15 Plant-Based Keto Recipes

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If you visit the cooking section at any local bookstore you’ll find a slew of keto diet books. Same with the special diet or nutrition section at your local health food store… shelf upon shelf of keto-friendly powders, mixes, and meals.

This “trend” has quickly taken steam and become a full-blown lifestyle to match the popularity of plant-based living.

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The keto diet — short for ketosis — refers to a somewhat simple diet regimen that requires incredibly low carbohydrate intake paired with a moderate protein and very high healthy fat intake. This combination forces the human body into a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a “metabolic state” in which fat is turned into “ketones in the liver, which can supply energy for the brain.”

First, Why would anyone want to reach ketosis?

Turns out that burning fat over sugar for energy may actually be way better for us. The human body prefers to use glucose — sugars — for energy, yet, once all that sugar is used up it turns to fat. Recent studies have discovered that burning fat for energy actually provides a longer, more sustainable energy source.

The keto diet focuses on reducing your carbohydrate consumption — reducing glucose (ie. sugar) — to achieve ketosis. This not only provides a better source of energy, but it also burns adipose fat quicker. Along with burning more fat, the ketogenic diet “can cause massive reductions in blood sugar and insulin levels” and has been linked to “numerous health benefits.”

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With that said, while many keto dieters focus only on high-fat items such as nuts, seeds, and coconut, there is still a slew of benefits you can gain from eating a high amount of veggies. Not only are veggies nutrient-dense and filled with antioxidants, but there is a handful that is super low in carbs!

Take a look at these 15 Plant-Based Keto Recipes:

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1. Kale, Beet, and Pecan Salad With Ginger Dressing

Kale, Beet, and Pecan Salad With Ginger Dressing

When it comes to keto-friendly veggie fare, you can’t really do much better than kale. It’s loaded with nutrients, yet low in carbs. This Kale, Beet, and Pecan Salad With Ginger Dressing recipe by Jesse Lane Lee combines that nutrient-kale with naturally sweet beets and a dose of healthy pecan-sourced fat.

2. Mini Eggplant Mushroom Pizzas

Mini Eggplant Mushroom Pizzas

Eggplant isn’t necessarily loaded with nutrients, but that also means it’s not loaded with carbs. This Mini Eggplant Mushroom Pizzas recipe by Ella Suihko is the perfect way to enjoy this versatile veggie alongside mushrooms, cabbage, and tomatoes.


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