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The Top 10 Keto Tips Every Beginner Must Know

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By Alen KarahasanovicPublished 3 years ago 9 min read
The Top 10 Keto Tips Every Beginner Must Know
Photo by Heather Ford on Unsplash

Are you just starting out on the keto diet? If so, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed by all of the information out there. With so much advice and information, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll be sharing the top 10 keto tips every beginner must know. With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to make a successful start to your keto journey. So, let’s get started!

1) Start Slow

When beginning a keto diet, it is important to take it slow. Rapidly changing your diet can be overwhelming and can lead to issues like the "keto flu". This can include symptoms such as low energy, irritability, insomnia, and digestive issues. The best way to avoid this is to gradually transition your body into the new diet.

Start by reducing your intake of processed carbohydrates and sugars. Begin to increase your intake of healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and coconut oil. Don’t forget to get plenty of protein through meats and fish. Over time, you can continue to reduce your carbohydrate intake while adding more healthy fats and proteins. It is also important to listen to your body and make adjustments accordingly.

Adding in intermittent fasting and ketogenic supplements may help speed up the process. However, make sure to do your research and consult with your doctor or nutritionist before taking any new supplements. By taking it slow and listening to your body, you will be able to successfully transition into a keto lifestyle.

2) Drink Plenty of Water

One of the most important tips for anyone starting a keto diet is to drink plenty of water. Hydration is key for successful weight loss, as well as overall health. Drinking plenty of water helps your body flush out toxins and stay hydrated, which will help you avoid dehydration and associated symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.

It’s best to aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day when on a keto diet, or 2 liters per day. While this may seem like a lot of water, it’s essential to meet the demands of the keto diet.

To make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day, keep a bottle of water with you at all times. You can also add flavor to your water by adding slices of lemon or lime. Try setting a reminder on your phone to remind yourself to drink up!

3) Keep Your Carbs Low

One of the most important things to remember when starting a keto diet is to keep your carbohydrate intake low. The keto diet works by encouraging the body to burn fat for energy rather than carbs, and this can only be done if you restrict your carb intake to below 20-50 grams per day.

When it comes to keeping your carb intake low, it is important to focus on consuming natural, unprocessed foods. Avoid eating processed foods and high-carb snacks such as cakes, cookies, chips and other junk food. Instead, opt for foods like eggs, nuts, cheese, meat, fish, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocado. You can also include non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, kale and asparagus in your meals.

It is also important to stay away from foods that are high in sugar, such as candy and sugary drinks. Sugar increases insulin levels, which can inhibit fat burning and increase hunger cravings. Additionally, choose whole grain products over white breads, pastas, and rice as they are higher in fiber and provide more sustained energy.

By following these simple tips and reducing your carb intake to below 50 grams per day, you can ensure that your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs without ingesting too many carbs that can put you out of ketosis.

4) Avoid Processed Foods

When it comes to keto dieting, one of the most important tips for beginners is to avoid processed foods. Processed foods are those that have been altered from their original state, often with added sugar, salt, artificial flavors and colors, and preservatives. These ingredients can drastically increase your carbohydrate intake, making it harder to maintain a state of ketosis.

It's best to get your nutrients from natural sources like fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and nuts. By doing this, you will be able to keep your carbohydrate intake low and maintain the right balance of macronutrients for the ketogenic diet.

You should also try to limit your intake of processed meats like bacon, sausage, deli meat, and hot dogs as these can also be high in carbs. Try to opt for fresh sources of protein such as fish, chicken, beef, and eggs instead.

Another way to avoid processed foods is to prepare your own meals from scratch. This allows you to control the ingredients that go into your meals and helps you to make sure that you are not over-consuming carbohydrates. You can also save money by preparing your own meals since store-bought processed foods tend to be more expensive.

Finally, it’s important to read labels carefully when shopping for food. Many processed foods are marketed as “low-carb” or “keto friendly” when in fact they are not. It’s always best to double-check the label to make sure that you are getting the right amount of macronutrients and avoiding added sugars and other unhealthy ingredients.

By following these tips, you can make sure that you are eating healthy and staying within your carbohydrate goals on the ketogenic diet. Avoiding processed foods is one of the most important steps towards achieving success on the keto diet and reaching your health goals.

5) Eat More Healthy Fats

Healthy fats should make up a large portion of your keto diet. Eating healthy fats will provide you with the energy you need to stay in ketosis, while also helping to keep you satiated for longer periods of time. Foods that are high in healthy fats include avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds, grass-fed butter, coconut oil, and fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel.

Healthy fats are not only good for your overall health, but they can also help to regulate your blood sugar levels and support weight loss. Eating plenty of healthy fats can also help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for overall health and wellbeing.

6) Get Plenty of Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for anyone trying to follow a keto diet. Lack of sleep can lead to reduced energy levels, difficulty focusing and poor food choices. Research shows that people who get 7-8 hours of sleep per night are less likely to overeat and more likely to lose weight.

On the keto diet, getting enough sleep is especially important. When you’re in ketosis, your body is burning fat for energy, so you need to be well rested to take full advantage of the benefits. Additionally, sleep deprivation can cause your cortisol levels to rise, which can impair your body’s ability to burn fat.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, try winding down in the evening by dimming the lights, avoiding screens and drinking calming herbal teas like chamomile. Additionally, you can try taking supplements like magnesium and melatonin to help regulate your sleep cycle. Finally, make sure to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help establish a consistent routine.

7) Avoid Stress

Stress can cause a lot of problems in life and on the keto diet it is no different. If you are feeling stressed out, it can be difficult to stay on track with your diet and eating plan. Stress can increase cortisol levels, which can lead to cravings and overeating. To avoid stress, take some time each day to do something you enjoy.

This could be going for a walk, taking a yoga class, or simply meditating for a few minutes. Additionally, try to avoid any unhealthy coping mechanisms such as excessive drinking or smoking. Lastly, don’t be too hard on yourself and accept that there will be bumps in the road on the keto journey. Remember that the key to success is taking it one step at a time.

8) Exercise Regularly

When starting a keto diet, it is important to remember to exercise regularly in order to help your body adjust to the changes. Exercise helps you stay in shape, helps to improve your mood and energy levels, and also helps to increase your metabolism. In addition, exercise helps you to burn fat faster and more efficiently, as well as helping to regulate your blood sugar levels.

There are several different types of exercises that you can do while on the keto diet. These include aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling; strength training such as weightlifting and bodyweight exercises; and stretching and yoga. Each type of exercise has its own benefits and should be included in your overall fitness routine.

When it comes to exercise, it is important to remember that consistency is key. Aim to exercise at least three times per week, with at least one day of rest in between workouts. Make sure to set realistic goals for yourself, such as walking for 30 minutes every day or going to the gym once a week.

Also, keep in mind that when you are starting a keto diet, it is important to take things slow. Don't push yourself too hard or too fast. Start with lighter weights or lower intensity exercises, and gradually work up to more challenging workouts.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you will stay active and healthy while on the keto diet. Exercise is essential for overall health and wellness, so don't forget to make it a part of your daily routine!

9) Monitor Your Ketone Levels

Ketone levels are an important factor to consider when following a keto diet. This is because ketone levels can help determine how effective the diet is for you. Ketone levels are the amount of ketones in your blood, and they can indicate whether or not your body is in ketosis.

When following a keto diet, it’s important to monitor your ketone levels on a regular basis. The most common way to do this is with a urine test, which is available at most pharmacies and drugstores. Urine tests measure the amount of acetoacetate in your urine, which is a byproduct of ketosis.

You can also measure your ketone levels using a breathalyzer. This method measures acetone, which is another byproduct of ketosis. It’s an easy and painless way to check your ketone levels and can be done at home.

Finally, there are blood tests that measure the exact amount of ketones in your bloodstream. This is the most accurate way to measure your ketone levels, but it requires drawing blood from your arm. Blood tests should only be used if you’re experiencing adverse effects from following a keto diet.

By monitoring your ketone levels regularly, you can ensure that you’re in ketosis and getting the most out of your diet. With the right tools, it’s easy to check your ketone levels and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you stay in ketosis.

10) Have Patience

One of the most important tips for beginners when starting a keto diet is to have patience. Making dietary changes, especially one as significant as this, takes time. It may be tempting to try to reach your desired results as quickly as possible, but it’s important to remember that the keto diet is a process and not a quick fix. When it comes to losing weight on the ketogenic diet, patience is essential.

That being said, there are some things you can do to help speed up your progress. Eating nutritious whole foods, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels are just a few of the things that can help you get where you want to be. But it’s important to remember that the more time you give your body to adjust to this new lifestyle, the better your results will be in the long run.

It’s also important to remember that keto isn’t a “one size fits all” kind of diet. Everyone’s bodies react differently to dietary changes and different people will experience different results depending on their individual biochemistry. What works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to be patient with yourself and trust the process.

The ketogenic diet can provide amazing benefits if done correctly, but it’s important to remember that it takes time to see those results. Have patience with yourself and trust the process – you’ll be glad you did!

If you want to learn my #1 way to master the keto diet, click here now.

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