Are these common keto foods really actually healthy?

She Ketos with Amy Hume Wellness, keto for moms, keto for women

Author - Amy Hume- Mom and Holistic Nutritionist, Keto Coach for Moms, and Founder of She Ketos

The keto diet is well-known for its ability to help with weight loss, boost energy, and support better mental clarity, especially when following healthy keto recipes. However, not every food labelled “keto-friendly” is truly good for you

In fact, some foods that are commonly called healthy keto foods may not be as healthy as you think. There are many "healthy foods" that I don't feed my family or put in any meal plan I make.


As a holistic Nutrition practitioner, the most important thing that I worry about when I make keto meal plans for moms and families is, whether am I making sure that moms and families are getting the best nutrition that they can. And are they able to do Keto in the most healthy way possible?


Many women come to keto for weight loss which is how I got started too, but when I learned how good I could feel when I formulated my meal plans to optimize my health I felt emotionally and physically better than ever.


I want you to experience feeling that good too, which is why I make these meal plans for moms like you in the first place. There is so much info out there, it can be hard to put it all together and know if you are getting it right.



So why I am leaving these ingredients out of my meal plans, and my kitchen most of the time?


I say "most of the time", because here at She Ketos, we teach most of the time not perfection, we’ve all got to live on the wild side sometimes…Am I right ?

KETO FOODS TO AVOID

Spinach and Kale. Nutrient Powerhouses with a Catch

Spinach and kale are popular choices on the keto diet because they’re low in carbs and packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, K, and loads of iron. However, there’s a downside that many people overlook—oxalates. Both spinach and kale are high in oxalates, compounds that can bind with calcium and lead to kidney stones in some people, among other things.

A quick Google search for oxalates will bring you more info than you ever wanted to know about these things. My biggest issue though, is how too much of them makes my joints feel. No, thank you!


Loading up on the spinach and kale found in many healthy keto recipes might not be the best choice. Not to mention, the nutrition in spinach is really hard for your body to even use. A better option is to cook the spinach, but even then the best option is to choose a different leafy veg.


What I do instead? I Swap spinach and kale with low-oxalate greens like arugula, romaine, or bok choy in all the recipes I put in my meal plan. Choosing other leafy greens that still offer nutrients without the risk of oxalate buildup is one of the choices I make when I am making my

Almonds. Nutritious but Easy to Overdo

Almonds are often hailed as a great snack on keto due to their high fat content and low carbs. They’re also a go-to for almond flour in baked goods and delicious keto desserts. The issue? Almonds are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess. Over time, an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids may lead to health issues like heart disease or joint inflammation

And to top it off once again, we have to talk about oxalates. Almonds are packed full of them, and the last thing you need is kidney stones!


What I do instead: Instead of relying on almonds for your fats, I test out recipes that have almond flour with other options like sunflower flower or macadamia nut flour. Another option is psyllium husk which is super high in fiber and has a nice whole grain flavor. When I find ones that work out, that is what I put in my keto meal plan.

foods to avoid on keto

Seed Oils: Hidden Inflammation Traps

Keto is all about the fat. In some keto communities the quality of the fat doesn’t matter, as log as you are getting it. What you need to know is not all fasts are created equal. Seed and vegetable oils like sunflower, soybean, and canola oil are often used in keto-friendly snacks and dressings, but these oils are highly processed and rich in omega-6 fatty acids

This can create a pro-inflammatory environment in the body, negating many of the anti-inflammatory benefits of the keto diet. Chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health issues, including heart disease and obesity—two conditions many turn to keto to avoid.


And on a side note, because these oils are super-processed your body doesn’t process them quite as well, so they are more likely to be stored as fat, instead of used for all the amazing things fat gets used for, like your feel-good hormones. So if your goal is to lose weight and feel as good then maybe they are not the best choice for you most of the time.


What I do instead: Stick to healthier fats like olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil, which are more stable and less likely to cause inflammation. These oils are also rich in antioxidants and are more suitable for cooking at high temperatures. And when in doubt use butter. Whole food fats are always the best option for any good keto recipe.

Erythritol. A Sweet Alternative with BIG Concerns

Erythritol is a popular sugar substitute on keto because it doesn’t spike blood sugar. However, while it’s considered safe in moderate amounts, erythritol can cause digestive issues for some people, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It can also alter the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to longer-term digestive problems.

foods to avoid on keto

It has also been linked recently to heart issues, and the studies were pretty solid, eating too much erythritol means you might be creating problems for yourself. Most sugar-free sugar options come with concerns so make sure you do not over do any of them


What I do instead: I love a good sweet flavoured fat bomb, or even adding sweetness in my dressings, so what I always have on hand and put in my keto meal plans is stevia, because I find for my family and my clients it is very well tolerated and it really does add the sweet flavour we are looking for sometimes.

healthy keto foods to avoid

Keto Wraps May be Convenient, but Are They Clean?

Keto wraps can be a convenient option for keto for beginners who need a quick meal on the go. But many store-bought keto wraps are made with highly processed ingredients, including gluten, preservatives, and artificial flavourings. These additives can disrupt digestion and may contribute to inflammation, which contradicts the core benefits of a clean, whole-food-based keto diet.

And that is not even talking about the problems with gluten and how it impacts the gut and how it can promote inflammation because of the forever chemicals on it. Over all, I say just skip these most of the time.


What to do instead: Inside my healthy keto meal plan I put recipes for homemade wraps. The best recipe I have found is the keto cottage cheese flatbread, which is high in protein and doesn’t fall apart! The trick is to flip it halfway through so it's brown and lightly crisped on both sides, most recipes do not tell you that part. Maybe I will make that recipe for you soon!

Prioritizing Truly Healthy Keto Foods

While many foods on the keto diet are marketed as healthy, it’s important to take a closer look at what you’re consuming. Prioritizing whole, minimally processed ingredients in your keto meals will help you maintain better health in the long run. Being mindful of foods like spinach, almonds, seed oils, erythritol, and keto wraps will set you up for success not just with weight loss but also having a body that feels good. And again, what did I say at the beginning, you do not have to be perfect, just do your best.



Remember, a successful keto lifestyle is not just about keeping carbs low—it’s about choosing high-quality ingredients that support your overall well-being.


If this whole keto thing feels like too much work or you just want to know you are doing it right then check out my healthy keto meal plans for moms and families. They are holistic keto plans designed to optimize your health and wellbeing first, and weight loss second( if you need it).


Healthy keto meal plan for moms and families

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