Exploring the Keto Diet + My Go-To Keto Recipe

Hey, lovelies! 🌟

Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been buzzing in the health and fitness world for a while now—the keto diet. Whether you’re a keto veteran or just curious about what it’s all about, I’m here to break it down for you. Plus, I’ll share one of my absolute favorite keto recipes that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!

What is the Keto Diet?

The ketogenic (keto) diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has gained a lot of attention for its potential to help with weight loss, improve mental clarity, and boost energy levels. The goal of the keto diet is to shift your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:

• Low Carbs: The keto diet drastically reduces your intake of carbohydrates, usually to around 20-50 grams per day. This means saying goodbye to most grains, sugars, and high-carb fruits.

• High Fat: To make up for the lack of carbs, you’ll increase your intake of healthy fats. Think avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty cuts of meat.

• Moderate Protein: Protein intake is kept at a moderate level, as too much protein can interfere with ketosis. This is different from many other low-carb diets that emphasize higher protein.

  
  

Benefits of the Keto Diet

The keto diet isn’t just about cutting carbs—it’s about transforming the way your body functions. Here are some of the potential benefits:

• Weight Loss: By switching to fat as your primary energy source, your body becomes more efficient at burning stored fat. Many people experience significant weight loss on the keto diet.

• Increased Energy: Without the highs and lows of blood sugar spikes, many keto followers report more consistent energy levels throughout the day.

• Mental Clarity: Ketones, the molecules produced during ketosis, are a great source of fuel for the brain, often leading to improved focus and mental clarity.

• Reduced Cravings: The high fat content of the keto diet can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, which may reduce cravings and make it easier to stick to your diet.

  
  

My Go-To Keto Recipe: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the good stuff—food! One of my absolute favorite keto recipes is this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with healthy fats to keep you fueled and satisfied.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Add the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.

5. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve!

   
   

Why I Love This Recipe:

This dish is the perfect example of how you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when following a keto diet. The creamy garlic butter sauce is indulgent without being heavy, and the spinach adds a nice burst of color and nutrients. Plus, it’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, making it a go-to in my kitchen.

Final Thoughts: Is Keto Right for You?

The keto diet isn’t for everyone, but it can be a powerful tool for those looking to lose weight, improve mental clarity, and gain control over their cravings. If you’re thinking about giving it a try, start by doing some research and consulting with a healthcare professional to make sure it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.

And if you do decide to dive into the keto world, make sure to try out this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe—it might just become your new favorite too!

Millie x