The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a very low carb, high fat eating plan on which carb intake is often restricted to less than 20–50 grams per day.
As such, many high carb foods are considered off-limits on this diet, including certain types of grains, starchy vegetables, legumes, and fruits.
However, some fruits are low in carbs and can fit into a well-rounded keto diet.
Some are also high in fiber, an indigestible type of carb that doesn’t count toward your total daily carb count. That means they contain fewer net, or digestible, carbs. This is calculated by subtracting the grams of fiber from the total grams of carbs.
Here are 7 nutritious, tasty, and keto-friendly fruits.
1.Avocados
Can’t get enough avocados? You now have a great excuse to eat more of the creamy green fruit. A ½ cup of sliced avocado has almost 11 g of fat and fewer than 3 g of net carbs, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. While they can be nutritionally dense because of their fat content (that same ½-cup serving contains 117 calories), a little goes a long way as a sandwich spread, salad topper, or dip. You’ll also get plenty of fiber (17.5 percent daily value, or DV) and potassium (354 milligrams [mg], or 7.5 percent DV).
2.Blackberries
Whether you’re adding them to a recipe or snacking on a handful of them raw, blackberries can make a great addition to your keto meal plan. A ½-cup serving barely contains any fat (less than half a gram) and is also low in net carbs, with just 3 g, according to USDA data. The same size serving offers nearly 4 g of fiber (13 percent of your DV) and 3.5 g of sugar. Blackberries also provide 117 mg of potassium, 15 mg of vitamin C, and 14 mg of vitamin K. This low-cal fruit is also a great snack for weight loss, containing about 31 calories per ½ cup.
3.Watermelon
Watermelon is a flavorful and hydrating fruit that’s easy to add to a ketogenic diet.
Compared with other fruits, watermelon is relatively low in net carbs, with around 11.5 grams of carbs and 0.5 grams of fiber in a 1-cup (152-gram) serving.
That said, depending on your daily carb allotment, you may need to adjust your portion sizes to fit watermelon into your diet.
Watermelon is likewise rich in a variety of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and copper.
Plus, it contains lycopene, a plant compound that acts as an antioxidant to decrease cell damage and fight disease.
4.Strawberries
Strawberries are nutritious, delicious, and brimming with health benefits.
Low in carbs and high in fiber, strawberries can fit seamlessly into a low carb or ketogenic diet.
In fact, a 1-cup (152-gram) serving of strawberries provides just 11.7 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber.
Strawberries are an excellent source of other micronutrients as well, including vitamin C, manganese, and folate.
Plus, like other types of berries, strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and procyanidins.
5.Tomatoes
Some people group tomatoes with vegetables, but a tomato is actually a fruit. A cup of cherry tomatoes contains fewer than 30 calories and has around 4 g of net carbs, according to USDA data. Their lower calorie count is due to their high water content, but research shows that tomatoes also contain many antioxidants, including beta carotene, vitamin C, and lycopene. A June 2021 study published in the journal Molecules found that lycopene, a plant-based pigment, has anti-cancer properties and also may help prevent heart disease.
6.Star Fruit
Carambola, or star fruit, is native to Asia and more common there than in the United States, according to the USDA. It’s named for the shape it resembles when sliced and has a sweet and sour taste. And it’s worth a try if you’re on keto and want to add some variety to your diet. A cup of cubed star fruit contains about 5 g of net carbohydrates, with nearly 4 g of fiber, per the USDA. It’s also low in calories (around 40 per cup) and contains potassium and vitamin C.
7.Lemons
Lemons are a popular citrus fruit used to flavor drinks, meals, and desserts.
Lemons can be a great addition to the ketogenic diet, with approximately 5.5 grams of carbs and 1.5 grams of dietary fiber in each fruit.
They’re especially rich in , a type of fiber that can help stabilize blood sugar levels, fight inflammation, and slow the growth of cancer cells.
Lemons are also high in several other nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6.
