Thai Curry on a Keto Diet: Will it stop ketosis?
In the world of popular diet trends, the keto diet has taken center stage for its effective weight loss results. As keto enthusiasts know, maintaining ketosis involves careful consideration of every meal’s macronutrient content. If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine and wondering whether Thai curry can be part of your keto journey, the good news is that it can indeed align with the keto principles of high fat, adequate protein, and low carbs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the basics of the keto diet, discuss why Thai curry is keto-friendly, and share a mouthwatering keto Thai curry recipe that’s both flavorful and paleo-friendly.
Understanding the Keto Diet:
The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is a low-carb, high-fat diet known for its effectiveness in weight loss. By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake, the body enters a state of ketosis, where it burns fats for energy instead of relying on carbohydrates. The basic macronutrient breakdown for a keto diet involves high fat, adequate protein, and low carbohydrates. Proper balance is essential to achieve and maintain ketosis.
Thai Curry on the Keto Diet:
Thai curry makes a delightful addition to the keto diet due to its compatibility with the required macronutrients. Let’s break down the nutrient content of Thai curry to understand why it won’t disrupt ketosis:
- Fat: Thai curry contains about 9 grams of fat, contributing to the daily fat goal on the keto diet.
- Protein: With 27 grams of protein per serving, Thai curry is an excellent source of protein to help meet daily requirements.
- Carbohydrates: Thai curry has 24 grams of carbohydrates, making it a carb-friendly option within the keto limits.
Why Thai Curry Won’t Disrupt Ketosis:
On a regular diet, the body primarily relies on glucose for energy. However, on the keto diet, the intentional reduction of carbohydrates forces the body to use stored fats for energy, leading to ketosis. Thai curry, with its balanced macronutrient profile, fits well within the keto framework, allowing individuals to enjoy its rich flavors without jeopardizing their state of ketosis.
Keto Thai Curry Recipe:
Now, let’s dive into a delicious and keto-friendly Thai curry recipe that’s also paleo-friendly:
Ingredients:
- Coconut oil (1-2 tablespoons)
- Red peppers (2, sliced without seeds)
- Onion (1, minced)
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated)
- Garlic (3 cloves, grated)
- Lime zest (1 teaspoon, grated)
- Green chili (1-2, minced without seeds)
- Ground cumin (1/4 teaspoon)
- Cayenne pepper (1/8 or 1/4 teaspoon)
- Chicken breasts (2, diced)
- Full-fat coconut milk (1 can or 13.5 ounces)
- Water (3/4 cup)
- Chicken stock (1/2 cup)
- Swerve (3 teaspoons)
- Fish sauce (1.5 tablespoons)
- Liquid aminos (2 teaspoons)
- Limes (2, juiced)
Instructions:
- Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced red peppers and cook until soft (approximately 3 minutes). Remove peppers from the pan.
- Add more coconut oil to the pan, then add minced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, lime zest, ginger, cayenne pepper, green chili, and ground cumin. Cook until the mixture turns a light golden brown (around 5 minutes).
- Add diced chicken to the pan and cook until fully done, being careful not to overcook.
- Reintroduce the cooked peppers to the pan.
- Pour in coconut milk, water, chicken stock, Swerve, fish sauce, liquid aminos, and lime juice. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Serve the delicious keto Thai curry over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own.
Conclusion:
Thai curry can be a delightful and keto-friendly addition to your meal plan, allowing you to savor the flavors of Thai cuisine while staying in ketosis. By understanding the principles of the keto diet and choosing recipes that align with its requirements, you can enjoy a diverse and satisfying culinary experience on your keto journey. Try out the provided keto Thai curry recipe and relish a flavorful, low-carb meal that keeps you on track toward your health and weight loss goals.