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5 Steps for starting Keto Diet

ketogenic diet

By AGNES VPublished 3 years ago 3 min read

The ketogenic (keto) diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to be effective for weight loss.

Here are five steps for starting a keto diet:

1. Calculate your macronutrient needs: The ketogenic diet involves consuming a high amount of healthy fats, moderate amounts of protein, and very low amounts of carbohydrates. Use an online calculator to determine your specific macronutrient needs based on your weight, height, age, gender and activity level.

To calculate your macronutrient needs, you need to determine your daily caloric needs first.

Once you have determined your daily caloric needs, you can calculate your macronutrient needs as follows:

Calculate your protein needs: Protein needs are usually calculated based on body weight. A general guideline is to consume 0.8-1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you would need 120-150 grams of protein per day.

Calculate your fat needs: On a keto diet, fats make up the majority of your calorie intake. A common guideline is to consume 70-80% of your daily calories from fat. To calculate your fat needs, multiply your daily caloric needs by 0.7 or 0.8, and then divide by 9 (since there are 9 calories per gram of fat).

Calculate your carbohydrate needs: On a keto diet, carbohydrate intake is typically limited to 20-50 grams per day, depending on individual needs and goals.

Here's an example calculation:

Let's say you are a 30-year-old female, weigh 150 pounds, and have a moderately active lifestyle. Using the Harris-Benedict equation, your estimated daily caloric needs are 1,750 calories. To calculate your macronutrient needs on a keto diet:

Protein: 0.8-1 gram per pound of body weight, or 120-150 grams per day

Fat: 70-80% of daily calories, or 1,225-1,400 calories per day from fat. This is equivalent to 136-156 grams of fat per day.

Carbohydrate: 20-50 grams per day.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and your individual needs may vary depending on your goals, activity level, and health status. It's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.

2. Plan your meals: Plan your meals to ensure you are meeting your macronutrient needs and incorporating a variety of healthy fats, lean proteins, and low-carbohydrate vegetables. Examples of foods that are typically included on a keto diet include avocado, nuts and seeds, fatty fish, eggs, and leafy green vegetables.

Ensuring that your meals are healthy, delicious, and satisfying. Here are some tips to help you plan your meals effectively:

Make a list of keto-friendly foods: Start by making a list of foods that are allowed on a keto diet, such as fatty fish, meat, poultry, eggs, non-starchy vegetables, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats. This will help you create a variety of meals that meet your macronutrient needs.

Plan your meals in advance: Take some time each week to plan your meals in advance. This will help you stay on track with your macronutrient goals and ensure that you have healthy meals ready when you need them. You can use a meal planning app, spreadsheet, or simple pen and paper to plan your meals.

Focus on whole foods: Instead of relying on processed foods, focus on whole foods that are nutrient-dense and satisfying. For example, you can make a salad with mixed greens, avocado, chicken, and olive oil, or roast vegetables with salmon and herbs.

Experiment with different recipes: Don't be afraid to experiment with different keto-friendly recipes. There are many resources available online, such as keto cookbooks, blogs, and social media groups, where you can find inspiration and new ideas for meals. Find more keto meal plan here.

Track your macros: Use a food tracking app or journal to track your macronutrient intake and ensure that you are meeting your goals. This will help you stay on track and adjust your meals as needed.

Remember that meal planning is a personal process, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to listen to your body, experiment, and adjust your meals as needed to find what works best for you.

3. Start gradually: It can be challenging to switch to a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet all at once, so start by gradually reducing your carbohydrate intake over a period of several days or weeks.

4. Monitor your ketone levels: The goal of a keto diet is to achieve a state of ketosis, where your body is burning fat for fuel instead of glucose. Use a ketone meter to monitor your ketone levels and adjust your diet as needed to achieve and maintain ketosis.

5. Stay hydrated: It's important to stay hydrated while on a keto diet, as the diet can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water and consider adding electrolyte-rich foods or supplements to your diet to help maintain proper hydration levels.

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