Keto watermelon. Watermelon on Keto: Can This Refreshing Fruit Fit into a Low-Carb Diet?
Is watermelon compatible with a ketogenic diet. How many carbs does watermelon contain. What are the nutritional benefits of watermelon. Can you eat watermelon while staying in ketosis. What are some keto-friendly fruit alternatives to watermelon.
Understanding the Ketogenic Diet and Fruit Consumption
The ketogenic diet, commonly known as keto, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that has gained significant popularity in recent years. This diet aims to shift the body’s metabolism into a state of ketosis, where it primarily burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Due to its restrictive nature, many people wonder if fruits, particularly watermelon, can be included in a keto meal plan.
On a typical keto diet, carbohydrate intake is limited to about 20-50 grams per day, which is significantly lower than the average American diet. This restriction often leads to the exclusion of many fruits, as they tend to be higher in natural sugars and carbs. However, not all fruits are created equal when it comes to their carbohydrate content, and some can be incorporated into a keto diet with careful planning.
Nutritional Profile of Watermelon: A Closer Look
Watermelon is renowned for its sweet, refreshing taste and high water content. But what does its nutritional profile look like, especially for those following a ketogenic diet?
- Water content: Approximately 92% water by weight
- Calories: 46 per cup (152g)
- Carbohydrates: 11.5g per cup
- Fiber: 0.6g per cup
- Net carbs: 10.9g per cup
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains potassium and magnesium
- Antioxidants: High in lycopene and other beneficial compounds
The relatively low calorie content and high water percentage make watermelon an attractive option for those seeking hydration and a sweet treat. However, the carbohydrate content is the primary concern for individuals following a ketogenic diet.
Can Watermelon Be Included in a Ketogenic Diet?
The inclusion of watermelon in a ketogenic diet is a topic of debate among nutritionists and keto enthusiasts. While it is possible to include watermelon in a keto meal plan, it requires careful portion control and consideration of your daily carbohydrate allowance.
A standard ketogenic diet typically restricts carbohydrate intake to 20-50 grams per day. With watermelon containing about 11 grams of net carbs per cup, it’s clear that even a modest serving could constitute a significant portion of your daily carb allotment.
Factors to Consider When Including Watermelon on Keto
- Individual carb tolerance: Some people can maintain ketosis with slightly higher carb intake.
- Activity level: More active individuals may have a higher carb threshold.
- Overall diet composition: The rest of your daily intake should be very low in carbs to accommodate watermelon.
- Portion size: Limiting watermelon to small amounts can help fit it into your carb budget.
- Frequency: Consuming watermelon occasionally rather than daily may be more feasible.
Strategies for Enjoying Watermelon on a Keto Diet
If you’re determined to include watermelon in your ketogenic lifestyle, there are several strategies you can employ to make it work:
- Measure carefully: Use a food scale to ensure accurate portion sizes.
- Plan ahead: Incorporate watermelon into your meal plan, adjusting other carb sources accordingly.
- Pair with fats: Combine watermelon with high-fat foods to slow digestion and minimize blood sugar impact.
- Choose ripe watermelon: Riper fruits tend to be sweeter, allowing you to satisfy cravings with smaller portions.
- Use as a garnish: Sprinkle small amounts of watermelon on salads or use as a topping for keto-friendly desserts.
By implementing these strategies, you may be able to enjoy the refreshing taste of watermelon while maintaining ketosis. However, it’s crucial to monitor your body’s response and adjust your intake accordingly.
Keto-Friendly Fruit Alternatives to Watermelon
For those who find that watermelon doesn’t fit comfortably into their keto macros, there are several lower-carb fruit options that can be more easily incorporated into a ketogenic diet:
- Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are lower in carbs and high in fiber.
- Avocado: Technically a fruit, avocados are high in healthy fats and low in carbs.
- Lemons and limes: These citrus fruits are very low in carbs and can add flavor to water or dishes.
- Coconut: Fresh coconut meat is relatively low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
- Olives: Another fruit that’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
These alternatives can provide similar nutritional benefits and satisfy fruit cravings while keeping carb intake low.
Health Benefits of Watermelon: Beyond the Carb Count
While the carbohydrate content of watermelon may be a concern for those on a strict ketogenic diet, it’s important to acknowledge the numerous health benefits this fruit offers:
- Hydration: With its high water content, watermelon can help maintain proper hydration.
- Antioxidants: Rich in lycopene, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve heart health.
- Vitamins and minerals: Provides essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium.
- Low in calories: Can be a part of a weight management plan when consumed in moderation.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: May help reduce inflammation in the body.
These health benefits make watermelon a valuable addition to many diets, including those that are less restrictive than keto.
Monitoring Ketosis While Consuming Watermelon
If you decide to include watermelon in your ketogenic diet, it’s crucial to monitor your state of ketosis closely. This can help you determine if the fruit is affecting your ability to maintain a ketogenic state.
Methods for Monitoring Ketosis
- Urine test strips: A quick and easy way to check for ketones in urine.
- Blood ketone meters: Provide a more accurate measurement of blood ketone levels.
- Breath analyzers: Measure acetone levels in breath, which correlate with ketosis.
- Tracking symptoms: Pay attention to signs of ketosis, such as decreased hunger and increased energy.
By regularly checking your ketone levels and observing how your body responds to watermelon consumption, you can make informed decisions about whether to include it in your keto meal plan.
Balancing Nutrition and Ketosis: The Bigger Picture
While adhering to the principles of a ketogenic diet is important for those seeking its benefits, it’s equally crucial to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. Watermelon, with its unique nutrient profile, presents an interesting case study in the balance between strict macronutrient adherence and overall nutritional quality.
For some individuals, the nutritional benefits of watermelon may outweigh the potential impact on ketosis, especially if consumed in moderation. Others may find that the carbohydrate content is too high to justify its inclusion in their keto meal plan. Ultimately, the decision to include watermelon in a ketogenic diet should be based on individual goals, carbohydrate tolerance, and overall health considerations.
It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian when making significant changes to your diet, especially when following a restrictive eating plan like the ketogenic diet. They can provide personalized advice and help you create a balanced meal plan that meets your nutritional needs while supporting your health and wellness goals.
In conclusion, while watermelon can be challenging to incorporate into a strict ketogenic diet due to its carbohydrate content, it’s not entirely off-limits. With careful planning, portion control, and consideration of individual factors, some people may be able to enjoy small amounts of watermelon while maintaining ketosis. However, for those who find it difficult to fit watermelon into their keto macros, there are plenty of lower-carb fruit alternatives that can provide similar refreshment and nutritional benefits.
Is Watermelon Keto-Friendly?
Is Watermelon Keto-Friendly?
- Health Conditions
- Featured
- Breast Cancer
- IBD
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
- Acid Reflux
- ADHD
- Allergies
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Cold & Flu
- COPD
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart Disease
- High Cholesterol
- HIV
- Hypertension
- IPF
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriasis
- Skin Disorders and Care
- STDs
- Featured
- Discover
- Wellness Topics
- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Skin Care
- Sexual Health
- Women’s Health
- Mental Well-Being
- Sleep
- Product Reviews
- Vitamins & Supplements
- Sleep
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- At-Home Testing
- CBD
- Men’s Health
- Original Series
- Fresh Food Fast
- Diagnosis Diaries
- You’re Not Alone
- Present Tense
- Video Series
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- No More Silence
- Future of Health
- Wellness Topics
- Plan
- Health Challenges
- Mindful Eating
- Sugar Savvy
- Move Your Body
- Gut Health
- Mood Foods
- Align Your Spine
- Find Care
- Primary Care
- Mental Health
- OB-GYN
- Dermatologists
- Neurologists
- Cardiologists
- Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
- Weight Management
- Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
- Are You a Workaholic?
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
- Health News
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Drugs A-Z
- Health A-Z
- Health Challenges
- Connect
- Breast Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Psoriasis
Nutrition
Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. D., L.D., ACSM EP-C — By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD on November 28, 2019
Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing summertime staple.
In addition to promoting hydration thanks to its high water content, it’s a good source of several nutrients, including vitamins C and A (1).
What’s more, watermelon contains several antioxidants, such as lycopene, which may be linked to improved heart health and a lower risk of certain cancers (2).
You may wonder whether watermelon can fit into the ketogenic, or keto diet, an eating pattern that involves limiting your carb intake and eating a high amount of healthy fats instead.
Given that the keto diet is highly restrictive and requires strict adherence to maximize results, many fruits are considered off-limits, causing some to find it somewhat challenging to follow.
This article determines whether watermelon can be enjoyed as part of a healthy keto diet.
Because most fruits are high in carbs, those following the ketogenic diet can only enjoy them in small amounts.
However, compared with other types of fruit, watermelon is relatively low in carbs.
In fact, 1 cup (152 grams) of diced watermelon contains about 11.5 grams of carbs and 0.5 grams of fiber, which means that it has about 11 grams of net carbs (1).
Net carbs is a term used to describe the number of carbs in a portion of food that is absorbed by the body. They’re calculated by subtracting the grams of fiber from the grams of total carbs.
Whether watermelon can fit into a ketogenic diet depends on what else you’re eating during the day.
On a 2,000-calorie diet, you may be restricting your carb intake to just 100 calories, or 25 grams, per day.
Therefore, a single serving of watermelon could take up nearly half of your daily carb allotment.
Though you can definitely fit watermelon into a keto diet, it may take careful planning and require you to reduce your portion sizes to keep your carb count in check.
Summary
Watermelon can fit into a ketogenic diet, but it may require careful planning and decreased portion sizes to stick within your daily carb allotment.
Restricting your carb intake doesn’t mean that you need to cut fruit out of your diet altogether.
In fact, several fruits can easily fit into a well-planned ketogenic diet.
For instance, avocados are low in carbs but high in heart-healthy fats and fiber, as well as a number of other important vitamins and minerals (2).
Lemons and limes are also much lower in carbs than other types of fruit (3, 4).
Plus, certain types of berries can be enjoyed in moderation.
For example, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries contain moderate carb contents but are high in fiber, making them lower in net carbs (5, 6, 7).
Summary
In addition to watermelon, several other types of low carb fruits can be enjoyed in moderation on a ketogenic diet.
The ketogenic diet requires you to significantly cut back on carbs, which often means eliminating higher carb foods like fruit from your diet.
Fortunately, compared with other fruits, watermelon is relatively low in carbs and can be enjoyed as part of a ketogenic diet.
However, it may require careful planning, and you may need to decrease your portion sizes to help fit it in.
Preview(opens in a new tab)
It’s recommended to work with a registered dietitian to ensure that your intake of important nutrients, such as fiber, are fulfilled daily, as well as to help incorporate the right amount and types of carbs on a keto diet.
Last medically reviewed on November 28, 2019
How we reviewed this article:
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Nov 28, 2019
Written By
Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD
Medically Reviewed By
Natalie Olsen, RD, LD, ACSM EP-C
Copy Edited By
Christina Guzik, BA, MBA
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C — By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD on November 28, 2019
Read this next
- The Watermelon Diet: Fact or Fiction?
Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. D.
The watermelon diet can help you lose weight, reduce inflammation, and cleanse your body of toxins — at least according to the Internet chatter…
READ MORE
- Is Allulose Keto-Friendly?
By Gavin Van De Walle, MS, RD
Allulose is a sweetener that’s derived from fruits. This article explains whether you can use allulose on the keto diet.
READ MORE
- The Top 9 Health Benefits of Watermelon
By Kerri-Ann Jennings, MS, RD and Fatima Hallal, APD
Watermelon is a delicious low calorie treat with numerous benefits. Here are the top 9 ways that watermelon can improve your health.
READ MORE
- 20 Foods to Eat on the Keto Diet
By SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD and Franziska Spritzler
The ketogenic diet is a very low carb diet with numerous health benefits. Discover 20 nutritious foods you can eat on keto.
READ MORE
- A Keto Diet Meal Plan and Menu for a Lower Carb Lifestyle
By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD
Low carb, high fat diets such as keto can promote fat loss and help certain health conditions. Here’s a keto diet meal plan and sample menu for 1 week.
READ MORE
- Watermelon 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN (Ice)
This is an evidence-based review of watermelon, with detailed information on its health benefits, nutrient content, plant compounds and more.
READ MORE
- Can You Eat Fruit on a Low-Carb Diet? It Depends
By Kris Gunnars, BSc
There are many opinions on the role of fruit in a low-carb diet. Some people may do best avoiding fruit, but others can eat them without problems.
READ MORE
- 14 Foods to Avoid (or Limit) on a Low Carb Diet
By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD and Franziska Spritzler
A low carb diet can help you lose weight and improve health. This article lists 14 foods you need to limit or avoid on a low carb diet.
READ MORE
- What Is Margarine Made of and Is It Vegan?
By Alina Petre, MS, RD (NL)
Though it’s made with vegetable oils, you may wonder whether margarine is dairy-free and vegan. This article explains how to tell whether your…
READ MORE
- What Is the Pegan Diet? Everything You Need to Know
By Ansley Hill, RD, LD
The pegan diet is a style of eating inspired by two of the most popular diet trends — paleo and vegan. This article reviews everything you need to…
READ MORE
Is watermelon keto? Nutrient profile, and list of keto fruits
A person can eat watermelon as part of a keto diet, as long as they make sure the carbohydrate content fits within their desired macronutrient ratio.
Watermelon is rich in nutrients and can hold a lot of water. For this reason, they are a suitable fruit for maintaining hydration and overall health.
However, as with all fruits, watermelons naturally contain sugars. Therefore, people following a ketogenic diet may worry that eating watermelon could take them out of ketosis, the metabolic process that burns fat instead of carbs.
A ketogenic, or keto, diet is an eating plan containing high amounts of fat, moderate amounts of protein, and very low amounts of carbohydrates.
As sugars are carbohydrates, it is reasonable to assume that watermelons are not keto-friendly.
This article will provide some nutritional information about watermelons and discusses their proper place in a ketogenic diet. It will also list some keto-friendly fruits.
Watermelons contain many different nutrients.
Vitamin C
One cup of diced watermelon provides 21% of a person’s daily requirement of vitamin C. This is an antioxidant that helps the body maintain healthy tissues, blood vessels, and bones. It also assists in forming collagen, healing wounds, and absorbing plant-based iron.
Vitamin A
A cup of diced watermelon also contains around 17% of a person’s daily vitamin A requirement. This helps maintain the immune system and keeps the skin and eyes healthy, among other essential functions.
Lycopene
Red-fleshed watermelons contain high levels of lycopene. This carotenoid antioxidant, which is also in tomatoes and pink grapefruits, gives these fruits their reddish color.
Importantly, lycopene may help protect the body against heart disease and many forms of cancer.
Carbohydrates
According to the Department of Agriculture, those following a keto diet should note that 1 cup of diced watermelon also contains around 11 grams (g) of net carbohydrates.
Net carbohydrates are the carbohydrates the body actually absorbs from a food source. Within foods, they are the total amount of carbohydrates minus the fiber it contains since fiber is an indigestible form of carbohydrate.
One cup of diced watermelon has 11 g of net carbohydrates because it contains 11.6 g of total carbohydrates and around 0.6 g of fiber.
Ketogenic diets heavily restrict the amount of carbohydrates that a person can eat in a day. In a typical ketogenic diet that restricts carbs to 5–10% of total calories, a person who consumes 2,000 calories a day will only eat between 20–50 g of carbohydrates daily.
This means the amount of watermelon a person can eat on a keto diet while staying in ketosis depends on how restrictive their diet is.
For example, 1 cup of diced watermelon would make up more than half of an individual’s daily carbohydrates if they are aiming for only 20 g of carbs per day.
If a person is aiming for around 50 g of carbs per day, then 1 cup of diced watermelon comprises 23.2% of their daily carbs.
Therefore, there is no conclusive answer to the question of whether watermelon is keto-friendly. A person can eat watermelon and other fruits while staying in a state of ketosis, depending on what else they eat in a day and their daily carbohydrate target.
Whether they remain in ketosis will depend on the macronutrient ratio they are aiming to achieve, as well as what else they want to eat on a given day.
Calories
One cup of diced watermelon contains 46 calories. According to a 2019 study, diets that include fruit with high levels of water and fiber could help a person maintain a moderate weight.
The paper suggests that watermelon can promote a feeling of fullness, which researchers call satiety, as its high water content gives it a low energy density proportionate to its volume when compared with many other fruits.
As many people who follow a keto diet do so for weight loss, the high satiety to volume ratio that watermelon provides makes it additionally beneficial.
The most keto-friendly foods are low in net carbohydrates. Many fruits are high in carbohydrates, including fiber and natural sugars. However, some of the more keto-friendly options include:
- Avocados: Contain around 8.53 g of net carbohydrates per 100 g.
- Tomatoes: Contain around 3.89 g of net carbohydrates per 100 g.
- Blackberries: contain around 9.61 g of net carbohydrates per 100 g
- Strawberries: Contain around 7.68 g of net carbohydrates per 100 g.
- Peaches: Contain around 10.1 g of net carbohydrates per 100 g.
By comparison, 100 g of watermelon contains around 7.5 g of net carbohydrates.
The ketogenic diet is gaining in popularity. Recently, many people have become interested in severely limiting their daily intake of carbohydrates, usually with the aim of losing weight.
However, it is worth noting that the ketogenic diet can be quite extreme.
Healthcare professionals initially developed the diet as a treatment for epilepsy in children. The average American diet consists of around 55% carbohydrates, while the Institute of Medicine recommend that 45–65% of daily calories come from carbohydrates for a healthy diet. Many keto plans require a person to limit their daily carbs to 5–10% of their total calories, based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.
There is also some evidence that ketogenic diets can have unwanted short-term effects. These include:
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue
- insomnia
- headache
- constipation
- difficulty exercising
Doctors sometimes refer to these symptoms as “keto flu.” However, they bear no relation to the influenza virus and usually disappear after a few weeks on the diet.
There are also other long-term effects from the diet that may last longer than 2 years, including:
- various vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- fatty liver disease
- kidney stones
Importantly, scientists do not yet know whether keto diets are beneficial for health. This is because dietary science is complex and influenced by many factors. Scientists must conduct long-term studies before drawing conclusions.
Many different factors play into a person’s health. For this reason, it can take a long time for scientists to work out the real effects of a given diet.
Watermelon can be keto-friendly if people eat it in moderation. This rule holds true for many other fruits.
Generally, anyone considering a ketogenic diet should first seek the advice of a doctor, registered dietitian, or both.
This is especially important for people with diabetes, as sudden shifts to a ketogenic diet could cause hypoglycemia.
Is it possible to have melon and watermelon on a keto diet?
Benefit for health
1. Rich source of vitamin C
2. Rich in Antioxidants
3. Maintain blood pressure
4. May Support Blood Sugar Levels
Carbohydrate content
How to eat melons and watermelons on keto
What are your favorite low carb fruits on keto?
Some fruits like raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, and avocados are good for a keto diet, but what about melons and watermelons?
Health Benefits
But First, Let’s Know Their Health Benefits:
1.
Rich Source of Vitamin C almost 65% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Since your body cannot produce it on its own, it is very important that you get enough of this vitamin in your diet.
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to help neutralize free radicals and calm oxidative stress in your body. Oxidative stress is thought to be the cause of many chronic diseases, so keeping your vitamin C levels high is an important preventive measure.
Studies show that a high dietary intake of vitamin C reduces the incidence of heart disease, eye disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease.
It also plays an important role in skin and joint health as a nutrient essential for collagen synthesis. The latter is the main protein and supports the connective tissue of your joints by creating a strong extracellular matrix.
For these reasons, vitamin C deficiency can lead to problems such as joint pain, poor wound healing, bleeding under the skin, and thickening of the skin.
2. Rich in antioxidants
Vitamin C isn’t the only antioxidant you’ll find in melons and watermelons.
In fact, most golden foods contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to support eye health. In particular, cantaloupe is a good source of these two free radicals.
Lutein and zeaxanthin act as shields to protect the macula from blue light. It is thought that over time, ultraviolet radiation from blue light can lead to degenerative eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Research shows that consuming lutein and zeaxanthin can combat the harmful effects of blue light, reducing the risk of degeneration in your eyes.
3. Maintain blood pressure
One of the most effective ways to control blood pressure is to control sodium and potassium levels in the body. Working in tandem, these two minerals control your blood pressure and volume, but when you have too much sodium in your body, you can have high blood pressure.
Therefore, to combat sodium’s effect on blood pressure, it is essential that you have enough potassium in your diet to balance sodium’s hypertonic properties. And just melons and watermelons are an excellent source of potassium.
4. May maintain blood sugar levels
One type of melon, known as bitter melon, is distinguished by its bitter taste. For centuries, this fruit has been used as a medicinal herb to treat a number of ailments, including eczema, jaundice, gout, kidney stones, psoriasis, and arthritis.
However, one of the most well-researched benefits of bitter melon is its ability to stabilize blood sugar levels. High blood sugar is associated with various conditions and can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Studies show that bitter melon lowers blood sugar levels and has powerful antioxidant effects, with therapeutic effects in diabetes and related metabolic conditions.
Do you like melons/watermelons?
YesNo
Carb Content
Now that you have a good understanding of the health benefits of melons and watermelons, let’s look at the amount of carbohydrates to determine if melons and watermelons can fit into a keto diet.
Today there are more than 20 different varieties of melons, here are the carbohydrate values of the most famous varieties.
Serving size = 100 grams
Cantaloupe – 8.16 g total carbohydrates, 0.9g fiber and 7.26 g net carbohydrates
Watermelon – 7.55 g total carbohydrates, 0.4 g fiber and 7.15 g net carbohydrates
Honey melon – 9.4 g total carbohydrates, 0.8 g fiber and 8.6 g net carbs
Bitter melon – 4.32 g total carbs, 2 g fiber and 2.32 g net carbs
Cassaba (winter melon) – 6.58 g total carbs, 0.9 g fiber and 5 .68 g net carbs
Wax gourd – 3.02 total carbs, 1 g fiber and 2.02 g net carbs
How to eat melons and watermelons on keto
Expert opinion
Tatyana Filatova
Tanya is a professional food photographer, keto blogger and recipe author.
Ask the Expert
The goal of keto is to keep carbs below 50g per day. Yes, you can eat melons or watermelons during this diet, but you need to do it in moderation so as not to exceed your carbohydrates. It is best to eat melons on a cyclical keto diet that combines workouts and carb days.
What are your favorite low carb fruits on keto?
If your low-carbohydrate diet includes fruits/berries, what are your favorite fruits/berries? Or what fruits do you most often use in your recipes? You have 3 options)
Tomatoes
Total score
3400
338
3738
Avocado
Total score
2871
256
3127
Raspberry
Total score
1885
179
2064
Lemon
Total score
1680
56
1736
Strawberry
Total score
1398
38
1436
Sweet pepper
Total score
1277
Coconut flesh
Total score
459
40
499
Blackberry
Total score
291
29
320
Lime
Total score
224
44
268
Is watermelon keto friendly? – Drink-Drink
DrinkDrinkAdmin
Content
- Carbohydrate content of watermelon
- How to cut: watermelon
- Other keto-friendly natural fruit
- bottom line
Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing summer staple.
In addition to hydration due to its high water content, it is a good source of several nutrients, including vitamins C and A (1).
What’s more, watermelon contains several antioxidants, such as lycopene, that may be linked to improved heart health and reduced risk of certain cancers (2).
You may be wondering if watermelon could fit into a ketogenic or keto diet, a diet that involves limiting carb intake and eating lots of healthy fats instead.
Given that the keto diet is very restrictive and requires strict adherence for maximum results, many fruits are considered off-limits, making them difficult for some to follow.
This article determines if watermelon can be consumed as part of a healthy keto diet.
Carbohydrate content of watermelon
Since most fruits are high in carbohydrates, those on a ketogenic diet can only enjoy them in small amounts.
However, compared to other fruits, watermelon contains relatively few carbohydrates.
In fact, 1 cup (152 grams) of diced watermelon contains about 11.5 grams of carbs and 0.5 grams of fiber, which means it has about 11 grams of net carbs (1).
Net carbs is a term used to describe the amount of carbohydrates in a serving of food that is digested by the body. They are calculated by subtracting grams of fiber from grams of total carbohydrates.
Whether watermelon can fit into a ketogenic diet depends on what else you eat during the day.
On a 2,000 calorie diet, you can limit your carbohydrate intake to 100 calories or 25 grams per day.
Thus, one serving of watermelon can take up almost half of your daily carbohydrate intake.
While you can definitely incorporate watermelon into your keto diet, it may require careful planning and smaller portion sizes to control carbs.
Conclusion
Watermelon can fit into a ketogenic diet, but careful planning and portion size reduction may be required to meet your daily carbohydrate intake.
How to Cut: Watermelon
Other Keto-Friendly Fruits
Restricting your carbohydrate intake doesn’t mean you have to completely eliminate fruits from your diet.
In fact, a few fruits can easily fit into a well-planned ketogenic diet.
For example, avocados are low in carbs but high in heart-healthy fats and fiber, as well as a number of other important vitamins and minerals (2).
Lemons and limes are also much lower in carbohydrates than other fruits.3, 4).
In addition, some types of berries can be consumed in moderation.
For example, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are moderate in carbs but high in fiber, so they have less net carbs.5, 6, 7).
Conclusion
In addition to watermelon, several other low-carbohydrate fruits can be eaten in moderation on a ketogenic diet.
Bottom line
The ketogenic diet requires you to significantly reduce your carbohydrate intake, which often means eliminating high-carbohydrate foods such as fruits from your diet.