FAQ#3 (Keto Food Restrictions)

I originally posted this FAQ for Keto and Intermittent Fasting International in Tagalog, and I will be reposting the series in English here on my blog. Here are some basic questions with short answers to frequently asked questions by Keto newbies.

1. Why isn’t milk allowed?

Milk is mostly lactose. Lactose is a form of glucose. We limit glucose because we want our body to focus on burning fat for energy instead. When there’s plenty of glucose in our body, the body will burn that first instead of fat.

2. Why are some cheese brands not Keto-friendly?

Some brands have added sugar and sugar fillers like maltodextrin and dextrose. We should also go for the least processed ones.

3. Can I use monosodium glutamate (Vetsin)?

Technically, it will not kick you out of ketosis.

4. How many eggs can I eat?

As many as you want as long as you don’t mix in high carb food. Do note that eggs have 13g of protein, so make it fit within your personal macros mo. Personally, I only need 55g of protein, so that’s 2-3 eggs if I have other protein sources. Six if I’m only eating eggs.

5. Why are some sweeteners not allowed in a Ketogenic Diet?

Different sweeteners are made with different ingredients. Some have high GI ingredients like maltodextrin and dextrose. Rule of thumb with sweeteners, use in moderation.

6. Can I eat unlimited meat?

Eat when you are hungry, stop when you are full. Learn to listen to your body’s cues. It is best to calculate your macros so you know how much to eat to reach your goals.

7. Are commercial mayonnaise keto-friendly?

To be honest, it’s really hard to find mayo that’s keto-friendly, and not everyone has the time to make their own. Use in moderation if it has inflammatory oils.

8. Why should we eat Keto Bread in moderation?

Keto bread is made from almonds or coconut flour, which still has carbs. So don’t eat the entire loaf.

9. Can I eat peanut butter?

Yes, but in moderation. Peanuts are legumes not nuts, plus most commercial brands are full of sugar and inflammatory oils.

10. Why are sprouted mung beans okay, but mung beans are out?

Their composition changes once they’re sprouted. They have lower carbs and lower fiber once sprouted, but still, take in moderation.

11. Why can’t I use Soy Sauce?

It won’t kick you out of Ketosis, but soy sauce is inflammatory. It causes low-grade inflammation in our bodies which trigger hormonal imbalance.

12. Why is honey not Keto-friendly?

Honey, despite being natural is still too high carb to fit into a Keto Diet. There’s no such thing as sugar-free honey. Same goes for most fruits. They have high fructose, which is still glucose.