Food is fuel for your body and we all must eat in order to survive. The Ketogenic diet focuses around low-carb, high-fat foods. The main idea behind the Keto diet is to have individuals hit the state of ketosis. Once ketosis has been reached, a persons’ body will become incredibly efficient at burning body fat for energy.

Here is a short list for Keto diet dos and don’ts to help individuals achieve their health goals:

1. Beans and lentils
Although typically naturally grown and viewed as a healthy food, beans and lentils tend to not be a good option on the Keto diet. With the Keto lifestyle you want to remain under the recommended 20 grams of carbohydrates a day in order to stay in the fat burning zone. If you are following a strict Keto food regimen you may want to try out other Keto friendly bean options such as lima beans or black soybeans to get your fix.

2. Pasta and rice
Foods such as pasta and rice are packed full of carbohydrates and should be avoided on the diet. These foods can also negatively impact your blood sugar and almost guarantee that you will be kicked out of your fat burning zone. When it comes to carbohydrates, you will want to focus on low-carb food options instead. A few great alternatives to pasta and rice would be miracle noodles, zoodles, and spaghetti squash.

3. Low fat dairy products
Always remember that not all dairy is created the same; therefore, you will want to seek out full fat dairy products. There are several dairy options now available with low fat or zero fat but typically have a higher carb count. However on the Keto meal plan your body needs the good fats to be able to fuel your body and provide you with energy.

4. Sugary beverages
Beverages that are packed full of sugars should be avoided at all costs. These drinks are packed full of ingredients that are sure to kick you out of the fat burning stage immediately. You will want to stick mostly to water, coffee, tea, and other low carbohydrate alternatives. Ultimately the sugary beverages are not worth wrecking your diet.

5. Snack foods
The Ketogenic lifestyle can be challenging when it comes to snack foods. Ideally you should stay away from processed foods as they are high in carbohydrates and will kick you out if the fat burning mode. This eliminates almost all chips, pretzels, crackers, and cookies because of their high-carb content. The best way to curb those junk food cravings is to find Keto friendly snacks such as cheese, string cheese, cheese crisps, or rice crackers. You could even make recipes to make your own snacks. By doing so you know exactly what you are putting into the snack and you will be able to stay in your fat burning zone.