By Dr. Robi Ludwig
‘Tis the season for trimming down. As we approach the New Year, most of us are eyeing the numbers on the scale in addition to soaking up the splendid sights of the season. For many, the approach of the New Year is also a time to reset and embark on a healthier lifestyle, in addition to slimming and trimming the waistline.
The Keto diet is a favorite among many as it offers more of a lifestyle approach to weigh control, rather than a crash and burn outcome. Hot off the presses is a new Keto cookbook, Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook by best-selling author Maya Krampf, which just hit store shelves on December 16th by … it promises healthy, delicious, and easy dishes you can create at home. No fuss and all filling!
Don’t miss a beat! Click HERE to become a BELLA Insider!
What makes this cookbook different from other Keto cookbooks out there?
My goal with the Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook is to give people simple alternatives for the carbs they miss most when following this lifestyle, including bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, desserts, and more, without making them complicated or using artificial ingredients. This is the only book dedicated to “keto carbs” that presents the options in an effortless way. Like my blog, the recipes follow my “10 ingredients or less” mantra, and I tried to keep the prep as simple as possible. In addition, every recipe includes a full-color photo, macro breakdown, tips and variations, storage and freezing instructions, and labels for recipes that have dairy-free, nut-free, and vegetarian options.
Why is the Keto diet still one of the most popular eating habits around?
Keto is here for the long haul because it works so well, and it feels less restrictive than low-calorie or low-fat diets. The obvious result most people are looking for is weight loss, and the keto diet’s ability to control blood sugar and insulin makes it so effective for that. But the benefits go beyond that. I have been following a low carb lifestyle for over a decade, and the improvements in my mood and energy levels have been so compelling that I would never want to go back.
What is your favorite holiday recipe/dish growing up and how can you still enjoy that today with remaining true to the Keto method?
Not sure if it is “holiday enough”, but I have always had such a big thing for banana bread! I have a keto banana bread recipe here. I made it keto friendly by using a blend of my own Wholesome Yum Almond Flour and Coconut Flour in place of wheat flour, Besti Sweetener in place of sugar (it works so well because it not only tastes like sugar, but makes the bread super moist), and real banana extract to make it taste like there are bananas in there. This bread is so popular with readers that I included it in the Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook as well, though over 70% of the recipes in the book are brand new, not on the blog. I also have a video for the bread on my YouTube channel.
What is a great Keto dish to serve at holiday cocktail parties?
Bacon wrapped asparagus and air fryer chicken wings make fun appetizers that everyone can enjoy, keto or not. For a fancier holiday meal, easy lobster tails or lamb chops can be paired with a roasted vegetable, and for the non-keto crowd, potatoes on the side. That is one of my best tips for making easy keto meals without having to cook separate meals for the family. If not, everyone is keto, make a protein and veggie side for everyone, and those who aren’t low carb can simply add a starch, like potatoes or rice. No need to cook two separate meals!
What is another great Keto holiday dessert you would recommend serving?
Keto cheesecake! It has been the most popular dessert recipe on my blog for over 4 years, because it tastes just like a regular cheesecake — and who does not love cheesecake?! (The Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook also includes a mini version with caramel topping.)
What are some of the misconceptions people have about eating the Keto way?
I think the biggest misconceptions people have thought that it is an unhealthy way of eating and that it is a high protein diet. Many people think of meat when they think of keto. While unprocessed meats are encouraged, they are by far not the only food keto followers should be eating, and in fact, too much protein can be detrimental. It is not all bacon and butter. I believe in a clean keto lifestyle focused on whole foods, which means plenty of low carb vegetables, healthy fats (like avocado, olive oil, and grass-fed butter), low carb fruits (berries), unprocessed meat, poultry, and seafood, and, in moderation, nuts and dairy products. The term “keto” is not very regulated now, and in recent years, I’ve seen many companies slap “keto” on packaging just to catch people’s attention; when you look at the label, they often contain a bunch of processed, artificial ingredients. Just like any other dietary lifestyle, it is about balance and making healthy choices. I have a helpful keto shopping list here that explains what to focus on for those getting started.
How easy are the recipes in your book to create?
EASY! It is called the Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook, right?! I have tried to be detailed in the instructions, using as few ingredients as possible, and easy recipes are just always my jam. Some good examples are Garlic Parmesan Biscuits (ready in under 30 minutes), Chicken Crust Pizza (with a 5-ingredient crust), Zoodle Pasta Salad (one bowl and no cooking!), 3-Ingredient Egg Noodles (yes, really!), Cheese Taco Cups (fill the 10-minute shells with quick, classic toppings), and Easy Ice
https://www.wholesomeyum.com/keto-carbs-cookbook/
LIVE YOUR MOST BELLA LIFE!
BELLA Magazine is a national subscription- and newsstand-based lifestyle publication offering a curated guide to fashion, beauty, health, philanthropy, arts and culture, cuisine, celebrities, and entertainment.
At BELLA, we spotlight the ideal that Life Is BEAUTIFUL!
Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe + #follow @bellamag.co!
