The Best Keto Cookbook

Buying Guide

The ketogenic diet has become a popular way to lose weight in recent years, and science backs it up. Some studies have shown that a diet low in carbohydrates can lead to impressive weight loss.

However, it’s important to consult your physician before starting any diet. While fish and poultry can be great sources of protein, there are still concerns about diets that are high in red meat. Still, reducing carbohydrates and increasing green, leafy vegetables in your diet can help you not only drop some pounds but can also improve your overall health and well-being.

That’s what a ketogenic diet can do. This diet is designed to put your body in a state of “ketosis,” which is believed to help your body more efficiently burn fat for energy. Reducing carbs, including sugary foods and beverages, can also help regulate your body’s blood sugar and insulin levels.

There are multiple types of keto diets, though, ranging in the level of carb intake per day. You’ll also find cyclical keto diets that let you enjoy two high-carb days after five consecutive days of low carbohydrate intake. The two most studied keto diets are the standard keto diet, which consists of 70% fats, 20% protein and 10% carbs, and the high-protein keto diet, which combines 60% fat, 35% protein and 5% carbs.

There are plenty of low-carb meal options out there, but it still can be an adjustment, especially if you spend serious time in the kitchen. You’ll likely find many of your older recipes don’t work, especially if you relied heavily on starches like potatoes and rice. Sure, you can substitute items like cauliflower and cabbage, but you might find the taste isn’t quite what you’re used to.

The right cookbook can help you shift your cooking. You’ll likely even find that you’re trying new recipes, broadening your culinary horizons. But there are more than a few keto cookbooks, so you’ll need to narrow it down to those that fit your lifestyle and include the types of foods your household enjoys.

• One of the most useful ways to manage your keto diet is to come up with meal plans. Some cookbooks are designed to help with that, offering recipes that can be combined to keep your carbs and proteins in check each day.
• For many on the keto diet, finding the time to make meals each day can be challenging. Look for a keto cookbook that minimizes ingredients and cook time. Five-ingredient cookbooks with meals that can be prepared in 30 minutes are less are great for busy families.
• The keto diet can be expensive as you focus on vegetables and meats. You’ll be minimizing side items like potatoes and rice, which can tend to stretch your dollar further. Take a look at the ingredients in any keto cookbook you’re considering to make sure your grocery shopping trips won’t break the bank.
• Some cookbooks offer a handy grocery shopping list with each recipe. This makes it easy to see, at a glance, what you need to pick up for your week’s meals.
• Over time, you’ll likely want to customize some of the recipes to suit your personal tastes. Some cookbooks include substitution tips to help with that.
• The number of included recipes in a cookbook can make a difference. You can find some with more than 1,000 keto recipes. Before buying, make sure the meal options fit your preferences.
• It might not seem like a big deal until you get a cookbook that doesn’t include it, but full-color photos can really make a difference. They show you what you can expect your creation to look like.
• Don’t forget snacks, desserts and appetizers. If you’re overhauling your diet, you’ll need recipes to cover all your eating needs because you likely won’t just be hungry at meal time.
• Some cookbooks focus on entrees, but you’ll also need to get some vegetables into your diet. This is especially true for vegans or vegetarians following a keto diet. Look for cookbooks that include recipes for yummy leafy greens to get those essential nutrients.