The ketogenic diet has received a slew of attention in recent years. But what is it exactly? The keto diet, as it’s known, is a low-sugar, high-fat diet. The keto diet burns fat rather than carbohydrates (sugars) as its primary fuel source. Curious about keto? Looking for where to eat clean and keto in Ottawa?
It’s no wonder the diet is popular for weight loss. Following the diet’s strict guidelines, your body can reach a state known as ketosis – a fancy way to say your body is running off fat.
Let’s explore the diet’s benefits and where you can get nutritious keto food—even starting your meal plan with $15 off your first order.
What Are the Health Benefits of Following a Keto Diet?
It’s important to note that studies on the ketogenic diet are ongoing. Still, it’s hard to ignore the mounting evidence that suggests a ketogenic diet is good for your health.
Studies suggest that the keto diet is helpful for:
Weight Loss
There is strong evidence suggesting that a keto diet is helpful for weight loss. It can help reduce visible fat and even control your appetite. Eating keto may also be effective in regulating energy levels and food cravings.
Disease Prevention
Diet is a significant theme in the study of disease prevention. Some studies suggest that following a keto diet can help balance blood sugar levels. This could lead to a reduction in insulin dependence for people with diabetes.
Some studies suggest that a keto diet may lower “bad cholesterol” and increase “good cholesterol.” This means that following a keto diet could help decrease the likelihood of developing heart disease. Research also suggests that following a keto diet may make cancer cells more vulnerable to cancer treatments.
Improved Overall Health
Findings also state that following a keto diet can help improve gut and brain health. You may also find your inflammation reduced and your ability to fight sickness get stronger.
If you struggle with traditional diets restricting calorie intake, talk to your doctor about the benefits of a ketogenic diet.
What Foods Can Be Eaten on the Keto Diet?
According to Harvard, a keto diet consists of eating:
- 70-80% of fat
- 10-20% of protein
5-10% of carbohydrates
Source: Ketogenic.com
When shopping for keto food in Ottawa, your shopping list might include:
- Meats or alternatives. This can include lean chicken, tofu, beans, beef or other meat.
- Low-sugar fruits. Fresh or frozen berries, avocado, and watermelon are ideal options.
- Low-starch vegetables. Cauliflower, leafy greens, and brussel sprouts are excellent options.
- High-fat dairy. Think full-fat cream, cheeses and yogourt. Avoid high-sugar options like ice cream.
- Seafood. Salmon, tuna, shrimp, scallops, oysters and other fish are great options.
- Nuts and seeds. Fill up on roasted cashews, almonds, pecans, walnuts or other nuts you enjoy.
- Fats and oils. Olive oil, sunflower oil, small portions of butter, and avocado are great options.
- Eggs. Have fun with eggs! Scrambled, boiled, poached, or sunny side up.
Where Can You Get Keto Food in Ottawa?
Maybe you don’t want to bother with meal prep and you’re looking for keto food on the go. Here are some of our top recommendations.
Keto Meal Delivery in Ottawa
Protein Chefs
Get keto delivery in Ottawa and all across Ontario. We specialize in chef-prepared keto meals delivered to your door—all of our ingredients are fresh and sustainably sourced.
Our bi-weekly rotating menu keeps eating keto fresh and exciting. Eat healthy meals rich in fat and protein, like fresh Atlantic salmon. Or, chow down on fresh, low-starch produce that’s seasonal and locally sourced to satisfy your stomach. Hungry? Take $15 off your first order.
Mongolian Village Grill West Ottawa
Dining out can be excruciating with all the non-keto items on most menus. But Nepean is home to an authentic Mongolian and Tex-Mex restaurant with keto options.
Build-your-own-keto-bowl with keto items like curry jerk chicken, snap peas, and grilled mushrooms. Dine in, order out, or have your keto meals delivered to your Ottawa home.
Sugar Daddies Bakery
Missing bread and baked goods while on keto? Sugar Daddies David and Greg lost 130+ lbs combined on a keto diet. They founded Sugar Daddies—a 100% keto, grain-free, gluten-free bakery.
Stock up on keto bread, pizza crust, and baked goods galore! Sugar Daddies only deliver addresses to Ottawa (the physical bakery is in Cambridge). Try the Keto Coconut Cream Bar, guilt-free.
Chez Shawarma
No Ottawa food list is complete without a shawarma spot. Chez Shawarma is one of many Lebanese restaurants in Orleans. What makes them different is the keto section on their menu. Eat your heart out on keto flatbreads and wraps—they even have keto desserts!
Starving? Order a large Chicken Fattoush Salad for under $20.
Ottawa’s Keto-Friendly Grocery Stores
Need to stock up on some keto-friendly groceries? Check out these places to shop.
Whole Foods
Most Ottawa grocery stores have some keto foods on their shelves. That is if you don’t mind shopping in-store.
Whole Foods has many keto foods and snacks for in-store purchase or online via Amazon. Stock up on breakfast staples like Catalina Crunch Cereal or Base Culture Keto Bread.
Natural Food Pantry
Natural Food Pantry is a healthy grocery store in Orléans, Ontario. They’ve been in operation since 1981 with the mission to help people live healthier.
Stop by their brick-and-mortar store or order online to pack your pantry with Good Fat protein bars and natural sweeteners.
Hit Your Health Goals with Keto in Ottawa (and Beyond)
It can be hard to count calories and macros for every meal. That’s where Protein Chefs can help! We carefully create pre-portioned meals so you don’t have to shop or meal prep to eat keto.
Let Protein Chefs take the hassle out of meal planning and preparation. We cook high-quality meals tailored to all sorts of diets—from keto to vegan.
Whether you remain on a strict keto diet or try a different plan, you can mix and match your meal plan. Check out our menu. Take $15 off your first order!
