If you’ve been thinking of making some major changes to your diet to improve your health and lose weight, you’ve likely heard that low-carb diets have been controversial for quite some time. While reducing the carbohydrates in your diet can make it easier to lose pounds, carbohydrates give the body energy. So, when you’re dieting and eating less pasta, rice, or bread, you may find that you’re fatigued, in a bad mood, and unmotivated to work out.
If this sounds like you, the keto diet could be beneficial for you. This diet allows you to make decadent meat entrees, as well as cheese and some sweets, so you can satisfy your cravings and still stick to your weight loss and personal health goals. Here are eight delicious keto recipes you will love to add to your keto meal plan for beginners.
1. Greek Chicken
You don’t have to give up delicious Mediterranean flavors when you’re on the keto diet. This chicken recipe can be included in your keto meal plan for beginners since it’s easy to make and filled with the protein you need for muscle strength. Simple sautée a chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, and add tasty veggies like tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, and artichokes to create a filling meal. If you’re used to having rice with your children, try some cauliflower rice to add more veggies to your meal and make it easier to skip the carbs.
2. Avocado Deviled Eggs
Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly appetizer or want a healthy snack to enjoy throughout the day, these avocado-deviled eggs are sure to satisfy your savory cravings. Add avocado and sea salt to the egg mixture to make these appetizers more colorful and nutritious.
3. Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
If you’re looking for a new way to prepare chicken for lunch or dinner, try this baked chicken recipe. Season the chicken breast with olive oil, fresh thyme and basil, salt, pepper, and ground onion and garlic. Bake for a few minutes then remove the chicken pieces out of the oven. Add a mixture of butter and parmesan to the chicken and add fresh lemon slices for a decadent dinner that is full of flavor.
4. Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Give yourself a serving of veggies with this filling keto-friendly broccoli salad. You can use raw or roasted broccoli for this recipe. Toss the broccoli in a cream-based dressing seasoned with dill, basil, and pepper, or use non-fat yogurt. Add shredded carrots and pistachios for a satisfying crunch, and top with bacon bits for a smoky sweetness that goes great with the hearty taste of broccoli.
5. Baked Salmon in Foil
Have a protein-packed lunch or dinner with this delicious salmon entree. This meal is keto-friendly and features omega-3 fatty acids which can help promote heart health and stabilize your mood. You can top the salmon with fresh lemon and dill to enhance the flavor of the fish. Serve with a side of veggies like spinach or asparagus for a guilt-free keto meal.
6. Creamy Garlic Chicken Soup
Few things are more hearty and comforting than a bowl of chicken soup. You can make a keto version of delicious chicken soup by combining heavy cream with fresh garlic cloves and herbs along with chicken broth and shredded chicken. You can even add some veggies like carrots or broccoli for even more nutrition.
7. Keto Slow-Cooker Meatballs
Meatballs are a tasty addition to pasta, but if you’re trying to stick to a keto diet, you can make the meatballs by themselves and serve them as the entree of your meal. The meatballs are under 5 carbs and you can add your own sweet and savory tomato sauce to make the meal more decadent. Combine ground chicken, turkey, or beef with fresh Italian herbs, eggs and grain-free breadcrumbs to make the meatballs. Cook the meatballs in a crockpot to ensure the meat stays tender before serving atop zucchini or butternut squash “noodles.”
8. Keto Pulled Pork
If you love making pulled pork sandwiches, you can still enjoy the savory filling of those sandwiches on a keto diet. You can make the pork in a crockpot to ensure the meat stays tender, and add barbecue sauce, hot sauce, butter, salt, pepper, garlic, and onion to enhance the flavor of the pork. Serve the pork with a fresh side salad of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a tasty lunch or dinner.
These decadent recipes will make it easier to maintain a keto diet by allowing you to enjoy a variety of foods that provide the essential nutrients you need to feel your best.
