The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that involves reducing your carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day. By doing so, the body is forced to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

This leads to a state of ketosis, where the body produces ketones that are used as fuel. While the ketogenic diet has been shown to have many health benefits, there are certain foods that should be avoided to maintain a state of ketosis.

Foods to Avoid on a Ketogenic Diet

Here are the top 10 foods to stay away from when following a ketogenic diet:.

1. Grains

Grains such as wheat, barley, and rye are high in carbohydrates and should be avoided on a ketogenic diet. This includes bread, pasta, and cereal. Instead, opt for low-carb alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour.

2. Sugar

Sugar is packed with carbohydrates and should be avoided at all costs when following a ketogenic diet. This includes white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar. Instead, use natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.

3. Fruit

While fruit is healthy, it contains a lot of sugar and carbohydrates that can take you out of ketosis. Fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges should be avoided on a ketogenic diet.

Instead, opt for berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

4. Starchy Vegetables

Vegetables like potatoes, corn, and carrots are high in carbohydrates and should be avoided on a ketogenic diet. Instead, opt for low-carb vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale.

5. Processed Foods

Processed foods like chips, crackers, and cookies are high in carbohydrates and should be avoided on a ketogenic diet. Instead, opt for whole, unprocessed foods like meat, fish, and vegetables.

6. Soy Products

Soy products like tofu and tempeh are high in carbohydrates and should be avoided on a ketogenic diet. Instead, opt for low-carb sources of protein like meat, fish, and eggs.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol is high in carbohydrates and can take you out of ketosis. Beer, wine, and cocktails should be avoided on a ketogenic diet. Instead, opt for low-carb options like vodka, gin, or whiskey.

8. Milk

Milk contains lactose, a type of sugar that can take you out of ketosis. Instead, opt for low-carb alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk.

9. Legumes

Legumes like beans and lentils are high in carbohydrates and should be avoided on a ketogenic diet. Instead, opt for low-carb sources of protein like meat, fish, and eggs.

10. High-Carb Snacks

Snacks like candy, chocolate, and popcorn are high in carbohydrates and should be avoided on a ketogenic diet. Instead, opt for low-carb snacks like nuts, seeds, and cheese.