The ketogenic diet shows no signs of waning in popularity, but it can be hard to stick to keto guidelines around summer holidays—particularly holidays where a lot of food is sure to be present (hello, 4th of July BBQs!).
The keto diet prioritizes low-carbohydrate intake and permits a higher intake of fats, the goal being to trick your body into metabolizing fat—because if you’re not eating carbs there are none there for your body to break down—to use as energy instead of storing it. Because fats (read: meats) are still allowed, navigating the food situation on a grilling-heavy holiday like the 4th of July isn’t as difficult as you may think.
Things you can eat for a keto 4th of July:
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If your friends are grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, by all means—indulge! Just make sure to skip the bun and instead opt for a lettuce wrap. You can also add on bacon and avocado slices. Plain grilled proteins like chicken and steak are also fine, as long as they’re not slathered in sugary sauce.
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For sides, make sure you’re incorporating leafy greens. You can also indulge in fats—so bacon and cheese are still on the table.
You can even have beer if you focus on low-carb options. That said, if you want to drink, sticking to liquor will be your best bet.
Read More: The Best Low-Carb Beer for Summer | How to Make Batch Cocktails for Summer Parties
Foods to avoid:
Of course you know to lose the buns, but make sure you also avoid corn, potatoes, wheat (i.e., no conventional pasta salad), and rice as much as you can.
You may think that all fruits are still an option, but make sure you stick to berries and avoid apples and bananas (probably pretty easy on the 4th, when red and blue berries are in such high supply).
Also, in addition to regular sugar, make sure to avoid honey, agave syrup, and other sweeteners that might sneak into desserts that you’re eyeing.
Keto 4th of July Recipes
Still concerned about having a happy keto 4th of July? Don’t worry—we’ve rounded up some low-carb recipes that will be as delicious as they are festive.
Low Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad
#lowcarbfauxtatosalad #ketopotatosalad #ketogenicdiet #ketomemorialday #cauliflowersalad #lowcarbdiet #lchfCreamy potato salad is a BBQ must, but potatoes are a no-go on keto. Solution: swap in cauliflower for a low-carb potato salad replacement that tastes just as good as the classic! Get the Low Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad recipe.
Related Reading: Why You Should Spiral-Cut Your Hot Dogs for Next-Level Grilling
Keto Coleslaw
Chowhound
Another required cookout and picnic dish—coleslaw—can easily be made keto-friendly, but often has quite a lot of sugar hidden in the ingredients. As long as you stick to a recipe without it, you’re golden. That includes mayo-based options, but this one has a lighter vinaigrette-style dressing and a spicy kick to cut through all the meat and cheese you’ll be eating. Get our Keto-Friendly Spicy Lime and Jalapeño Coleslaw.
Grilled Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad
Chowhound
Another way to lighten things up: this refreshing, sweet-savory watermelon salad with salty feta and cooling mint, and a hint of smoke from the grill. Add cucumbers, olives, and red onions for more flavor and texture. But swap out the fresh orange juice in the dressing for a keto-friendly vinegar like apple cider vinegar instead (beware balsamic). Get our Grilled Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad recipe.
Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
Each serving of this salad contains only 1.2g net carbs, so you can enjoy a hearty helpful for tonight’s dinner!⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Get the full recipe here: realbalanced.com/recipe/keto-bacon-cheeseburger-salad⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #realbalancedblog #keto #lowcarb #bacon #cheeseburgersalad #burgersalad #baconcheeseburgersalad #ketosalad #ketoburger #ketobacon #baconsalad #bigmacsalad #ketobigmacsalad #lowcarbfood #lowcarbrecipes #ketosis #ketogenicrecipe #lowcarbdiet #ketodiet #nutfreeketo #ketolife #ketofood #ketogenic #thrivemags #thefeedfeed #buzzfeedtasty #huffposttasteThis would be the perfect side dish (that’s also main course-appropriate) to bring to your friend’s Fourth of July party. It’s so delicious, they’ll have no idea that you brought it in hopes of sticking to your diet! Get the Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad recipe.
Keto Cheddar Jalapeño Sausage Dip
Grab some low-carb crackers or sliced cucumbers or radishes to dunk in this delicious cheddar jalapeño sausage dip (or be extra and bring homemade keto cheese crackers along for the ride). Get the Keto Cheddar Jalapeño Sausage Dip recipe.
Keto Bacon Jalapeño Poppers
Chowhound
Everyone loves a jalapeño popper—especially when bacon is involved. Get the Keto Bacon Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
Keto Buffalo Chicken Sausage Balls
Not only is this recipe complete with delicious buffalo sauce, it has blue cheese crumbles both in the meatballs and in the dip. It’s seriously impossible to eat just one. Get the Keto Buffalo Chicken Sausage Balls recipe.
Keto Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Dessert does not have to be off the table at a keto celebration. This strawberry rhubarb crumble looks gorgeous and tastes delicious; almond flour and coconut flour make it low-carb and gluten-free. And strawberries are perfectly within the realm of allowed keto eats—so enjoy as much as you want! Get the Keto Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble recipe.
Keto Fudge Brownies
These brownies are indulgent and delicious. They are also sugar-free and made with coconut flour, but if you don’t tell your friends that, they’ll never know. Get the Keto Fudge Brownies recipe.
Keto Fourth of July Cookie Cups
These cookie cups are red, white and YUM! The berries add a festive, sweet touch to the sugar-free cookies, and there’s a rich cheesecake-inspired filling in between those layers. Get the Keto Fourth of July Cookie Cups recipe.
