The keto diet has been gaining popularity in recent years, with many people turning to this low-carb, high-fat diet for weight loss and other health benefits. With the holiday season in full swing, those following the keto diet may be wondering how they can enjoy the festive season whilst staying on track with their keto lifestyle.
Fortunately, there are plenty of keto-friendly Christmas foods and recipes that can help you stay on track while still enjoying the holiday season with family and friends. From a keto-friendly Christmas dinner including classic dishes like roast turkey and Brussels sprouts to low-carb desserts alternatives; there are plenty of options for those following the keto diet to indulge in the festive spirit!
Whether you're new to the keto diet or a seasoned pro, incorporating keto-friendly Christmas foods into your holiday plans can help you enjoy the festive season without missing out. So, let's dive into some of the best keto-friendly Christmas recipes and foods to help you make the most of the holiday season.
Understanding the Keto Diet
Basics of Keto Diet
The Keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has gained popularity in recent years. The goal of the diet is to put your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. To achieve this, you must limit your carbohydrate intake to around 20-50 grams per day and increase your fat intake.
Foods that are allowed on the Keto diet include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and seeds, healthy oils, and non-starchy vegetables. Foods that are not allowed include grains, sugar, processed foods, and most fruits.
Benefits of Keto Diet
The Keto diet has been shown to have several health benefits. One of the main benefits is weight loss. By reducing your carbohydrate intake and increasing your fat intake, your body starts to burn fat for fuel, leading to weight loss.
The Keto diet has also been shown to improve blood sugar control, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health. It may also be beneficial for people with neurological disorders such as epilepsy.
Common Misconceptions
There are several misconceptions about the Keto diet. One of the most common is that it is a high-protein diet. While protein is an important part of the diet, it should not be the main focus which is to eat a high fat diet. It is best to eat protein in moderate amounts as too much protein can actually kick you out of ketosis.
Another misconception is that the Keto diet is unhealthy because it is high in fat. However, it is important to note that the diet focuses on healthy fats such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil.
Overall, the Keto diet can be a healthy and effective way to lose weight and improve your health and wellbeing by improving blood sugar control.
How to enjoy a Merry Keto Christmas
The holiday season is a time for celebration with family and friends and of course, food! For those following a keto diet, it can be challenging to navigate the array of Christmas dishes that are notorious for being carb-heavy and sugar laden. However, with a little planning and creativity, it's possible to enjoy a delicious and keto-friendly Christmas feast!
Planning a Keto-Friendly Christmas Meal
Planning a keto Christmas meal can take a little more effort than a traditional Christmas dinner, but if you plan ahead it can be achieved with a few easy swaps! The key is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods that are low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. Here are some tips for planning a keto Christmas meal:
Start with the protein
Choose a keto-friendly protein like turkey, chicken, ham, or beef as the centrepiece of your meal. Turkey is a classic Christmas dish that’s naturally low in carbs.To keep it keto-friendly, avoid stuffing the turkey with bread-based stuffing and instead opt for a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice stuffing.
Add low-carb sides
Fill your plate with low-carb vegetables like Brussels sprouts, green beans, and cauliflower mash. Brussel sprouts are a nutritious and keto-friendly vegetable. Adding bacon to the mix with your Brussel sprouts is great for adding a delicious smoky flavour and an extra kick of protein and healthy fats!
Cauliflower mash is a great low-carb alternative to the traditional mashed potatoes. Simply steam cauliflower and blend it with butter, cream and seasoning for a delicious and creamy side dish! You could even sprinkle it with cheese for extra flavour. If you are vegan opt for vegan butter, vegan cheese and coconut milk!
Skip on the condiments
Traditional roast dinner condiments like bread sauce and cranberry sauce can be packed with hidden carbohydrates and sugars so it’s best to avoid these if you can. Always check the label on shop bought gravy too as these can also contain hidden ingredients that you normally wouldn’t find with homemade gravy.
Plan ahead
If you're attending a Christmas dinner party, offer to bring a keto-friendly dish to share. This way, you'll know there's at least one dish you can eat.
Keto-friendly drinks
Stay hydrated and opt for keto-friendly drinks like sparkling water, herbal teas, or even a glass of dry red wine in moderation. Hydration is key to feeling your best during the festive season. There are also keto friendly wines and spirits available to buy here in the UK, we love these keto friendly wine cases from Drink Well.
Don't forget the dessert
You don’t have to miss out on a festive dessert just because you are following a keto diet! Although traditional festive desserts like Christmas pudding are notorious for being packed with carbs and sugar, there are so many keto-friendly dessert recipes you can make that can be enjoyed by all the family.
Here’s a selection of our top 5 keto-friendly dessert recipes we’ve created to help inspire you to get baking this festive season.
Keto-friendly Coconut Granola Snowballs
These adorable snowballs are made with just 5 ingredients and are perfect as a dessert or for snacking on throughout the holidays. Recipe here.
Keto-friendly Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Cookies
These cookies can be enjoyed by all the family and are great for baking on Christmas eve to leave out as a snack for Santa and his reindeers! Recipe here.
Keto-friendly Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Tart
This indulgent Vegan Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Tart recipe is made without any refined sugar. The perfect mix of a crunchy granola base paired with velvety smooth coconut ganache! Recipe here.
Keto-friendly Peach Crisp
This Peach Crisp recipe is made with juicy baked peaches and our delicious Low Sugar granola for extra taste & texture! Perfect for batch baking this Christmas. Recipe here.
Keto-friendly Chocolate & Chia Pudding
This chia pudding is made with a delicious blend of Cocoa powder, chia seeds and thick yoghurt topped with our Cocoa & Hazelnut granola for extra nourishment and crunch! Recipe here.
By following these tips and getting creative in the kitchen, you can still enjoy a delicious and keto-friendly Christmas feast whilst staying on track with your health and wellness this festive period.