Although keto diets are typically thought of as an omnivorous diet filled with meat and dairy, it is possible to be a vegan and reap the benefits of carb restriction and ketosis at the same time.

To implement the diet correctly, you must follow these rules:

• Limit your total carbohydrate consumption to 35 grams or less per day.
• Eliminate all meat, fish, and other animal products from your diet.
• Eat plenty of low-carb vegetables.
• Get at least 70% of your calories from plant-based fats.
• Consume around 25% of your calories from plant-based proteins.
• Supplement with nutrients that you may not be getting enough of like vitamins D3, B12, & B6, DHA & EPA, iron, zinc, creatine, and taurine.

Use the keto calculator to figure out your calorie and macronutrient needs.

Your diet should be mostly made up of these foods:

• Vegan “meats” — tempeh, tofu, seitan, and other high-protein, low-carb vegan “meats”
• Mushrooms — shiitake, king oyster, lion’s mane, etc.
• Leafy greens – spinach, kale, etc.
• Above ground vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, etc.
• High fat “dairy” alternatives – unsweetened coconut-based yogurt, coconut cream, vegan cheeses, etc.
• Nuts and seeds – pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.
• Avocado and berries – raspberries, blackberries, and other low glycemic impact berries
• Fermented foods — Natto, sauerkraut, kim chi, etc.
• Sea vegetables — dulse, bladderwack, kelp, etc.
• Sweeteners – stevia, erythritol, monk fruit, and other low-carb sweeteners >
• Other fats – coconut oil, olive oil, MCT oil, red palm oil, etc.

For more info on how to follow the vegan keto diet (along with vegan dairy alternatives and a sample meal plan), check out our comprehensive guide to the vegan ketogenic diet.