Vegetables can be part of a well-formulated keto diet. Local, seasonal vegetables provide important things like fiber, vitamins, and various micronutrients. Placed on a plate with a serving of protein and fats, low-carb veggies help bulk up the meal and assist in the feeling of satiety.
The exact amount needed for optimal health will vary with individuals. Some people do best with high fiber, some with low. Assuming you do not have advanced gastrointestinal irritation, aim to have an adequate serving of vegetables with every meal.
Important Nutrients found in Low-Carb Vegetables
- Quercetin
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Vitamin A, B comples, C, K and others
- Indoles and isothiocyanates
- Sulforaphane
- Nitraite and nitrate
- Beta-carotene, lycopene
- Allyl sulfides
There are abundant levels of antioxidants in low-carb vegetables. Leafy greens are a powerhouse of phenolic flavonoid antioxidants that critical to supporting the human body, deficiencies in these can lead to the decay of bone and teeth health and negatively affect vital organs.
Boost your immune system, minimize cancer risk, regulate blood pressure, and support the digestive process by eating vegetables at least once daily!
Eat a rainbow of vegetables.
Spend a bit of time each week to prep vegetables. Choose local, seasonal options that will be at peak freshness. Seasonal vegetables have a higher nutrient value when harvested at the proper time of the year.
What Low-Carb Vegetables are best for the Ketogenic Diet?
This is not a complete list, you may have other low-carb options that are not mentioned. There are many options, here is a list to get started!
- artichoke
- asparagus
- bok choy
- broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- cabbage
- cauliflower
- celery
- cucumber
- daikon radish
- enive
- fennel
- jicama
- kohlrabi
- mushrooms
- purslane
- radicchio
- radish
- summer squash
- tomatoes (watch the carb levels in pasta sauce and choose one with no sugar added)
- leafy greens: beet greens, chard, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach
- salad greens: arugula, lettuce, watercress
- sea vegetables: dulse fakes, kelp granules, kelp noodles, whole nori leaf, mixed sea seasonings, spirulina powder or tablets, etc
Do you have The Ketogenic Edge Cookbook?
We take an in depth look at the way herbs and spices can be used to add variety to vegetables and then walk you through the 6 Essential Vegetable Prep Methods to prepare you to confidently make vegetables in your own kitchen. Once you master the basics, enjoy moving on to more advanced techniques with these (among others!) low-carb vegetable recipes from the vegetable section of The Ketogenic Edge Cookbook.
- Foraged Wild Greens
- Summer Squash Linguine
- Tahini and Lemon Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Crispy Coconut Garlic Brussels Sprouts
- Oven-Roasted Blue Cheese Cabbage Steaks
Be sure to tag us (@primaledgehealth or #primaledgehealth) on Instagram and Facebook to share your photos with us and others interested in top quality, nutrient dense, low-carb food!
Weekly Food Prep Tips
- Once a week (like after going to the farmer’s market), set aside time to saute the fresh vegetables and herbs to keep in the fridge and have on hand throughout the week
- Make a low-carb staple like cauliflower rice once a week
- Wash, trim, and chop vegetables at once. Store in Tupperware in the fridge for easy access, ready to go when you are.
Looking for real low-carb vegetable recipes that you would actually make?
Picture this, It’s a week night after work or it’s lunch time and the kids are hungry…now, what can you make asap that is nutritious, quick, and easy?
This collection of 15 Easy Low-Carb Vegetable Recipes provides various templates for the different ways of preparing vegetables. All recipes are simple, sensible, practical, and economical. On the table, vegetables don’t always steal the show but they do add a flair of flavor and a welcome splash of color.
15 Easy Low-Carb Vegetable Recipes
How to Bulk Prep Vegetables for the Week – Primal Edge Health
Lemon Sauteed Spinach – Dinner with the Rollos
Savory Ketogenic Vegetable Muffins – Primal Edge Health
Mexican Roasted Zucchini – Bowl of Delicious
Low-Carb Alternative to Mashed Potatoes – Primal Edge Health
How to Make Cauliflower Rice (Two Ways) – Primal Edge Health
Garlic Butter Baby Brussels Sprouts – Aunt Bees Recipes
Braised Vegetable Tutorial – Primal Edge Health
Garlic Butter Sauteed Asparagus – Rasa Malaysia
Homemade Sauerkraut – Primal Edge Health
Brown Butter Almond Green Beans – Through Her Looking Glass
Quick and Easy Coconut Creamed Leafy Greens – Primal Edge Health
Simple Skillet Green Beans – Healthy Seasonal Recipes
Roasted Garlic Asparagus and Mushrooms – Ahead of Thyme
Rosemary Roasted Radishes – Eat the Gains
Enjoy maximizing nutrient density in your daily diet?
Get The Ketogenic Edge Cookbook!
It is a great kitchen resource and inspiration for low-carb, ketogenic, and paleo cuisine!
Available only in our shop – come and support our work!
Gloria Gordon
Saw you tonight on Utube. I’m 66 and have just recently started LCHF lifestyle and so far down 17 lbs. Feeling great but want to move a little more toward KETO way. You have inspired me and your cookbook is just what I need. Thank you.