Is Olive Oil Keto Friendly? (2024)

The ketogenic diet, orketo for short, is a high fat / low carbohydrate diet that aims to induce ketosis—a metabolic processwhich burns fat for energy instead of glucose. Similar to Atkins and other low carbohydrate diets in principle,the ketogenic diet was invented in the 1920s but has seen a wave in popularity and interest in the 21st century.

The typical structure of a keto diet is one in which 70-80% of your daily food intake is fats, 10-20% is protein, and 5-10% are carbohydrates. If you're eating 2000 calories in a day, that would translate to 165 grams of fat, 75 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbohydrates.

When you eat a high-fat diet, it starts the ketosis process which converts fatintoketone bodies that can be used by the body as a source of energy—replacing the glucose energy source. One easy way to up your fat content without relying on other oils (like coconut) that are high in saturated fats and not heart friendly is by integrating more olive oil into your diet.

You betcha! Olive oilmakesa perfectadditiontothe keto diet as it is 100% fat, with zero carb contents. Extra virgin olive oil is also known for its health benefits—rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, polyphenols, fatty acids like Omega-3, and vitamins A, D, E and K.

While many believe that coconut oil is ideal for keto due to it's high MCT levels (medium chain triglycerides which convert into energy quickly), it's alsohigh in saturated fats that can raise your cholesterol and be harder on your body to process.Coconut and other fats like butter also don't offer the same health benefits that accompany the extra virgin olive oil's high antioxidant count and other bioactive compounds.

Recent studies which used olive oil as the primary fat in a ketogenic diet also found that "weight loss could be achieved without raising LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels, while reducing blood pressure and improving fasting blood sugar levels."By swappingother fats for olive oil, you can make a heart healthy choice while keeping things tasty.

Sizzle & Drizzle are the best because they're super versatile! This means that they can easily be incorporated into the keto diet in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

- Swap Your Dressing For Drizzle—Drizzle is packed with punchy flavor! Put that flavor to work and use it by itself as a topping on your raw or cooked veggies.

- EVOO Smoothies—think of it like keto protein powder. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to your shakes or smoothies for a boost of energy.

- The New Butter Coffee—remember when everyone was blending butter into their coffee? While we might not recommend that from a heart health POV, you can add ~1 tbsp of olive oil to your coffee for a dose of healthy fats.

- Sizzle Strip Steaks—sear up a keto-friendly steak in Sizzle!Check out our favorite recipe here.

Is Olive Oil Keto Friendly? (2024)

FAQs

Is Olive Oil Keto Friendly? ›

Coming in at 100 percent fat content, olive oil is compatible with a ketogenic diet, and it is also an excellent source of healthy fats. This is because olive oil is high in both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (a.k.a. the “good” fats), while being low in saturated fats (a.k.a. the “bad” fats).

Is olive oil ok for a keto diet? ›

The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, many believe that extra virgin olive oil, known for a wide range of health benefits, is the single best oil for a keto lifestyle. Most importantly for keto, olive oil is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat, making it a perfect fit for all versions of the diet.

Is butter better than olive oil for keto? ›

While, according to nutrition experts, butter is healthier for your keto diet regime, it's still important to note that both varieties can be unhealthy when taken in large servings.

How much olive oil per day? ›

Recommended amount of daily intake

According to PREDIMED, and according to the indications of the study doctors, the recommended daily intake of extra virgin olive oil is 40 milliliters, that is, about four or five tablespoons daily.

What do 50 grams of carbs look like on keto? ›

If you occasionally want to “carb up,” or if you can maintain ketosis at a higher level of carbs, eating 50 grams of carbs means you're still staying relatively low carb. Here's 50 grams of refined or higher carb foods: three slices of bread, three potatoes, a cup of rice and a cup of pasta.

What oil is best for a keto diet? ›

Here are six of the best oils to begin with when cooking for the keto diet.
  1. Sesame Oil. A healthy dosage of essential fatty acids, sesame oil is a seed oil with a rich, smooth flavor, and a nutty aroma. ...
  2. Avocado Oil. ...
  3. Coconut Oil. ...
  4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil. ...
  5. Hazelnut Oil. ...
  6. Walnut Oil.

Can I eat a whole avocado on keto? ›

Avocados

Avocados are a really popular choice with people following the keto diet since a whole avocado contains only 17 g of carbs — of which 14 g is fiber — and 30 g of fat. They are also high in many vitamins and minerals, including potassium and B vitamins.

What happens if you don't eat enough fat on keto? ›

On a keto diet, fat should make up 55–60% of a person's daily intake. If a person does not consume enough fat on a keto diet, they may not feel full. This can lead to snacking and consuming more calories than a person needs, resulting in weight gain. Additionally, fat is an important component of a person's diet.

Is peanut butter good for keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

Should I drink water after taking olive oil? ›

Usually, the small cup of olive oil is followed by a small glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Some people even suggest that a tablespoon or two of olive oil may be all you need to fully reap its benefits. The consumption of olive oil includes a healthier digestive process as well.

Does olive oil cleanse the liver? ›

Studies have concluded that incorporating olive oil into your diet can significantly reduce the fat deposit in your liver. A compound found in olive oil, hydroxytyrosol, has even been shown to reduce the adverse effects of fatty liver disease.

Should I take olive oil at night or morning? ›

In the morning, it can be taken on an empty stomach, and in the evening before bedtime. Scientists recommend the consumption of quality olive oil in amounts of 2 to 3 tablespoons, which is sufficient to take advantage of all its potentials and positive effects on our body and health.

What happens if I only eat 20 carbs a day? ›

Severe carb limits can cause your body to break down fat into ketones for energy. This is called ketosis. Ketosis can cause side effects such as bad breath, headache, fatigue and weakness.

What do 20 carbs a day look like? ›

Just one large potato contains 20 grams of net carbs, the daily limit on a keto low-carb diet. As does one half of a large hamburger bun. Or half a cup of rice or pasta. These foods practically can't be included at all on a keto low-carb diet, and only in small amounts – if at all – on a more liberal low-carb diet.

What happens if you go over 20 carbs on keto? ›

Consuming too many carbs can kick your body out of ketosis — and it takes several days to 1 week to get back into it. In the meantime, your weight loss may be disrupted.

Is avocado or olive oil better for keto? ›

In my keto experience, I've discovered that olive oil and avocado oil are excellent choices among vegetable oils. They have good fats and low carbs, making them great for both cooking and dressing. It's all about making smart choices that not only taste good but also support your keto goals.

Is peanut butter good on keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

Is chicken fried in olive oil keto-friendly? ›

Switch out vegetable oil for oils with healthy fats like virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or lard. These substitutes allow you to consume two fried chicken thighs at around 2.1 grams of carbohydrates, significantly less than what you're getting from take-out fried chicken.

How many olives can I eat on keto? ›

Olives, in green or black varieties, are the perfect addition to a ketogenic diet plan. With just 3 net carbs per 100 g serving (about 10 olives), they can be eaten alongside low-carb dishes like salads, dips, or even by themselves as a snack. And olive oil is equally as beneficial.

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