Protein is an essential component of any diet; however, it becomes even more critical to monitor your protein intake if you plan to try keto. To enter ketosis, you will need to virtually eradicate carbohydrates from your diet, replacing these lost calories with fat and protein. Generally, those on a keto diet aim to consume 75% of their calories from fat, 20% from protein, and 5% from carbohydrates, which means brushing up on some keto-friendly high protein snacks. Here are a few to consider. 

• Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs were once seen as unhealthy due to their high cholesterol content, but new research now suggests that consuming eggs does not increase your heart disease risk and could help you lose weight and tackle obesity. A single boiled egg contains a massive 6.5g of protein, which can help keep you feeling full for longer while only contributing 70 calories to your daily budget. Quick to prepare and easy to eat, simply boil some eggs in their shells, peel, and then store them in the fridge until you are ready to eat them.  

• Nuts

If boiling and peeling eggs seem like too much work, then nuts may just be the most convenient keto-friendly snack that there is. Be sure to stick to lower carb varieties such as pecans, brazils, macadamias, walnuts, and hazelnuts, packed with healthy fats and essential nutrients. To prevent overeating, always weigh your nuts out before you eat them, and try to avoid flavor combinations that could contain hidden sugar. 

• Pumpkin Seeds

Like nuts, pumpkin seeds are another super convenient and nutritious keto-friendly snack that can be easily consumed on the go. A one-ounce serving of shelled pumpkin seeds contains 7g of protein and 13g of fat while only comprising 5g of carbs, making them a keto-friendly food when eaten in moderation. If you have a pumpkin at home, then why not try roasting some yourself? Or if you prefer your seeds without the extra effort then check out our fantastic range of seeds here at Ayoub’s. 

• Grilled Halloumi 

Halloumi is a deliciously salty cheese that tastes amazing grilled on the BBQ in summer or thrown under the grill in the over in winter. Unlike mozzarella, brie, or even cheddar, halloumi holds its shape when heated, making it a great cheese to eat warm. When grilled, one-ounce of halloumi contains only 1g of carbohydrates while providing 7g of fat and 6g of protein. 

• Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese Rollups 

Finally, for something a little more refined and which wouldn’t look out of place at a dinner party, try simple rolling some smoked salmon around a dollop of full-fat soft cream cheese. Smoked salmon is a brilliant keto-friendly food packed with healthy fats such as omega-3 while containing 0 net carbs. Although you could simply eat the salmon on its own, pairing it with some full-fat cream cheese makes a delicious canape or mid-afternoon pick me up. 

Although at first, the keto diet may seem restrictive, there are still so many foods that you can eat. Take some time to do some research before you start the diet and fill your pantry with plenty of keto staples such as nuts and seeds to see you through your snack cravings.