Is Seafood Part of a Ketogenic Diet?
The ketogenic diet is popular for those looking to lose weight and improve their overall health. As its name suggests, the keto diet focuses on eating meals high in fat and low in carbohydrates, with moderate amounts of protein.
Many ask if seafood can be part of a ketogenic diet, and if so, what kind of seafood is best? Let’s take a closer look at why seafood is beneficial for following the keto diet and which types are ideal for achieving your goals.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SEAFOOD
Seafood is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals for optimal health, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, copper, iodine, and more.
In fact, eating fish and other seafood regularly can help reduce inflammation throughout the body while providing essential nutrients that may be missing from other foods. This makes it an ideal food to include in any healthy meal plan or diet regimen — like a keto diet.
THE BEST SEAFOOD FOR A KETO DIET
Lobster
If you’re following a ketogenic diet, seafood such as lobster can be an excellent choice due to its relatively low carbohydrate content. While lobster does contain some carbohydrates (about 5 grams per 3-ounce serving), it also provides 6 grams of protein and only 2 grams of fat per serving.
That means you get all the benefits of seafood mentioned above without too many carbohydrates — making it an ideal food for following a strict keto meal plan.
Shrimp
Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood and is also one of the best in a keto diet. Shrimp is low in calories, carbs, and fat; plus, it’s packed with protein.
It’s also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease. Make sure you buy wild-caught shrimp instead of farm-raised ones, as they have more nutrients and taste better.
Salmon
Salmon is another popular type of seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in carbohydrates, making it an ideal choice for someone on a keto diet. Salmon is also rich in B vitamins, potassium, selenium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Wild-caught salmon has fewer contaminants than farmed salmon, so ensure you buy wild-caught when possible.
Tuna
Tuna is another excellent option for people who are on a keto diet, as it’s low in calories but loaded with essential nutrients like Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D.
Tuna also contains high levels of B vitamins which can help boost your energy levels and keep your metabolism running smoothly throughout the day. Be sure to buy sustainable tuna responsibly sourced from the ocean.
When consumed in moderation, seafood like lobster, shrimp, salmon, and tuna can be part of a successful ketogenic diet. It’s essential to keep track of your carbohydrate intake when planning your meals, as even small amounts can add up quickly to this type of eating plan. However, with careful planning and conscious portion control, you can still enjoy delicious seafood dishes without compromising your results!
Planning on starting a keto diet? Stop by Pine Tree Seafood in Scarborough, Maine for our vast selection of fresh Maine seafood.