You just started a ketogenic diet and realized you might have to cut back on most of your carbohydrate consumption. So, you begin to rethink this whole way of eating. You could not be so strict with your meal plan and opt for “lazy keto” (aka dirty keto), which isn’t always right for everyone. A better strategy, in my opinion, is to find creative ways to recreate your favorite foods to fit your macros.

Keto Diet Basics

Essentially, on the ketogenic diet, you consume fats as 85% of your diet, 10% of your diet consists of protein, and a measly 5% is carbohydrates. In the grand scheme of things, this doesn’t sound like much, but if you are mindful of nutrient-dense carbohydrates, this can be very satisfying. I have even put together a list of foods you can and cannot eat while on the keto diet.

BREAKING: US Doctor: “Eating This Every Day Can Snap You into Ketosis”

The following are some of my tips for adhering to a ketogenic diet:

• Learn to track net carbs. First, look at the number of carbs on the label, and then subtract both the fiber and sugar alcohols for the total net carbs.
• Stay under your carbs with little or no sugar (absolutely no more than 15 grams).
• Don’t believe everything you read or hear from someone else. In other words, do your own research and, more importantly, learn to listen to your own body.
• Don’t base your progress on anyone else’s.
• Meal planning is crucial, especially when it comes to snacks, so you don’t have the urge to grab something you’ll later regret.
• Put fat on everything. Leave no veggie bare and dry. Cook your meats in fat. Add fat to your fat!
• Listen to your body, and make adjustments to the diet as needed. More than one path can lead to ketosis. Find yours.
• Hydrate!

We also have a plethora of resources on our blog that can help you with getting started, how to avoid the keto flu, and even a keto workout plan.

Keto Dieters and Bread

One common thing I hear from folks following a keto diet is that they miss bread. Of course, there are plenty of options available in your local grocery store, but I wanted to try my hand at one of my favorite things—everything bagels. Most stores carry an “Everything Bagel Seasoning,” but if you cannot locate it or prefer to whip up your own, you can use the following ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 Tbsp white sesame seeds
• 1 Tbsp black sesame seeds
• 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp dried minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp dried minced onion
• 2 tsp flaked sea salt or coarse salt

I love this blend not just on bagels but also on avocado toast, baked potatoes, popcorn, tomato slices, hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, homemade pita chips, chicken, roasted vegetables, hummus, and guacamole, to name a few.

But my favorite way to enjoy it is, of course, on a nice homemade bagel. You can then top it with cream cheese, butter, or enjoy it plain.