There are dozens of weight-loss strategies and diet plans out there. Finding the right one—one that works—is exhausting, time-consuming, and often disappointing.
Instead of stressing out over different weight-loss strategies, try the keto diet instead. Keto is a low-carb, high-fat diet that can help you lose weight and improve your overall health.
With these easy keto dieting hacks, you can get started with a no-stress weight loss strategy.
Over 20 studies have proven a ketogenic diet is successful for weight loss. By cutting back carbs and putting your body into a metabolic state (ketosis), you can burn fat for energy and lose the extra weight.
Ready to get started?
Here are the 10 hacks you need for an easy keto diet.
1. Set Realistic Goals
Before you begin any diet, it pays off to remain realistic.
Setting unrealistic expectations can set you back before you even get started. When people suggest new diets, they often neglect to mention the struggles and strategies behind their success.
First, set a realistic weight loss goal. Think in terms of slow and steady weight loss. You won’t shed 10 pounds in one week.
Instead, set a healthier goal. For example, you might aim to lose one to two pounds each week.
As you’re on the keto diet, track your progress. Celebrate every little victory, including non-scale ones like saying no to a sugar-filled snack. This will keep you motivated and moving forward.
Tracking your progress can also help you determine what’s working (and what isn’t).
Try not to compare yourself to others. Remember, this is your weight loss journey and no one else’s.
Focus on your own environment, lifestyle, and healthy habits.
The rest of these easy keto hacks will help you achieve your goals.
2. Keep It Simple
There are hundreds of books out there proclaiming the “best way” to approach the keto diet.
Before wasting your money, it helps to know keto at its core. The keto diet focuses on a balance of fats, carbs, and proteins.
Start with a few simple food rules.
For an easy keto start, avoid:
- Sugars (maple syrup, white sugar, brown sugar, honey, agave, etc.)
- Fruit (oranges, bananas, pears, grapes, etc.)
- Tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, etc.)
- Grains (rice, cereal, corn, wheat, etc.)
Instead, prioritize these foods within your diet:
- Meat (lamb, poultry, eggs, beef, fish, etc.)
- Low-carb veggies (broccoli, kale, spinach, lettuce, etc.)
- High-fat dairy (butter, high-fat cream, hard cheeses, etc.)
- Nuts and seeds (walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, etc.)
- Fats (coconut oil, avocados, high-fat salad dressings, etc.)
- Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
- Non-sugar sweeteners (monk fruit, stevia, etc.)
It feels easier to fall on what’s convenient. To set yourself up for success, fill your fridge with food on the second list. Get rid of temptations such as candy bars and other sugary snacks.
3. Swap Ingredients
For an easy keto diet, it helps to know when you should swap out certain ingredients for others.
For starters, think about your favorite breakfast foods. Instead of cereal, reach for eggs. Make an omelet with your favorite herbs and greens, and add bacon for an extra dose of protein.
When you’re cooking, use coconut oil to balance your proteins with a healthy fat.
Many people add rice or pasta as a side to their meals. Instead of these carbs, consider cauliflower rice or veggie pasta. Both are easy to make and tastes great!
You can put cauliflower in a food processor to make your own cauliflower rice. You can also make pasta noodles from zucchini if you feel like spaghetti.
Having these hacks at the ready can help you throughout your ketogenic diet.
4. Make Adapting Easy
Some keto dieters experience the keto flu during their first few months. This occurs when your body sheds water weight too quickly, causing you to lose essential electrolytes.
If you’re feeling extra tired on the keto diet, this guide can help you find out why.
Follow these steps to make it easier for your body to adapt:
- Drink lots of water
- Consume more sodium, potassium, and magnesium
- Add medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to your morning coffee
- Drink moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee or tea to stimulate ketone production
- Try intermittent fasting to increase ketone production
- Increase physical activity
These hacks can make your body’s transition into ketosis stress-free.
5. Start Strategizing
Having a plan in place can help you keep focused.
Know your downfalls. If you reach for protein bars often, get rid of them. Pack celery sticks as a snack instead.
Use smaller plates to control your portions. And if you have a sweet tooth, there are stevia-sweetened chocolates you can turn to.
Developing a long-term strategy can set you up for success!
6. Buy in Bulk
When shopping for keto-friendly ingredients, buy your veggies in bulk.
You can store veggies in your freezer if you’re worried they’ll go bad. Having vegetables readily available will help you save time, money, and focus on staying keto.
7. Shalom
If you need help remembering the do’s and don’ts of the keto diet, think “SHALOM.” This stands for:
- Sugar-free sweeteners
- High-fat dairy
- Avocadoes
- Low-carb veggies
- Other fats
- Meats
Add these essentials to your daily diet and you’re good to go!
8. Fast, Real Fast
Intermittent fasting limits when you can eat during the day. This forces your body to break down the extra fats it’s stored. Your body will use these fats as energy during the day.
9. Make a Change
Start exercising! Make a plan to go for a daily jog or yoga class.
A ketogenic diet can also improve your metabolic flexibility. This allows your body to burn stored body fat for energy.
Combining your ketogenic diet with a regular exercise routine can benefit your weight loss goals.
According to this study, runners on the keto diet burned 2.3 times more fat per minute during their workouts than other runners.
10. Plan for the Week
If you keep eating out and breaking your diet, try prepping your meals for the week ahead of time. Once you spend money on ingredients, you’ll feel obligated to eat keto instead of wasting money eating out.
Kick Up Your Keto Diet: 10 Easy Keto Dieting Hacks
Finding an effective diet doesn’t have to feel stressed. Instead, use these 10 easy keto dieting hacks for a successful weight-loss journey!
Check the Health section of the blog for more helpful guides.