The keto diet. Such a small word with such a big meaning for those who follow it. But let’s start from the beginning. The ketogenic diet is a very strict high-fat, moderate-protein and super low-carb diet that makes your body use fat as fuel, aka putting it into a “fat-burning mode.”

But once you reach ketosis (the state of breaking down fat instead of glucose for energy) and start shedding pounds, you have to make sure to stay there by eating keto-friendly foods that won’t kick you out of ketosis. That’s where it gets tricky, because Chinese cuisine often contains high-carb ingredients, which are a big no-no if you’re on keto.

The obvious diet-wreckers are rice, noodles, jiaozi wrappers and such, but there are a lot more hidden carbs in all the delicious sauces, dips and often even meat and veggies themselves.

So, can you eat keto in Beijing? The answer is yes, it’s absolutely possible to eat low-carb and stay in ketosis, even if you’re a busy parent with no time for food prep.

Local supermarkets and Sam’s Club

A lot of the things that form the basis of a keto diet are available at your local supermarket: fatty pork, cheese, eggs, butter, avocados, etc. The IKEA salmon is pretty good and affordable. What you have to steer clear of is the widely available peanut oil and rapeseed oil, and switch over to healthier oils, such as avocado and olive oil.

You can find unsweetened Greek-style yogurt and keto ice-cream at Sam’s Club, both super delicious.The KETO PINT Salted Caramel Crunch Ice Cream is available in packs of twelve bars, with 15g of carbs and 24g of fat per 100g.

Mary Sweets

Mary Sweets has established itself as one of the leading home bakeries that makes cakes, bread, donuts, brownies … you name it. But that’s not all. Luckily for all our keto people, Mary Sweets also offers some yummy low-carb goodies: bread, keto wraps, pizza crusts, buns, cakes, brownies, protein bars, and more.

Mary Sweets delivers across the country. To order from their WeChat shop, scan the code:

iRaw&Rock

iRaw&Rock, formerly known as Mr. Raw, has been rocking Beijing’s health and wellness scene with their mouth-watering smoothies and juices. As iRaw&Rock is all about helping people achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle and eating fresh, nutrient dense products, they have now included keto-friendly options for the low-carb crowds.

You can choose between the Keto Low Carb Acai Bowl (RMB 68), which comes packed with 29g of fat and only 17g of net carbs, and the I WANNA KETO Pink Berry Blast smoothie (RMB 62) with 2.5g net carbs and 11.5g of fat per 100g. To order from their WeChat shop, scan the code:

Basil

Providing healthy meals daily straight to your doorstep, Basil opened its doors in 2020 and has been feeding the hungry ever since. It offers three meal plans: Basil Fit, Basil Veg and Basil Keto. You can choose between a one-meal-a-day or a two-meals-a-day-plan, Monday to Friday, in the morning (9.30am-11am) or evening (6.30pm-8.30pm).

The Basil Keto plan comes with less than 15g of carbs per meal and offers a variety of healthy fat sources, such as beef, pork, avocado, nuts, cheese. Some of their keto meals include butter chicken, beef meatballs with mushroom sauce, BBQ pork with veggies and cheese, shredded pork with cream cheese and parmesan sauce and cauliflower.

As for the plan duration, you have the option to choose from one to eight weeks, with prices starting from RMB 315 for a one-meal plan, and RMB 598 for a two-meal plan.

DarkSide Nutrition

Darkside Nutrition is a keto restaurant focusing on insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation. The dishes include everything from burgers and steaks, broth, jerky, keto sides, and sauces to keto gelato, pizza, desserts, hot dogs, and more. All items are available nationwide through their WeChat shop:

Images: Courtesy of the vendors, Pexels