Snacking becomes more complicated when following a keto diet because this diet requires consuming high protein and fat foods, whereas most snacks found in the snack aisle are high in carbs. However, there is still hope! There are numerous tasty keto snacks that are nutritionally rich and can keep you satiated until your next meal.
Included in your next meal plan should be keto-friendly snacks.
1. Mini frittatas
To begin making mini frittatas, also known as egg muffins, a keto-friendly snack that is simple to prepare and can be tailored to personal preferences, you only require:
- a dozen eggs
- standard 12-cup muffin pan
- mixing bowl
- an oven
First, whisk the eggs in a bowl and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Divide the egg mixture equally among each muffin cup and incorporate your desired low carbohydrate ingredients, such as:
- spinach
- mushrooms
- tomatoes
- cheese
To achieve the desired outcome, bake the mixture at a temperature of 350°F (180°C) for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until it becomes firm. The exact nutritional details may differ depending on the additional ingredients incorporated into the recipe.
Each individual egg contains a carb content of less than 0.5 grams (g). In addition, other ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese have a minimal carb content. It is advisable to store them in the refrigerator for convenient access when leaving, or alternatively, you can bake multiple batches and freeze them for future use.
2. Caprese salad skewers
Caprese salad, a beloved Italian classic, can be transformed into a convenient snack by simply arranging its ingredients on skewers. By alternating fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes on skewers, the preparation becomes effortless. Enjoy it as is or enhance it by adding a touch of balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping.
Mozzarella cheese weighing 1 ounce (oz), equivalent to 28 g, consists of approximately 0.7 g of carbohydrates. Additionally, fresh basil and cherry tomatoes have a minimal carb content.
3. Caesar salad bites
If you love Caesar salad, you will also love these mini Caesar salad bites. If you prefer a classic taste, you can use romaine lettuce. However, if you do not plan to eat them immediately, a heartier green like kale will maintain its texture better.
To create individual salad cups, heat small amounts of grated Parmesan cheese on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Keep baking until the cheese melts and begins to turn golden brown.
First, allow the melted cheese portions to cool slightly. Then, place each portion over the bottom side of a mini muffin pan, gently pressing the cheese to fit the shape of the muffin cups. Allow them to cool thoroughly. Eventually, they will transform into bite-sized, crunchy cups.
Start by mixing together your preferred dressing with the greens. Afterward, divide the mixture evenly into each Parmesan cup. Instead of using croutons, enhance the dish with roasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios to achieve a satisfying crispiness. Additionally, to increase the protein content, include chopped chicken or smoked salmon.
4. Cajun style shrimp and bell pepper kebabs
Shrimp, being a great source of heart-healthy omega-3 fats and having lower mercury content compared to other seafood, make for a healthy and keto-friendly snack option. To prepare, begin by applying a Cajun style dry rub on the shrimp. Then, place the seasoned shrimp alternatively with thick slices of fresh bell pepper on skewers.
Step by step, bake or grill the kebabs until the shrimp is cooked completely and the peppers are in a state between crisp and tender. Either serve immediately or keep refrigerated until you are prepared to consume.
5. Veggie sticks with nut butter
Pairing your favorite nut butter with fresh or lightly cooked vegetables is a straightforward and highly nutritious way to create a snack. Nuts contain a significant amount of healthy fats that promote heart health. Studies indicate that incorporating nuts into your diet on a regular basis could enhance insulin sensitivity and promote a feeling of fullness, potentially aiding in weight loss.
If you dip raw carrots in almond butter or pair peanut butter with celery sticks, you will consume approximately 16 g of fat, 7 g of carbs (including 1.6 g of fiber), and 32 g (2 tablespoons) of peanut butter without added oil.
If you are not making your own nut butter, it is important to check the label of the product you buy to ensure that it does not contain any added sugar.
6. Salmon salad celery boats
Salmon, in addition to being a rich source of omega-3 fats and protein, is also a valuable provider of vitamin D, which is insufficient in the diets of many individuals. A portion of 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of canned salmon offers more than half of the recommended daily value (DV) of vitamin D and can be easily transformed into a keto-friendly salad.
To create a straightforward, keto-friendly salad, combine cooked salmon and mayonnaise. Personalize the dish by incorporating fresh herbs, spices, garlic, or lemon. Enhance its nutritional value and enjoy a satisfying texture by serving the salmon salad stuffed into fresh celery stalks.
7. Nut butters
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), it is important to search for natural peanut butters that do not have any sugar added, as they typically contain 2 tablespoons.
- 7 g of carbs
- 8 g of protein
- 16 g of fat