Ketogenic (keto) diet

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 19 July 2026 · Editorial policy

Very low carbohydrate and high fat, shifting the body to burn fat for fuel.

Pros

  • Can aid short-term weight loss
  • Steadies blood sugar for some
  • Reduces appetite

Cons

  • Restrictive and hard to sustain
  • Low fibre; can raise LDL cholesterol
  • "Keto flu" at first
  • Not for everyone

Suitable foods

  • Meat, fish and eggs
  • Non-starchy vegetables
  • Avocado
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Olive oil and butter
  • Hard cheese

Foods to limit or avoid

  • Bread, pasta and rice
  • Sugar and sweets
  • Most fruit
  • Starchy vegetables
  • Legumes

Sources & references

  1. British Nutrition Foundation
  2. Harvard T.H. Chan Nutrition Source

Related entries

DASH dietFlexitarian dietGluten-free dietIntermittent fastingLow-carbohydrate dietMediterranean diet
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