Most of us have heard of the Atkins diet. For those of you who haven’t, the Atkins diet revolutionized weight loss when it was first introduced in the 1950s. While the idea behind the diet is incredibly simple, i.e., eat more calories than you burn, the approach can seem like magic. That’s because, at least partially, the success of the Atkins diet comes from combining the diet with a sport. Specifically, the Atkins diet is popular with competitive bodybuilders because it allows them to get in some grueling workouts while on a diet. Those workouts help them build muscle, which in turn helps them shed off the pounds.
While the Atkins diet may be the best-known diet in terms of current popularity, it’s far from the only one. In fact, there are hundreds of different diets out there that work just as well as the Atkins diet. And again, at least partially, this is due to the influence of bodybuilders looking for the fastest ways to shed pounds. If you’re looking for the best way to lose weight naturally and quickly, you’ve probably heard of the ketogenic diet.
What is the ketogenic diet, you ask? Simply put, the ketogenic diet is a metabolic diet that forces your body to go into a state of ketosis, which is where it derives its name. When your body is in ketosis, your blood becomes more alkaline, which in turn improves your health. The primary purpose of the ketogenic diet is to strip away unwanted weight as quickly as possible without risking your health in the process. And again, at least partially, this is due to the popularity of the Atkins diet and other similar low-carb diets. But that doesn’t mean that everyone on a ketogenic diet loses weight easily. In fact, the opposite is usually true.
Benefits Of The Ketogenic Diet
The number of health benefits associated with the ketogenic diet is amazing. Here are just a few examples:
- Improved mental clarity
- Improved energy levels
- Greater fat-burning capability
- Lowered cholesterol levels
- Raised antioxidant levels
- Improved heart health
- And probably many more…
As you can see, there are dozens of benefits to the ketogenic diet, but if you’re looking to lose weight quickly, then the list above should give you at least a starting point.
How To Lose Weight On A Ketogenic Diet
Now that you’re equipped with the basics of the ketogenic diet, let’s take a look at how you can follow it and lose weight quickly. First and foremost, make sure that you are following a healthy plan and eating nutritious food. When you do, you will automatically begin to see results.
To help you quickly get started, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best recipes for the ketogenic diet. These are the types of dishes that you will want to make sure that you try out. While you’re on the diet, your best bet is to follow a ketogenic plan that only includes food that you can get easily at home. If you are looking to lose weight quickly and naturally, then the ketogenic diet is a great option.
Ketogenic Diet Recipes
Now, let’s get into the good stuff. Below, you’ll find ten recipes that I believe are some of the best on the ketogenic diet. Of course, this is just my opinion, but I think that you will agree that these are some pretty tasty dishes. So go ahead and give them a try.
1. Salmon Sandwich
For someone looking to lose weight, the food processing industry has given us an abundance of fatty fish. And if you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to lose weight, then this is a good way to go. Simply take a salmon fillet and remove the skin. Then, you can either grill or bake the fish. If you want to go the classic route, then you can make a salad with fresh veggies and dress it with some balsamic vinegar and olive oil. When you put the grilled fish in a whole-wheat sandwich with spinach and tomato, you’ve got yourself a healthy and cheap meal. The great thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t use mayonnaise, which is commonly found in many restaurants. Because the diet relies on healthy fat rather than sugar, many restaurants and food halls that are famous for their greasy foods don’t offer many options on the ketogenic diet. So, if you enjoy a fast food restaurant, then this probably isn’t the best choice for you. However, if you would like to go to a high-end eatery and pay less than you would otherwise, then this recipe is for you.
2. Egg-fried Rice
We all love fried rice, but did you know that it’s not exactly the most healthy food option? The key to making this dish healthy is by avoiding fried foods in general and opting for steamed rice instead. Egg-fried rice is made by simply breaking three eggs into a bowl and mixing them with some rice flour. Next, you pour oil into a pan and add the eggs. When the eggs start to set, add some broccoli and cabbage to the pan. When the vegetables begin to brown, add the eggs to the pan and continue cooking until the edges are set and the middle is still slightly moist. Serve the rice with a side of beans if you want to add some fiber into your diet. You can also add some avocado for more nutrients. This is one of the most popular low-carb and high-nutrient dishes around, and for good reason! It’s incredibly easy to make and extremely affordable.
3. Tuna Burgers
When you’re eating healthy on a ketogenic diet, you often can’t go wrong with tuna. This fish is a great source of protein and high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Instead of having fish twice in a week as usual, try having it once a day as a tuna burger. Simply take canned tuna and put it in a bowl with some chopped vegetables and spices. Mix it up well before forming patties and frying. Alternatively, you can grill the tuna on a stick or put it on a bun and top it with some spicy mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato. Most people believe that the key to weight loss on the ketogenic diet is protein. Therefore, having more protein in general will help you to shed weight. This includes having tuna as a burger or fish twice a day. If you want to try something different, then you can make a grilled cheese sandwich with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and tomato. Or, you can top a bowl of chicken soup with a fried egg to turn it into a gourmet meal.
4. Egg-white Burger
This one isn’t quite as easy as the previous recipe, but it can be followed along the same lines. Simply take two egg whites and beat them to form a solid cream. Add some salt, black pepper, and a bit of garlic powder to taste. Mix well and form patties. Then, shallow fry the patties in oil until the edges are crispy and the middle is still moist. Serve with a side of beans and cabbage for added fiber. Some people believe that the key to weight loss on the ketogenic diet is using egg whites instead of whole eggs. The reasoning behind this is that most restaurants that offer fried chicken and fish don’t offer many options when it comes to egg whites. Therefore, if you usually eat fried foods, then this may be a great way to go about losing weight.
5. Crispy Fish
Here’s another cheap and easy way to lose weight. Take some fish and shallow fry it in oil. When the edges begin to turn golden, add some vegetables like cabbage and broccoli to the pan. Continue cooking until the fish turns slightly crispy and the vegetables are tender. Serve with fries or salad and some tartar sauce for dipping. This is a great option if you want to eat out but don’t want to spend too much money. It’s also a healthy choice if you want to lose weight since the vegetables and fish in combination offer a good source of fiber and protein.