Top Ten Keto Foods
The keto diet is a low carb, moderate protein, high HEALTHY fat way of eating. Just as important as the number of carbs eaten, a clean keto diet focuses on nutrition as well. The following foods and ingredients are not just the best choices based on their low carb content, but they are also the healthiest and most nutrient dense foods that should be incorporated into a keto diet plan. 
#1 Shellfish
Clams, oysters, mussels, lobster, crab and shrimp are at the top of the list because they are high in trace minerals such as zinc, selenium, iodine and chromium, and omega 3 fatty acids.
#2 Wild-Caught Salmon
Of all of the fish, wild-caught salmon has the highest amount of omega 3 fatty acids, beneficial for the health of the eyes, brain and heart. Wild-caught salmon is not only a better choice than farm-raised because it has a healthier ratio of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats to inflammatory omega-6 fats, but it has less dangerous contaminants such as Dioxin, a toxin released by incinerated trash and PCB's, a chemical used to make paint and plastic! The main factor that separates the nutritional breakdown between the two is the diet the salmon is fed. Wild-caught salmon eats other organisms in nature while farm-raised are fed a higher-fat, processed diet to produce larger fish. While farm-raised salmon might be less costly, you might be saving money at the expense of your health.
#3 Green Leafy Vegetables
Chocked full of minerals such as potassium and magnesium and vitamin C, green leafy vegetables such as romaine lettuce and spinach are easy to digest and help the body absorb nutrients. It's best to consume these vegetables raw to obtain their optimal nutritional benefits.
#4 Sardines
Loaded with as much omega-3 fatty acids as salmon, this little oily fish packs 17 grams of protein in just one serving. In addition to being a high quality protein, one serving of sardines contains nearly 300 mg of calcium - more than a glass of milk - providing half of the recommended daily requirement.
#5 Organic, Pasture-raised Eggs
Pasture-raised, organic eggs are an essential food in the ketogenic diet, Perfect for helping to kickstart healthy weight loss, eggs can play an integral role in helping your body transition into a high fat burning mode. In addition to their nutritional qualities, eggs are an ideal keto food because they are so versatile. Scrambled, fried, poached or hard-boiled, eggs can be eaten at just about any time of day. Additionally, eggs are a key ingredient in many keto recipes so keep several dozen on hand. But don't skimp on quality. Though eggs can be found for as little as $1.00 a dozen, its wise to invest in the higher quality, organic, pasture-raised eggs because they do not have the hormones and chemical additives. Like salmon, the quality of an egg depends on the diet of the chicken laying it. And despite a half a century of misinformation to the contrary, current research shows that consumption of eggs is not associated with high cholesterol. Eggs contain essential fatty acids, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Rich in B12, D, iron, choline and selenium, eggs are probably the most cost effective animal protein available, containing about 5 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein, making them an ideal keto food.
#6 Cruciferous Vegetables
Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Arugula, Bok Choy, Broccoli Rabe, Collard Greens, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Kale and Watercress, to name a few, are loaded with phytonutrients which are cancer -fighting properties decrease complications from diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's, decreasing the damages caused by these diseases.
#7 Avocado
Considered the "King of Keto", this is one of the few fruits considered keto friendly because of its high healthy-fat and low net carb content. Though each medium avocado contains about 8.5 grams of carbs, the high fiber content, (about 7 grams) makes this a low carb choice.
#8 Olives and Olive Oil
In addition to being high in healthy monosaturated fats, the oleic acids in olives have long been associated with improved heart health and may also protect the LDL-cholesterol in the blood from oxidation. Olives are a beautiful addition to many recipes but because they help you feel fuller longer, they make for a great for in-between meal snack.
#9 Grass-fed and Grass-finished Beef In addition to being a quality protein source, the CLA levels in grass-fed meats are 2-3 times greater than in the grain-fed alternative. The toxins that are consumed by grain-fed animals accumulate in the animal's fat stores which gets passed down the food chain into the human body. Animals fed hormones and antibiotics to create larger livestock, unnaturally, also contribute to disease in humans who consume their meat. To complicate the situation, there is a big difference between grass-fed and grass finished beef. Grass-fed means the cattle was fed grass but it is possible they also ate supplements at some point in their lives, most likely toward the end, to boost their size. Grass-finished, on the other hand means that the cow has eaten an exclusive grass-fed diet from start to finish, hence the name.
10. Ghee (Clarified butter)
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