If you find yourself in a conversation about dieting or weight loss, chances are you’ll hear of the ketogenic, or keto, diet. That’s because the keto diet has become one of the most popular methods worldwide to shed excess weight and improve health. Research has demonstrated that adopting this low-carb, high-fat diet can promote fat loss and even improve certain conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source). This article explains what to eat and avoid while following a keto diet and provides a one-week keto meal plan to get you started. When following a ketogenic diet, carbs are typically reduced to 20 to 50 grams per day, though looser versions of the diet exist (3Trusted Source). Fats should replace the majority of cut carbs and deliver approximately 75% of your total calorie intake. Proteins should account for around 10-30% of energy needs, while carbs are usually restricted to 5%. This carb reduction forces your body to rely on fats for its main energy source instead of glucose — a process known as ketosis. While in ketosis, your body uses ketones — molecules produced in the liver from fats when glucose is limited — as an alternate fuel source. Switching over to a ketogenic diet can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Your focus should be on reducing carbs while increasing the fat and protein content of meals and snacks. In order to reach and remain in a state of ketosis, carbs must be restricted. While certain people might only achieve ketosis by eating 20 grams of carbs per day, others may be successful with a much higher carb intake. Keto-Friendly Foods to Eat When following a ketogenic diet, meals and snacks should center around the following foods: Eggs: Pastured, organic whole eggs make the best choice. Poultry: Chicken and turkey. Fatty fish: Wild-caught salmon, herring and mackerel. Meat: Grass-fed beef, venison, pork, organ meats and bison. Full-fat dairy: Yogurt, butter and cream. Full- fat cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, brie, goat cheese and cream cheese. Nuts and seeds: Macadamia nuts, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and flaxseeds. Nut butter: Natural peanut, almond and cashew butters.