Keto Quick Start: A Beginner's Guide to a Whole-Foods Ketogenic Diet

This book is a standout in the keto space and is so needed! In a world where so many keto enthusiasts are obsessing over sky high ketone levels vs quality of food and eating nothing but meat, cheese and more cheese, Diane’s approach is refreshing, simple and smart. Keto QuickStart outlines how to take a whole foods approach to keto, dispels many myths as it relates to eating veggies (yes!), how much protein you need to feel satisfied and succeed on a keto diet (about 30 grams per meal at least), and answers pretty much every question you’d have while you’re just getting familiar with this new way of fueling your body.Diane has a great ability to simplify information that could be overly complicated and intimidating, and instead make it approachable and interesting. In all of her books, she finds a way to write about a diet in a way that is not centered around weight loss but on overall health and quality of life. She genuinely wants people to listen to their bodies and find the best approach for them, and if someone feels great eating higher carb vs keto, she is not the type to call the keto police or pass judgement at all. Plus, her books are always beautifully designed, with incredible infographics, charts and journal templates. The overall look and feel of Keto QuickStart is similar to her best selling book Practical Paleo, and I bet this new book will be just as popular and become the gold standard for all things keto.I have a few other keto books and I wish this one was out when I started to educate myself on this way of eating. It’s so much easier to follow and the recipes are delicious! So far, I’ve made the chicken tenders, hidden veggie burgers and Mediterranean meatloaf, and love them all. So much flavor and packed with nutrition! The recipes call for a ton of fresh herbs and spices that really take the flavor profile up a notch. Whether you’re following the keto diet or not, the recipes are approachable and tasty, and definitely not food that someone who isn’t following this diet would describe as a keto meal. I’m planning to attend one of Diane’s book tour events and can’t wait to pick up a few more copies for friends and family!

So - I was really torn about buying the book or not. Because I already own a few KETO books, as well as some other paleo / whole30 books (two of them written by Diane)My tries with KETO weren’t really successful so far (I got the WORST migraine ever from trying to go KETO), but I do really want to try it.So - when it was on sale I bought it, because I know other work from Diane and I know she is a real nutrition professional who knows what she is talking about.I am so glad I did!First of all, she really explains what KETO is and means, and who should do it and how. This is no “one approach fits all” approach, in the way like “when I could, you can do too”, but differentiated approaches for different kind of conditions, life styles and approachesSecond, I think the absolute game changer is her approach to EASE into KETO - to not go full blown KETO with a snap of your fingers (chapter 6). This book also includes protocols to help you keep track - different protocols for the first to week (ease into KETO) and for the “real” KETO phase, for different amount of calories.Third: even if you not decide to go KETO, the recipes in this book are amazing. I think I wasted a whole package of stick it notes to almost all of them - and I am a picky eater with picky eater kids, but I know they will love most of the recipes as well.Also, often when I see people posting their KETO recipes- full of fat, meat, cheese, sweeteners, but with no veggie or fruit to seee for days - it made me wonder how this style of living could be healthy. All of Diane’s recipe include veggies (or fruits).It is also a KETO approach that is closer to a “real food” or “paleo” approach, and it looks sustainable.Lastly, even if you don’t want to go full blown KETO, just eat better or get healthier, you will learn a lot from this book - there is no way this book is going to be a vaste of money.

This is a very well-researched and comprehensive book about ketogenic eating. The only reason I dinged it one star...and this might not be fair...I found it a little overwhelming. Journals, charts, Stage 1, Stage 2 - I got very bogged down and didn't find it to be a "quick start" at all.But, I bought an additional keto cookbook - the 5 Ingredient one - and that book, combined with this one, has been perfect. The 5-Ingredient cook book was, for me, a true "quick start." And as I got more into keto, this book, by Diane Sanfillipo, was really helpful. And it's interesting to compare the two authors' opinions and perspectives, as well.I also downloaded a carb managing app that's super helpful. I didn't think I could be bothered logging food...but it's no big deal and really helps. I don't even bother everyday anymore.I'm a lifelong yo-yo dieter, although I've probably never been more than 20 lbs overweight (at the most). But keto is just very, very easy to learn and follow. I just went on vacation in California for two weeks, and didn't think twice about it. Restaurants aren't a challenge at all - it's very simple to order what you want/need. (And I was in foodie-land!) Probably the toughest part is ignoring the basket of bread....but now that this way of eating is working so well, and I've dropped that annoying last 5 or 6 lbs, it's not hard to pass up the bread. Why would I mess with success?

This is an excellent book for anyone who is new to the Keto Diet. The book has ten chapters that focus on nutrition with titles like: Burning Fat for Fuel, Choosing Healthy Fats, Getting Started on Your Keto Quick Start, FAQs and Meal Plans. The rest of the book is dedicated to recipes for breakfast, chicken dishes, beef dishes, pork and seafood dishes. There are also recipes for sides, snacks and dips, spice blends sauces and dressings and treats. At the back of the book , there is an allergy index, recipe index and general index.I have made the Italian Sausage, Pepper and Spinach Frittata, the Best Tasting Chicken and the Lemon Caper Salmon recipes and they all turned out great. I also made the Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie, but I didn't like it, however, it was as good as others I've seen similar books.The recipes work well for people who are on grain free diets and can be modified to fit with the SCD diet and other food allergies. I'm glad I bought the book and look forward to trying some of the other recipes.

I never give 5 stars to anything but this book is exceptional. I bought about 5 books for the keto diet and this is the best. It is clearly laid out in a good font, well illustrated, well laid out in manageable portions and had the most useful information that gave me confidence. Even though it is entitled Quick Start it is actually a comprehensive book which covers all aspects including issues you may have when starting a keto diet and how to deal with them.

Full disclosure, I am a huge fan of Diane Sanflilippo, so when she announced her Keto cookbook I was super excited as I had just started the Keto diet. Her book like her others, are practical full of knowledge and science, but not overwhelming or complicated. Part science and part food - you cannot go wrong with grabbing this book! Her recipes are fantastic, well laid out, and easy to follow, not to mention extremely tasty. So if you are new to Keto or a seasoned Keto-er, grab this book, you will learn a lot and have fantastic food.

Diane has been my go-to for all things Paleo since the first time I tried Paleo in 2013. I was such a huge fan of both Practical Paleo and the 21 Day Sugar Detox that I knew I had to get Keto Quick Start ASAP. She provides such a vast amount of knowledge in a non-overwhelming way. Recipes are amazing - I've made the Stir Fry Bowl & the Coconut Chicken Tenders already. Plus, she includes the recipes for the actual spice blends she SELLS!

This book is easy to follow. She breaks down the keto diet and science behind it perfectly so everyone can understand. Ive completed one full week of her meal plan and loved every single recipe so far. She makes the meal plan super simple to follow with a full grocery list for each week. As with her other books she continues to follow the same format for dietary requirements or restrictions for each recipe. You will not be disappointed with this book.