number one mistake that might be stalling your weight loss on keto.

Today I'll be talking about keto foods. Here's everything you need to get started to lose weight or improve your health on a keto diet.

The number one thing to know is what to eat. To be successful on keto, you will want to eat very few carbs, less than 20 grams of net carbs per day. You'll want to eat foods that are very low in carbs like meat, poultry and seafood, including fatty cuts like ribeye steak and fried chicken thighs.

Eggs and cheese are also excellent keto options. They are versatile and convenient whether eaten alone or combined, as the crust for a delicious keto pizza. What about vegetables? There are dozens of vegetables that you can enjoy on a keto diet like salad greens, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, avocados and butter fried cabbage.

Eat these vegetables in a side dish, stir fry or in a salad with protein foods. For example, a Cobb salad with chicken, egg, cheese, greens, tomato, avocado and creamy Ranch dressing is a great keto option. Use butter or oil for cooking or making creamy sauces, and most nuts are okay to eat as long as you keep the portions small.

Number two, what should you drink? Water, coffee or tea are your best options. Now I know what you're thinking and don't worry. You can also enjoy an occasional glass of dry wine or unsweetened spirits on a keto diet.

Overall, though, choose beverages that are carb free and save your carbs for vegetables, berries, nuts and other nourishing keto foods. Number three, what foods and drinks should you avoid? Avoid starchy foods like bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, crackers, tortillas and similar items. All of these, even healthy whole grains, are too high in carbs for a keto diet.

Also, stay away from anything made with sugar such as candy, cakes, cookies, donuts, ice cream, sweetened yogurt or breakfast cereals. Even natural sugars like fruit are off limits, except some berries in small amounts. For drinks, avoid fruit juice, soda and sweet alcoholic drinks.

Let's do a quick recap. Remember, to be successful on a keto diet, you will want to eat very few carbs, less than 20 grams of net carbs per day. You will need to avoid foods high in sugar or starch, such as desserts and bread.

Now the good news is you will eat lots of flavorful foods, including all types of meat, fish, eggs and vegetables topped with butter or a creamy sauce. Missing potatoes, pasta, rice or bread? There are many keto friendly substitutions for all of your high carb favorites.

What's the number one mistake that you might be making on a keto diet? Adding lots of fat to your food because you think it will help you burn body fat.

This is not only a big mistake, it's also the number one keto myth. Eating very few carbs can help lower insulin levels, which allows you to access your body fat for energy. However, if you eat a lot of fat, then your body will end up burning the excess fat that you have eaten rather than the fat stored on your body.

So while you can enjoy fatty meats, cheese and other rich foods, don't go crazy with added fats. Just include enough for flavor. I've heard the keto diet criticized for being boring, unsustainable and limiting food choices to bacon, butter and burgers without the bun.

The truth is, keto diet allows a wide variety of tasty foods based on your own preferences. I can almost guarantee that you will become a keto fan once you try this delicious way of eating and see how it can help you lose weight and feel better.