Introduction
If you’ve been exploring different diets, you might have come across the term “lazy keto”. This diet has gained popularity in recent years as a simpler and more flexible approach to the traditional keto diet. In this article, we’ll explore what lazy keto is, who it’s suitable for, and its potential benefits and drawbacks. We’ll also provide a beginner’s guide, a list of recipes, and tips for making lazy keto work for you.
A Beginner’s Guide to Lazy Keto
Lazy keto is a low-carb, high-fat diet like the traditional keto, but with fewer restrictions. The goal of both diets is to reach a state of ketosis by reducing your carbohydrate intake and increasing your fat intake. However, with lazy keto, you don’t have to worry about tracking your protein intake or counting your calories. Instead, the focus is on limiting your carbohydrates to 20-50 grams per day and eating enough fat to keep you satisfied.
The foods allowed on lazy keto are similar to those on traditional keto and include:
- Meat and poultry
- Fish and seafood
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Healthy oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil
- Low-carb vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower
- Cheese and dairy products, such as butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream
The foods that should be avoided or limited on lazy keto include:
- Bread, pasta, rice, and other grains
- Sugar and sugary foods
- Most fruits, such as bananas, apples, and oranges
- Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and corn
- Processed foods, such as chips, cookies, and candy
To get started on lazy keto, follow these steps:
- Clean out your pantry and refrigerator. Get rid of any high-carb foods that aren’t allowed on the diet.
- Plan your meals. Focus on protein-rich foods and vegetables, and add healthy fats like olive oil and avocado. For snacks, choose nuts, cheese, and low-carb fruits like berries.
- Stock up on keto-friendly ingredients. These may include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, low-carb vegetables, healthy oils, nuts, and cheese.
- Track your carbohydrates. While lazy keto doesn’t require you to track your calories or protein intake, you should still keep an eye on your carb intake. Limit your carbs to 20-50 grams per day.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Lazy Keto
Lazy keto has gained popularity because of its simple approach to the keto diet. It can be a good option for those who find traditional keto too restrictive or difficult to follow.
One of the potential benefits of lazy keto is weight loss. By reducing your carb intake, your body enters ketosis, which can lead to weight loss. Lazy keto can also help improve your energy levels, as you’re burning fat for fuel instead of carbs.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to lazy keto. Some people may not experience the same level of weight loss as they would on traditional keto, as they may consume too many calories from fat. Additionally, there’s a risk of nutrient deficiencies if you’re not careful about which foods you eat. Eating too much processed or low-nutrient food and not enough vegetables and healthy fats would not be ideal. Overall, though, most of these nutrients can be picked once meal prep and planning is in place.
When comparing lazy keto to traditional keto, it’s important to consider your goals and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a more flexible approach to the keto diet, then lazy keto might be the way to go. However, if you’re committed to the health benefits of the traditional keto diet, then it may be worth the extra time and effort to follow it.
10 Lazy Keto Recipes
If you’re looking for inspiration for your lazy keto meal planning, here are ten recipes that fit the guidelines:
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Avocado. Ingredients: Avocado, Cooked shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, Blue cheese crumbles, Bacon bits, Cilantro
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Ingredients: Beef sirloin, Broccoli florets, Olive oil, Garlic, Soy sauce
- Instant Pot “Rotisserie” Chicken. Ingredients: Whole chicken, Smoked paprika, Garlic powder, Salt, Black pepper, Lemon, Rosemary, Thyme
- Chicken Fajita Salad Bowls. Ingredients: Chicken, Olive oil, Bell peppers, Onion, Garlic, Romaine lettuce
- Crispy Pork Belly. Ingredients: Pork belly, Salt, Pork rub seasoning, Olive oil, BBQ sauce
- Low-Carb BBQ Pulled Pork. Ingredients: Pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, Red onion
- Egg Roll in a Bowl. Ingredients: Ground pork, Coleslaw mix, Soy sauce, Diced onion, Minced garlic
- Keto Pizza Casserole. Ingredients: Ground beef, Pizza sauce, Mozzarella cheese, Sliced pepperoni, Green bell pepper
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Ingredients: Sirloin steak, Butter, Garlic, Lemon juice, Parsley
- Zucchini Noodle Carbonara. Ingredients: Zucchini noodles, Bacon, Heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Garlic
Interview with a Nutritionist
To get a professional opinion of lazy keto, we chatted with nutritionist Irene Kim.
Kim says that while lazy keto can be a good option for some people, it’s important to be mindful of the quality of food you’re consuming and ensure you’re not consuming excessive amounts of fat. “In general, a diet based on whole, nutrient-dense foods is best. If you choose to follow a low-carb or keto diet, make sure you’re eating plenty of non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats, and high-quality protein sources like organic grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and organic pasture-raised eggs.”
Kim also recommends incorporating intermittent fasting to speed up weight loss results while still maintaining a healthy and balanced approach.
How to Make Lazy Keto Work for You
Lazy keto can be a sustainable way of eating, but it’s important to take a few steps to make it work for you. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure you’re consuming a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods.
- Monitor your energy levels and adjust your fat intake as necessary.
- Track your carbohydrate intake to ensure you’re staying within your limits.
- Don’t be afraid to seek professional guidance from a nutritionist or dietitian if needed.
- Finally, be patient and persistent. Weight loss and the perfect inches around your waist doesn’t happen overnight, therefore, don’t give up on the diet too soon.
Conclusion
Lazy keto can be a great way to ease into the keto diet or to find a more sustainable approach to healthy eating. Remember to focus on nutrient-dense foods, track your carbs, and adjust as necessary. With patience, effort, and mindfulness, you can enjoy the potential benefits of lazy keto without sacrificing your health and wellbeing.