The ketogenic diet has gained a following among health enthusiasts and weight-conscious people. As a chef, it is important for you to know about this dietary plan because your goal is to encourage customers to keep coming back to your restaurant. Here, we discuss the basics of what a ketogenic diet is and provide some ketogenic recipes that you can try out for yourself!
What is the ketogenic diet?
The keto diet is a high-fat (healthy fats, take note!), moderate protein, and no carbohydrate dietary plan, which puts your body in a state called ketosis. Your body then produces fuel molecules called ketones, which allows your body to burn fat instead of sugar for faster weight loss. The Atkins diet is a popular version of the Ketogenic diet, since it also requires no carbohydrates.
Ketogenic menu planning
A no-carb diet means no starchy food like rice, bread and potatoes, but it also means packing in on the fat, with moderate amounts of protein. This means using lots of oils and butter in your cooking, or even fish and seafood rich in Omegas, which are another kind of natural fat. Protein-laden meats like beef are allowed, but in moderation. Go nuts with nuts too—pecans, macadamias and hazelnuts are perfect for a ketogenic diet! It may take a while to ease in a no-carb diet, but the key is to eliminate all sugars, and gradually lower the carbohydrate content in food.
Ketogenic diet recipes
Here are 3 no carb recipes that you can try out—some of which can be altered for a Ketogenic-friendly menu.
1. Kale Chips
Unlike the usual Kale recipes which involve integrating it into salads, this recipe idea encourages you to fry them up! Just tear them up into large pieces and toss them in a pot of hot oil and deep fry until crispy. Season with some salt and pepper and serve as an appetiser.
2. Chicken Fillet Tortilla with Tomato Salsa
This dish takes inspiration from the Mexican Taco with the much-loved salsa and guacamole sides and deconstructs it into elements that guests can enjoy. Make it ketogenic by removing the mashed potatoes.
3. Soy Garlic Beef Tenderloin Steak with Quinoa Salad
The classic beef tenderloin dish gets a taste of Asian flavours with a Soy Garlic glaze. Just replace the quinoa salad with leafy greens, and you’re good to go!
