cheesy garlic bread – keto friendly!

Keto has been around since the 1920s. While most people today start the ketogenic diet to lose weight or otherwise improve their health, the eating strategy originated as a treatment for epilepsy.  Twenty days ago Mr. S and I embarked on this new way of eating.  It was Mr. S’s work colleague/friend said he’s been following a keto-friendly diet since January and has lost 15 kg!

There were other factors that prompted us to pivot to a keto diet.  Would it help lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure while increasing HDL cholesterol?  If a reduction were to happen, that would make Mr. S very happy as he takes medication for cholesterol and blood pressure.

This change to our diet has seen us both shed some weight; I have lost 2kg and Mr. S lost 3kg.  When embarking on anything new that changes the way we eat, research is key.  It was suggested we watch this general-purpose video to get a better understanding of what a ketonic diet entailed and the rationale behind it.  In a nutshell, restricting total carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day causes the body to enter ketosis and burn fat for energy.  We’re still learning but one thing we haven’t felt and that is hunger.  The original recipe came from the Fathead movie and different sites have tweaked it a bit. Give it a go and if you like it, make it as a pizza base. Here’s my take:

makes 8 slices

1 3/4 cups grated mozzarella
3/4 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons coconut flour
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg, lightly beaten
fresh basil for garnish

Preheat oven to 425f (220c).  In a glass microwavable bowl, add mozzarella, flours, cream cheese, garlic, and baking powder.  Stir to mix then microwave on HIGH for 1 minute.  Place the bowl back in the microwave on HIGH for a further 30 seconds.  Remove and add the egg.  Mix gently to incorporate into the dough.

On a parchment-lined baking tray, add mixture.

Form into a garlic bread shape. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from oven and slice.  Garnish with fresh basil.

The Culinary Chase’s Note:

We drink plenty of water throughout the day and is highly recommended when doing keto.  Best way to remember to drink water?  Have a glass right after coming from the washroom! Regardless of any change in eating habits, water is key for maintaing the health of your body.  Enjoy!