Did you know that the term “keto diet” was searched 25.4 million times in 2020 alone? and to this day it is still growing in popularity.
It’s barely news that the ketogenic diet is fast becoming the most popular diet, simply because it is reliable and gives fast results.
If you want to join and stay on the keto train, you may be a little confused about what to include.
Generally, meat is a safe bet.
Ground beef is an excellent option because it has barely any carbs and high amounts of fat, making it an ideal addition to someone following the keto diet.
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to promote weight loss and other health benefits.
The key to the success of the keto diet is consuming more fat and fewer carbs, which forces the body to burn stored fat for energy.
This process, known as ketosis, can lead to several health benefits, including weight loss, increased energy levels, and improved mental clarity.
In addition, the keto diet has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Ground beef has more fat than protein.
In 100 grams, the fat content of ground beef is, on average, 20 grams, while the protein content is 17.7 grams making it a great choice for the keto diet.
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High protein diets have resulted in lower appetite, and ground beef has one of the highest protein content.
Therefore, adding it to your keto menu makes a lot of sense.
Which Ground Beef Is Best For Keto?
Ground beef is a keto staple because it ticks all the boxes.
It is high fat, high protein, and has zero carbs.
However, there are different types of ground beef in the market, and choosing the right one will go a long way in getting you into the state of ketosis faster.
As a rule of thumb, ground beef’s fat content will determine which is best.
The higher the fat content, the better.
Here are three common options in order from the best to the least ideal for the keto diet.
1. Ground chuck, high fat – 80% to 85% lean with 20% to 15% fat
This is the ideal ground beef option for the keto diet. It has the maximum fat content and is also generous in protein.
2. Ground round, medium fat – 85% to 90% lean with 15% to 10% fat
This is a close second.
This medium-fat option has less fat content but will still get the job done.
3. Ground sirloin, low fat (90% to 92% lean with 10% to 8% fat
This option offers the least amount of fat and is, therefore, the least preferred of the first three choices.
However, this does not mean you cannot enjoy this cut.
Ground hamburger, mixed
This ground beef option means that it is made from the less popular and less tender meat cuts.
A serving may contain meat from many different parts of the cow.
It is usually cheaper and is acceptable for keto since it can contain up to 30% fat.
Lean and extra lean ground beef
This last category can be a little confusing, but lean ground beef generally contains a maximum of 22.5% fat and extra lean a maximum of 15% fat.
Since lean ground beef and extra lean ground beef can contain less than the maximum indicated, it’s best to avoid them or serve them along with other high healthy fat foods like avocado and nuts.
What Meat Is Good For Keto Diet?
They can contain up to 30% fat content which is great for the keto diet.
On the other hand, low-fat options like lean beef cuts and skinless poultry should be minimized.
The keto diet encourages adding meat to your menu, but not all meat is good for you.
Only natural meats like fresh beef and poultry are allowed in the keto diet.
Processed meats are those that have had compounds and preservatives added.
These meats are not good for either ketosis or your health.
This is because they contain preservatives that can be harmful.
Some processed meats even contain carbs.
Common culprits are bacon and sausages, which have natural options, but there are also processed or nitrate-preserved options.
Ensure to read the food label when buying these types of meats.
If you are a pescetarian and eat only seafood, you probably avoid chicken, beef, and poultry.
Seafood is generally too lean in fat to be considered a good addition to the keto diet.
However, you can increase the fat content of your seafood choices by keeping the skin on.
The skin of fish contains most of the fat; therefore, having them on makes them keto-friendly.
Skin-on fatty fish like salmon have an extra amount of fat.
Is Hamburger Meat OK On Keto?
Hamburger meat is a great option for people on the keto diet.
It is high in fat and protein and low in carbs, making it an ideal choice for those looking to lose weight.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing hamburger meat.
Hamburger meat usually contains up to 30% fat but is also typically processed.
Natural hamburger meat does not necessarily mean organic, but it simply means that no extra preservatives or compounds are added.
Processed hamburger meat laden with preservatives may contain a fair amount of carbs and all sorts of components to extend its shelf life and improve the taste.
Hamburger meat is typically made by combining meat from different parts of the cow, excluding the offal.
Usually, the meats selected for this purpose are less tender and less like beef cuts.
Hamburger meat with higher quantities of high-fat areas like sirloin, is the best for the ketogenic diet.
When it comes to following a keto diet, there is much debate about whether meat is an acceptable food choice.
The truth is that meat can be a great addition to your keto diet plan.
It is an excellent source of protein and fats and contains various vitamins and minerals essential for good health.
In addition, meat is satiating and can help you stay on track with your diet.
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to be effective for weight loss and blood sugar control.
The diet works by inducing a state of ketosis, in which the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
This results in weight loss, as well as a reduction in insulin levels and an improvement in blood sugar control.
The keto diet is a safe and effective way to lose weight and improve your overall health.
However, when it comes to following a keto diet, there is no one-size-fits-all approach; ultimately, the best thing to do is experiment and find what works best for you.
I’m Chris Watson & the Founder of EatForLonger.com. I’m a food and wellbeing enthusiast researching and sharing foodstuffs and simple food-based concepts, such as fasting and clean eating.
I hope it inspires you to make tiny changes to what you eat and when you eat while optimizing your healthspan and all-around well-being.
Read more About Me here.