You’ve probably heard people raving about the wonders of the ketogenic diet, or keto, as it’s more commonly known. This low-carb, high-fat diet quickly rose to popularity amidst the biohacking craze, with many scientific studies supporting its health claims, particularly relating to weight loss.

What is Keto?

The keto diet works by drastically reducing carbohydrates intake and replacing it with healthy fats. This prompts the body to go into the metabolic state of ketosis, where it burns fat and ketones (by-products of breaking down fatty acids) with much higher efficiency.

Often advertised as a way to lose weight without sacrificing bacon, going keto isn’t actually all that simple. In fact, it involves a lot of careful planning to monitor your daily intake of carbs, fat, and protein, and a lot of research. For instance, many don’t realise that most fruits, veggies, and condiments contain carbs.

To help you with your meal planning, we’ve gathered 7 keto-friendly recipes to add to your repertoire.

1. Taco Stuffed Avocados
   
   
   Photo credit: Cooking LSL
   
   The perfect low-carb breakfast option for busy go-getters, this recipe only takes minutes to throw together and is chock-full of good fats and flavourful protein. What’s more, serving it straight out of the avocado means no cleaning up!
   
   Find the recipe here.
   

2. Vegetables Stew
   
   
   
   Using strips of bean curd skin instead of noodles, this low-carb soup is a homely lunch option. While the recipe calls for chicken breast meat and ham, consider switching to thigh meat and streaky bacon for a boost in keto-friendly fats. Just make sure they are thoroughly cooked – you may need to repeat the process of blanching the proteins in the Thermos® Food Jar if they are of a thicker cut.
   
   Find the recipe here.

3. Lemon-Butter Tilapia with Almonds
   
   
   Photo credit: Taste of Home
   
   If having bacon while on a diet isn’t enough to entice you, perhaps the promise of butter will. Butter contains healthy saturated fats that will help kickstart the ketosis process, as well as beneficial fatty acids. Go with organic butter from grass-fed cows for the best nutritional value.
   
   Find the recipe here.
   

4. Garlic Pork Chops in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
   
   
   Photo credit: EatWell101
   
   It’s hard to go wrong with well-seasoned chops smothered with cream. Plate these up with spiralised zucchini to twirl in the luscious sauce. The carbs restriction may be an advantage here as the zoodles will help bring some lightness and freshness to the otherwise heavy dish.
   
   Find the recipe here.

5. Mala Tofu
   
   
   
   Need a break from meats? You can still meet your daily protein intake by switching to tofu. This recipe uses tau kwa, a low-moisture bean curd, making it a filling meal that doesn’t require much cooking – it can be done using only a Thermos® Food Jar! The only drawback is the lower fat content, so be generous with the chilli oil or pair the dish with a more indulgent side.
   
   Find the recipe here.

6. Homemade Bulletproof Coffee
   
   
   Photo credit: Eat Drink Paleo
   
   Also known as keto coffee, this is the perfect pick-me-up to complement your diet. Adding a dollop of butter and oil lends the coffee an aromatic richness and gives your body a jolt of energy. Bring your upgraded java to the office in your Thermos® Mug to keep it hot for at least 6 hours.
   
   Find the recipe here.
   

7. Keto Pots De Crème
   
   
   Photo credit: Bulletproof
   
   With keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia and xylitol, you can still enjoy sweet treats, like this velvety chocolate pudding, while on the diet. Another carbs-reducing trick is to substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives, like nut milks and avocado, to avoid consuming sugar in the form of lactose.
   
   Find the recipe here.