If you’ve started the Keto journey you’re most likely wanting to find a few Keto hacks to keep you going! Chef Gerard Viverito is a world-renowned chef who has graciously provided a few of his Keto hacks below!
- PLAN AHEAD – okay this one may seem totally obvious, but if you plan your meals ahead of time you are so much more likely to stay on track. I tend to make a meal plan for the whole week and then shop accordingly.
- Don’t fall for the water weight myth. Chef Gerard Viverito says, “Some people will tell you that the first pounds you drop when you stop eating carbs is nothing but water weight. Studies now show that’s just not true!”
- Be discriminating about which fats you eat. Chef Gerard Viverito knows his fats, “Your body doesn’t care if you’re eating corn oil that’s been refried 25 times or the highest quality Malaysian palm oil. Either one will raise your ketones. But one’s junk food and one’s health food. Junky, unhealthy fats will just wreck your health in other ways. For one thing: They are highly inflammatory. I use Malaysian palm oil for cooking. It is cholesterol and flavor neutral, it stands up well to high heat, and it contains nutrients such as vitamin E tocotrienols that are good for your heart, brain, and liver. Stay away from corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and yes, soybean oil too!”
- Find good solid go-to recipes – I love sweets, so finding a few solid Keto-friendly sweet recipes is key for me. I also make sure that I always have those ingredients on hand – makes me less likely to fall off the wagon!
- Don’t overeat! Yes, you might be eating something that is zero carbs, but if you eat too much you’ll overload with calories and we all know that too many calories even if they’re good fats/dietary fibers can lead to weight gain.
- Track your dietary fiber intake. According to Chef Gerard Viverito, “One of the drawbacks to a keto diet is that it is low in dietary fiber. This can be a problem since most Americans are already fiber deficient. Consider supplementing with a high-quality fiber supplement.”
- Exercise – yes, that’s right you will still need to move your body. Not only is it good for your soul, but it will only help you maintain your weight loss long term.
- Distract yourself when cravings hit. Listen to Chef Gerard Viverito when he says, “There’s a lot of mental stuff going on in the beginning. I missed my treats and food rewards. A lot of success with any change in your eating patterns is getting out of your mental routine. It gets easier over time.”
- Have fun! Try new recipes, get excited in the kitchen. Keto doesn’t have to be boring.
Here are a few recipes that are Keto friendly from Chef Gerard Viverito that you’re sure to LOVE!
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies {Grain-Free & Dairy-Free}
Yield: 2 dozen cookies
Ingredients:
● 1/3 cup Malaysian palm oil (Available at specialty markets and online. Malaysian palm
oil is certified sustainably produced.)
● 1/4 cup coconut oil
● 1/2 cup monk fruit sugar substitute or ⅓ cup stevia
● 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
● 2 large eggs
● 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
● 1/2 teaspoon salt
● 3 cups blanched almond flour
● 1 1/4 cups cacao nibs or sugar-free chocolate chips of choice
● 2/3 cup toasted walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl whisk palm oil, coconut oil and sugar together. Add the vanilla and eggs, mixing until incorporated.
Mix in the baking soda and salt. Add the almond flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring well with a
wooden spoon after each addition. Fold in the cacao nibs and walnuts. Refrigerate the dough prior to baking for 30 minutes to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form the dough into 2 tablespoon-sized rounds and place on the lined baking sheet about 3
inches apart. Gently flatten with the palm of your hand. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
Chef’s Smoky Almond Keto Crackers recipe
What are some of your favorite Keto hacks?
