New Year's Resolutions: Eat Healthier on the Keto Diet

Welcome to 2021;, it feels like a breath of fresh air to say that! It’s a new year, so that means fresh starts and new goals and resolutions to accomplish. One of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions people make are new, healthy eating habits. Whatever your reason may be for wanting to eat healthier, healthy eating is extremely important for one’s well-being as you already know, and can help you become a better, happier you. The Keto Diet specifically has been increasing in popularity over the last few years. This is a low carb, high fat diet that has many health benefits, from helping prevent diseases such as cancer & diabetes to supplying energy to the brain. This diet can also contribute to weight loss. There are different versions of this diet, but the most common is the Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD), which is 70% fat, 20% protein, and 10% carbs. Versions vary based on nutrition intake. Although this diet may seem intimidating to take head-on, you can always incorporate Keto-friendly snacks/meals into your regular diet. They are usually better for you, and can be an alternative to your favorite unhealthy treat! Incorporating Keto-friendly food doesn’t have to break your wallet either, there are plenty of inexpensive Keto-friendly snacks to choose from, and most of them are kitchen staples you may already have! Plus, the keto diet can fit flawlessly into your student life at college. Here are some inexpensive, keto-friendly snacks to help you become a healthier you:

1. Eggs

   Eggs are extremely affordable, healthy, and flexible! With many ways to make them, it is a great way to include them in your meals, or even as a snack hard-boiled. My favorite way to cook them is over-hard, but I also love a classic scrambled egg. There are also so many health benefits to them, with tons of protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants.

2. Avocados

   Avocados are also extremely versatile, and can be added to any meal. They can be added to tacos, sliced on toast, or can become a delicious dip. You can find them at any grocery store, and are inexpensive. They have tons of fiber and nutrients, so they will keep you energized throughout the day, and keep you productive.

3. Coffee and Tea

   Coffee and tea are welcomed in the keto-diet, as long as they don’t have sugar (carbs). Coffee and tea can help you wake up and get a great start to your day, and can also help you wind down at the end of a long one. These drinks also have many benefits such as antioxidants and disease prevention. You can drink it in any weather, hot or iced. It is super easy to make;, just boil water and add the power/tea bag. Especially with instant coffee and teas, you don’t need to go out and buy a fancy machine.

4. Vegetables (Low Carb)

   Vegetables that grow above the ground (i.e: lettuce, eggplants, tomatoes, broccoli, etc.) are great for you. Vegetables that grow in the ground (carrots, potatoes) have high-carb content, so they would not be ideal in a keto-lifestyle. Nevertheless, low-carb veggies are extremely healthy, adaptable, and can be found at a low-cost. You can eat them in a salad, in a stir-fry, or chopped by themselves for a quick energy boost.

5. Meat

   You do not have to go vegetarian to start the Keto-diet. Meat, specifically grass-fed meat, is actually extremely important in this diet, and is also affordable and versatile. The protein in meat is vital for your body, along with the many other nutrients. Some of the most common meat to eat while on the Keto-diet is beef, veal, and lamb. Poultry is also allowed, and can be eaten with almost anything.

6. Nuts

   Low-carb nuts such as macadamia and pecan are great to include in a keto-diet. Nuts can be incorporated in meals, salads, made into a sauce, or can be eaten alone for an easy grab-and-go snack. At a low cost, nuts are definitely something you would want to grab on your next grocery shopping trip.

7. Fish

   Fish is also allowed in the keto-lifestyle. It’s super quick to cook, can be a delicious meal, and is also not that expensive. With many benefits, including rich omega-3 acids and lowering your risk of a heart attack or stroke, it’s a great ingredient to keep in your kitchen. There are also so many types of fish to choose from, so you can always switch things up.

No matter what your resolution may be, it’s always great to add healthy options to your diet for a healthier lifestyle. With these options, the possibilities are endless, you can’t knock it till you try it! Nevertheless, I wish you all the best in the new year and new semester. Take advantage of the new start, good luck!