of trying it out and channeling Mean Girls’ Regina George by asking, “Is a carb?,” then we’re one step ahead of you. Look no further than this list of keto-friendly seafood with little-to-no-carbs:
1. Salmon
Salmon is one of the keto-friendliest seafood out there, especially the wild-caught ones. It’s rich in B-complex vitamins, selenium, and potassium, while having very little carbohydrates. Selenium, in particular, plays a big role in preventing thyroid-related problems and mental decline. Salmon also has a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart, brain, and skin.
What’s even better is that eating salmon can make you feel really full, so you don’t have to worry about eating too much.
2. Mackerel
Mackerel is also one of the fattier types of fish, which is great for keto diet. It’s high in Vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, B-complex vitamins, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it an all-around healthy fish with high nutritional value. Plus, there are lots of ways that you can cook it, which makes eating it more enjoyable!
3. Prawns
The good thing about prawns is that they’re one of the most popular seafood around and the easiest to get a hold of. While the idea of peeling the shells off before you get to eat them sounds tedious, their health benefits make up for the effort. Prawns boast of Vitamin D, selenium, copper, iron, iodine, and B-complex vitamins.
You don’t have to worry about their cholesterol component, too. Research has found that prawns bring a positive effect on cholesterol levels, as they improve the HDL or “good cholesterol” levels.
4. Mussels
While mussels do contain carbohydrates, they’re still worth including in your keto diet. They have very low carbs and high nutritional value: B-complex vitamins, selenium, manganese, and iron. Plus, they’re very filling, so a little goes a long way for your appetite and weight watching!
5. Lobsters
Much like other shellfish, lobsters are another type of carb-free seafood that you can add to your keto diet. They are a rich source of selenium and omega-3 fatty acids that protect the body from thyroid-related diseases, anemia, and bouts of depression. They’re packed with proteins, too, so you’re sure to feel stuffed to the brim upon eating them.
Other honourable, keto-friendly mentions: tuna, trout, crabs, sardines, sea bass, snapper, and crayfish
If you want to shed a few kilos without giving up your love for seafood, then the keto diet is most probably your best bet! With a seemingly endless list of keto-friendly seafoods, who knew that going on a diet could be this fun and enjoyable after all?