Seafood for the Keto Diet

If you’re one of the 45 million Americans that diet every year, you’ve probably heard of the keto diet. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has its advocates boasting about its ability to help them lose weight, improve mood, and increase energy.

Weight loss is achieved by replacing carbs with fats in your meal plan, resulting in a state of ketosis in which the body burns the ketones produced by fat – instead of the glucose from carbs – for energy. As your body is deprived of carbohydrates, it looks for other fuel sources. As a result, fat isn’t stored but is, instead, burned, breaking it down into molecules called "ketone bodies" that it uses for energy (a process called ketosis). The result? Weight loss. 

While nutritionists and dietitians haven’t agreed on a “standard” keto diet, the typical keto dieter ensures their diet includes 70-80% fat, 20% protein, and 5% carbohydrates. Of course this means butter and bacon are on the menu, but seafood - particularly those with higher fat content - can be a delicious addition.

“If the diet is done right, you can lose a substantial amount of weight,” says Josh Axe, doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist.

While we believe in reaching and maintaining a healthy weight through healthy food choices, Fulton Fish Market encourages you to consult your doctor, health care professional, or dietitian before starting a keto diet or any diet.

Like many diets including Weight Watchers™, many varieties of fresh fish and seafood adhere to the keto diet. That’s good news for you seafood lovers out there, who already know that seafood contains a range of nutrients, including healthy omega-3 fats that support heart, brain and heart health. In fact, we encourage you make seafood your plate’s main protein twice a week! 

Here are some of our (and your) keto-friendly fish favorites.

Salmon – Packed with a high fat content, salmon – particularly wild salmon – serves up a robust, buttery flavor that is versatile across many keto recipes at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Cod – Cod makes the cut on our keto list because it’s low in carbohydrates – just 2% of your recommended daily value.

Mackerel – Its oily, dark flesh makes it a keto diet necessity because of its high fat content. 

Tuna – Think beyond the can and try wild fresh tuna in your favorite keto fish recipes. This low-carb and omega-3 rich favorite lends itself deliciously to many preparations ranging from raw to seared to grilled.

And we can’t forget other keto seafood selections from shellfish and bivalves:

Shrimp – This low-carb selection is a keto seafood favorite for dieters with kids because shrimp is universally liked by all ages.

Mussels – Belgian-favorite mussels make the cut because their rich meat is a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Looking for a keto-friendly drink? Try heating mussel juice with butter!

Crab – Fresh crab is another top keto seafood choice because its low-carb meat can be enjoyed at all meals – from breakfast omelets to crab salad to steamed crab.

Shopping for a keto meal plan doesn’t have to be daunting, difficult, or pricey. At FultonFishMarket.com, our seafood selections are carefully curated by our quality team so that only the best seafood makes it to your table.