The ketogenic diet (or short Keto diet) has gained enormous popularity in recent years. It promises rapid fat loss, stable energy levels and health benefits - all through a drastic Reduction of carbohydrates. But how does the ketogenic diet really work? Which Low carb recipes are suitable for everyday use? And how can you prepare delicious dishes like Low carb dinner, Low carb cake or even Low carb pizza dough into your diet? This article provides you with all the answers and practical tips for getting started with the ketogenic diet. Nutrition.
What is the ketogenic diet?
The ketogenic diet is an extremely low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that puts the body into a state of ketosis. The body uses fat as its main source of energy instead of carbohydrates. This state can lead to effective fat burning and Weight reduction lead.
The basics of the ketogenic diet:
- Macronutrient distribution70-80 % fat, 10-20 % protein, 5-10 % carbohydrates
- KetosisA state in which the body converts fat into ketones, which serve as an alternative source of energy
- Typical foodsMeat, fish, eggs, healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts), low-carb vegetables (spinach, broccoli, courgette)
Advantages of the ketogenic diet
- Rapid fat lossBy giving up carbohydrates, the body empties its glycogen stores and begins to use fat as an energy source.
- Stable energyWithout the typical blood sugar fluctuations of carbohydrate-rich meals, you will feel fuller and more energised for longer.
- Improved concentrationKetones serve as an efficient source of energy for the brain, which can promote mental clarity.
- Individual health benefitsStudies suggest that the ketogenic diet can be helpful for type 2 diabetes, epilepsy and certain neurological diseases.
Possible challenges of the ketogenic diet
Despite its benefits, the ketogenic diet is not without its challenges:
- Keto fluSymptoms such as tiredness, headaches and irritability may occur during the first few days of the changeover.
- Strict planning requiredSince carbohydrate intake is severely restricted, the ketogenic diet requires careful food selection.
- Not suitable for everyonePeople with certain metabolic diseases or health restrictions should consult a doctor before starting.
Ketogenic diet and low carb: differences and similarities
The Keto diet is a special form of Low carb dieta diet in which the carbohydrate intake is kept extremely low in order to achieve a state of ketosis. While the classic low carb diet offers more flexibility (e.g. in the form of Low carb dinner or moderate carbohydrate consumption), the ketogenic diet is much more restrictive. However, both approaches aim to minimise carbohydrate intake and promote fat burning.
Practical tips for the ketogenic diet
- Focus on healthy fatsAvocados, olive oil, coconut oil and nuts should be the main sources of fats.
- Avoid hidden carbohydratesPay attention to the ingredients lists of processed foods, which often unexpectedly contain sugar.
- Try out low carb recipes: Creative dishes such as Low carb cake or Low carb pizza dough make the diet more varied and suitable for everyday use.
- Drink enough waterIncreased fluid intake is important to support the electrolyte balance in ketosis.
- Plan your meals: A weekly plan helps to implement the ketogenic diet consistently and resist temptation.
Delicious low carb recipes for the ketogenic diet
Low carb dinner: Zoodles with pesto and chicken
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 2 courgettes (approx. 500 g)
- 250 g chicken breast fillet
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic (chopped)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp paprika powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
For the pesto
- 40 g basil leaves (fresh)
- 30 g pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 50 g parmesan (grated)
- 1 small clove of garlic
- 50 ml olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Preparation:
Prepare the zoodles:
- The Courgettes with a spiral cutter Cut into thin noodles.
- If you don't have a spiraliser, you can use a peeler and cut the courgettes into thin strips.
- Place the zoodles on kitchen paper and lightly salt them so that they lose any excess liquid.
Fry the chicken:
- The Chicken breast in strips or cubes cut.
- In a pan 1 tbsp olive oil Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika powder and oregano.
- Cook the meat over a medium heat Fry for approx. 5-7 minutesuntil golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the pesto:
- All ingredients for the Pesto (basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, olive oil, salt & pepper) Place in a blender or mortar.
- Blend into a creamy paste. If the pesto is too thick, add a little olive oil or water.
Fry the zoodles & mix together:
- In the same pan Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and the chopped Briefly sauté the garlic.
- Add the zoodles and cook over a medium heat. Fry lightly for 2-3 minutes (not too long, otherwise they will get mushy!).
- Stir in the pesto and mix well.
Divide the zoodles between two plates, top with the fried chicken and garnish with a little extra Parmesan or pine nuts.
Low-carb pizza dough recipe (without flour, extra crispy & delicious!)
Ingredients
- 200 g Mozzarella (grated)
- 50 g Cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 80 g Almond flour (alternatively: ground almonds)
- 1 TSP Baking powder
- ½ TL Salt
- ½ TL Oregano or Italian herbs
Preparation:
Preheat the oven:
- Set the oven to 200°C top/bottom heat preheat.
- Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Melt the cheese:
- Add the grated Mozzarella & cream cheese Place in a microwave-safe bowl.
- For 30-40 seconds in the microwave Heat until the cheese melts.
- Stir well until the mixture is smooth.
Knead the dough:
- The Egg, almond flour, baking powder, salt & herbs Add to the melted cheese mixture.
- Knead everything well with your hands or a food processor until a homogeneous dough is formed.
- If the dough is sticky, for 5 minutes in the fridge lay.
Roll out the dough:
- Bake the dough between two sheets of baking paper to approx. 28 cm diameter roll out.
- Place on the baking tray and prick a few holes with a fork.
Pre-bake:
- Make the pizza base for Pre-bake for 8-10 minutesuntil it is lightly golden brown.
Top & finish baking:
- Top the pizza base as desired (e.g. tomato sauce, cheese, salami, vegetables).
- Once again for Bake for 8-10 minutesuntil the cheese has melted and the edges are crispy.
Low carb cake: Cheesecake without base
Ingredients
- 500 g quark (40 % fat)
- 200 g cream cheese (double cream)
- 150 g sugar (or a keto alternative such as erythritol)
- 3 eggs
- 1 sachet of vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 packet of custard powder (vanilla) or 40 g cornflour
- 100 ml cream
- 50 g melted butter
- Zest of half a lemon
Preparation:
Prepare the oven
- Set the oven to 170°C top/bottom heat preheat.
- One Grease the springform tin (Ø 24 cm) with butter.
Prepare the dough
- Place the quark, cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla sugar in a bowl.
- Using a hand mixer or whisk Stir until creamy.
- Add the custard powder (or cornflour) and stir in.
- Subsequently Cream, melted butter and lemon zest add.
- Mix everything well until you have a smooth mixture.
Baking
- Pour the mixture into the prepared springform tin and smooth it out.
- The cake for Bake for 50-60 minutes.
- If the surface becomes too dark, clean with Cover with aluminium foil.
Allow to cool
- The cake in the switched off oven Leave to cool slowly with the door slightly open.
Is the keto diet right for you?
The ketogenic diet is particularly suitable for people who are looking for quick Achieve results when losing weight and are prepared to make a consistent change to their diet. If you have creative Low carb recipeshow Low carb dinner or sweet alternatives such as Low carb cakeinto your everyday life, you can make the transition easier and stay motivated in the long term.
The ketogenic diet offers an effective way to burn fat, increase energy and make your diet more conscious. The combination of healthy fats, minimal carbohydrate consumption and versatile Low carb recipes you can achieve your weight loss goals. Try new dishes such as Low carb pizza dough or sweet snacks like Low carb cakeso that you don't miss out on the enjoyment. Stay consistent, creative and well informed - and enjoy the benefits of this exciting form of nutrition.
Do you have any questions or your own experiences with the ketogenic diet? Share them in the comments!