Keto Means
Photo by Pixabay Pexels Logo Photo: Pixabay

Will corn throw me out of ketosis?

Can corn kick you out of ketosis? Yes. Corn doesn't easily fit into a keto diet, because this starchy vegetable contains far too many carbohydrates. For a corn fix, popcorn may be a better occasional snack option if you are on a keto diet.

everydayhealth.com - Is Corn Keto? | Everyday Health
What can I use instead of Yum Yum Sauce?
What can I use instead of Yum Yum Sauce?

Sweet and sour sauce, spicy mayo sauce, honey mustard sauce, teriyaki sauce, and BBQ sauce are excellent substitutes for yum yum sauce. So next...

Read More »
How much weight can be lost in the first week of keto?
How much weight can be lost in the first week of keto?

Anecdotally, people report losses within the first week of anywhere from 1 pound (0.5 kg) to 10 or more pounds (5 kg). The larger you are, the more...

Read More »

Corn on the cob is a summer classic, and creamed corn pairs perfectly with barbecue. But if you’re on a keto diet, fresh corn is a food you may want to think twice about. This article explains why.

Corn Nutrition Facts

Corn is considered a starch, says Scott Keatley, RDN, of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy in New York City. “It’s a high-energy carbohydrate,” he says. There are several ways you can enjoy corn — fresh on or off the cob, frozen, or canned.

Macronutrients in Corn

Here’s the macronutrient makeup for one cup of fresh, raw yellow sweet corn, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

Carbs in corn 27 grams (g)

27 grams (g) Net carbs in corn 24 g

Net carbs is a measurement determined by total carbs minus fiber and sugar alcohols, according to Atkins. Net carbs is the amount of carbohydrates that are digested and thus affect blood sugar. Net carbs isn't an official macronutrient (like carbs, fat, and protein), but people following a keto diet often use this number as a guide to help them stay in their carb range.

Fat in corn 2 g

2 g Protein in corn 5 g

Other Nutrients in Corn

As you can see, corn is high in carbs. But in addition to a surprising amount of protein, corn offers B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and iron, notes the Mayo Clinic Health System. Plus, corn has 3 g of fiber, which makes it a good source. Fiber is a nutrient that helps keep you regular.

Can You Eat Corn on Keto?

No, not typically. “I don’t recommend corn for someone trying to stay in ketosis,” says Diana Rodgers, RD, of Sustainable Dish in Concord, Massachusetts. You may choose to avoid corn on any low-carb diet, given its higher carb content. That said, it’s possible to fit in a very small portion of fresh corn, such as a tablespoon or two, in low-carb diets such as keto, Keatley points out. Even that amount is “taking away a lot of your potential carbs,” so it really has to be worth it. If you’re wondering ‘Can I eat corn on the cob on a keto diet?’ the answer is definitely no — that is simply too much.

Is Corn Healthy?

Yes, corn is healthy, particularly because it offers a good source of fiber. But it’s not usually appropriate if you’re on a keto diet because of its high carbohydrate content, which could easily blow your carbohydrate limit for the day if you’re not careful.

Keto Recipes With Corn

Should you drain fat off meatloaf?
Should you drain fat off meatloaf?

If you bake your meatloaf in a loaf pan, which ensures a moist loaf, consider draining the fat 15 minutes before the end of the cooking time to...

Read More »
What are the symptoms of protein deficiency in a child?
What are the symptoms of protein deficiency in a child?

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition. It's most common in some developing regions where babies and children do not get enough protein or...

Read More »

Although corn is not typically recommended on a keto diet, some recipes make use of corn in inventive and keto-friendly ways. Low-Carb Mexican Street Corn Salad This recipe from That Low Carb Life cuts the corn with cauliflower for a twist on this favorite. This recipe from That Low Carb Life cuts the corn with cauliflower for a twist on this favorite. Low-Carb Keto Cornbread Chopped baby corn courtesy of KetoConnect adds the corn flavor, while almond and coconut flours keep the carb count low. Chopped baby corn courtesy of KetoConnect adds the corn flavor, while almond and coconut flours keep the carb count low. Keto Corn Tortillas Made with mostly almond flour, these tortillas, which are also from KetoConnect, get their corn flavor from a small amount of corn masa and corn extract.

What to Eat Instead of Corn

When you’re craving corn and following a keto diet, try these alternatives.

Popcorn You can eat more popcorn than fresh corn because it has fewer carbs — one cup of popped popcorn has 6 g total carbs and 1 g of fiber, notes the USDA. Plus, adds Keatley, you can pop it with or toss it in oil to meet your calorie and fat needs. Want something sweet? Sprinkle it with cinnamon or a small amount of non-nutritive sweetener, he suggests. You can eat more popcorn than fresh corn because it has fewer carbs — one cup of popped popcorn has 6 g total carbs and 1 g of fiber, notes the USDA. Plus, adds Keatley, you can pop it with or toss it in oil to meet your calorie and fat needs. Want something sweet? Sprinkle it with cinnamon or a small amount of non-nutritive sweetener, he suggests. Winter squash Corn has a nice sweet taste, but there are other veggies that do, too. If you keep your portions small, to around ¼ cup, some winter squash (5.5 g carbs when baked) is starchy but has “fewer carbohydrates and can satisfy that sweeter-tasting craving,” says Rodgers.

Summary

Can corn kick you out of ketosis? Yes. Corn doesn’t easily fit into a keto diet, because this starchy vegetable contains far too many carbohydrates. For a corn fix, popcorn may be a better occasional snack option if you are on a keto diet.

everydayhealth.com - Is Corn Keto? | Everyday Health
Do you lose more fat on an empty stomach?
Do you lose more fat on an empty stomach?

Similar research has shown that although more fat calories may be burned by exercising on an empty stomach, the total amount of calories burned is...

Read More »
Is tuna good on keto?
Is tuna good on keto?

Tuna is naturally low in carbs, making it great for the keto diet, but is also low in fiber. This means it's less likely to fill you up on its own,...

Read More »
How do you know how you smell?
How do you know how you smell?

Try this: sniff coffee or charcoal for a full minute. Then go back and take a whiff of your underarm or other potentially offending area. In a...

Read More »
How do I know if I'm bloated or fat?
How do I know if I'm bloated or fat?

Bloating Is Localized While Belly Fat Is Widespread One easy way to tell the difference between bloating and belly fat is that, with bloating, only...

Read More »