Going keto shopping tomorrow for the first time. Can someone give me an actual list of what to buy? Not a general "eat fat and protein" guide but a literal shopping list of specific foods I should get. Budget is around $80 for one week.
Here's a literal first-week shopping list for one person:
Proteins: 1 dozen eggs, 1 lb ground beef 80/20, 4 chicken thighs (bone-in), 1 pack bacon (12 oz), 1 pack sliced deli turkey (check carbs - under 1g), 1 can tuna
Fats/Dairy: 1 lb butter (store brand), 1 pint heavy whipping cream, 1 block cheddar cheese (8oz), 4 oz cream cheese, 1 bag shredded mozzarella
Vegetables: 1 bag frozen broccoli, 1 bag spinach, 1 head cabbage (or 1 bag coleslaw mix), 1 bag romaine lettuce, 2 zucchini, 1 bag cauliflower florets
Oils: Olive oil if you don't have it, avocado oil spray
Pantry: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, everything bagel seasoning (versatile keto seasoning), 1 container bouillon cubes or bone broth for electrolytes
This $60-70 of food gives you: protein at every meal, fat for cooking and richness, vegetables for micronutrients and fiber, and the base of bouillon for electrolytes. Week 2 you'll know what you liked and can build on it.
Perfect list. I'd add avocados if budget allows — 2-3 avocados. High fat, extremely nutrient-dense, versatile. Also No-Salt from the spice aisle ($4) if you'll be taking electrolytes seriously from day one (which you should).
Practical tip: don't buy keto specialty products your first week. No keto bread, no keto bars, no keto ice cream. Your first week is about learning to eat real keto food. The specialty products can come later once you understand the foundation — and you may find you don't need them anyway.
This is exactly what I needed — not principles but an actual list. Going shopping in 2 hours. Thank you!