Pesto Grilled Shrimp

low-carb keto recipes are worthy of being included in your monthly meal plan.

The ketogenic diet, in simple words, is a really low-carb diet. It’s also referred to as the low-carb high-fat diet or LCHF. The threshold differs from one person to another but generally speaking, it’s below 30 grams per day. 

The correct way to follow a keto diet isn’t about an-all meat diet. The major focus should be on fat consumption. A higher intake of protein can be a bad thing. However, it also doesn’t mean eliminating all sorts of vegetables. Instead, focus your shift on cruciferous vegetables and left greens that are low in net cards and high in fibre.

Light, fresh and yummy, this dish makes for a perfect keto recipe to try in summers!

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Quantity: 4 servings
184 calories per serving
[ratings]

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, washed, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp roasted pine nuts
• 1 clove of garlic
• ½ cup basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a grinder, add pepper, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic and basil and grind until a smooth paste is formed.
2. Use this pesto paste to marinate the shrimp and let it marinate for 20 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Skewer the shrimp before grilling on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Protein: 18 g
Sugar: 0
Fiber: 0
Carbs: 2 g
Sodium: 755 g 
Cholesterol: 147 mg
Trans fat: 0
Saturated fat: 2 g 
Total fat: 11 g 
Calories: 184

Benefits of a Keto Diet

Here are ten proven health benefits of keto diets:

#1. Help reduce appetite as they are low-carb diets

Studies show that cutting carbs automatically leads to a reduction in calorie intake and appetite. 

#2. Rapid Weight Loss

Keto diets are excellent if you’re planning to lose weight in a short amount of time.

#3. Helps Reduce Harmful Abdominal Fat

Keto diets are effective at reducing harmful abdominal fat which can drastically reduce the risk of type II diabetes and heart disease.

#4. Reduces Triglycerides

Keto diets are extremely effective at lowering triglycerides (fat molecules responsible for increasing the risk of heart disease).

#5. Increases HDL Cholesterol

As Keto diets contain fewer carbs, they increase blood levels of HDL cholesterol.

#6. Reduces Insulin and Blood Sugar Levels

The best way to reduce your insulin and blood sugar levels is to reduce your intake of carbs. This might also reverse type II diabetes.

#7. Lowers Blood Pressure

Hypertension or elevated blood pressure can be reduced by lowering your intake of carbs. 

#8. Helps Combat Metabolic Syndrome

A healthy low-carb diet is a great way to reverse all five main symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

#9. Improves LDL Cholesterol Levels

Reducing your carbs intake is a sure-shot way of reducing the number of total LDL particles in your bloodstream.

#10. Great for Brain Disorders

Keto diets have proven beneficial in treating epilepsy and other brain conditions.

Now that you’ve understood the basics and the benefits, let’s dive into some easy, healthy keto recipes that are rich, satisfactory and flavourful.