Keto Diet Foods

The Keto (or Ketogenic) Diet is a specialized eating plan that is mostly used for treating seizure disorders such as epilepsy in children. The foods are generally high fat and low carbohydrate.

The Facts

Ketogenic refers to the production of ketones, a compound that forms in the body when fat is burned for energy. It's later excreted through the urine. The diet helps reduce the number of seizures in some people, but it is still unclear as to why this effect occurs.

Types of Foods

Food is broken down into three categories on the Ketogenic Diet: restricted, unrestricted and fatty foods.

Unrestricted Foods

Examples of unrestricted foods include vegetables (broccoli, lettuce, spinach), artificial sweeteners and unsweetened fruit.

Restricted Foods

Foods that are restricted on the Ketogenic Diet are sugary snack foods like candy and other items that contain sugar.

Fatty Foods

Fatty foods are encouraged in this diet. Examples include bacon, hot dogs, potato chips, nuts, cream, eggs, mayonnaise and butter.