Are you a fan of beef shawarma but also following a keto diet?
You might be wondering if you can still indulge in this delicious Middle Eastern dish without derailing your diet goals.
The good news is that it’s possible to enjoy beef shawarma while staying in a state of ketosis.
In this article, we’ll explore the carb content of beef shawarma and how it fits into a keto diet.
We’ll also share some tips on how to enjoy this dish without compromising your diet.
So, let’s dive in and find out if beef shawarma is good for a keto diet!
Is Beef Shawarma Good For Keto Diet?
The ketogenic diet has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. This low-carb, high-fat diet has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and increased energy levels.
If you’re following a keto diet, you might be wondering if beef shawarma is a good choice. After all, this Middle Eastern dish is typically made with pita bread and other high-carb ingredients.
The good news is that it’s possible to enjoy beef shawarma while staying in a state of ketosis. While there are roughly 25 grams of carbs in beef shawarma, the allowed carbohydrate intake on a keto diet is up to 30 grams. This means that you can still eat this food without ruining your diet.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that you should limit your meat consumption on a keto diet. While beef shawarma can be a great meal that will fill your stomach adequately and help you feel full for longer, you should avoid other high-carb foods like pastries, donuts, rice, pasta, and soda.
At Sepan Chicken, we serve beef shawarma that is low in carbs. Our shawarma plate includes marinated beef shawarma strips and hummus. While hummus is a healthy and delicious dip, it’s also high in carbs. To stay in ketosis, you should avoid dipping your beef strips in hummus and instead focus on eating the other veggies on the plate like tomato, lettuce, red onions, and pickles.
If you’re looking for a low-carb and keto-friendly option, you can also try making your own beef shawarma bowl using an Instant Pot. This recipe is packed with flavor and includes seasoned beef, spinach, cauliflower rice, cucumbers, red onion, and tomatoes all topped with a creamy dairy-free tzatziki sauce.
What Is Beef Shawarma?
Beef shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food that is made by marinating thinly sliced beef in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and warm spices such as allspice, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. The marinated beef is then cooked to perfection on a vertical rotisserie or spit until it is charred in places. Once cooked, the meat is shaved off the spit and served in a variety of ways, including in a pita or wrap with fresh vegetables and sauce. While beef shawarma is typically served with high-carb ingredients like pita bread and hummus, there are low-carb options available that can be enjoyed as part of a keto diet. By making smart ingredient choices and focusing on low-carb vegetables, it’s possible to enjoy the delicious flavors of beef shawarma while staying in ketosis.
The Carb Content Of Beef Shawarma
Beef shawarma is a delicious and popular Middle Eastern dish that is often made with high-carb ingredients like pita bread and hummus. However, it’s still possible to enjoy this dish while following a keto diet.
One serving of beef shawarma contains 54g total carbs, with 52.2g net carbs. While this may seem like a lot, it’s important to keep in mind that the allowed carbohydrate intake on a keto diet is up to 30 grams per day. This means that you can still enjoy beef shawarma while staying within your daily carb limit.
It’s worth noting that beef shawarma is also a good source of protein, with 24g per serving. However, it’s important to limit your meat consumption on a keto diet and focus on getting most of your calories from healthy fats.
If you’re ordering beef shawarma at a restaurant, it’s important to be mindful of the other high-carb ingredients that may be included in the dish. For example, hummus is often served as a dip with beef shawarma and is high in carbs. To stay in ketosis, it’s best to avoid dipping your beef strips in hummus and instead focus on eating the other veggies on the plate.
How Beef Shawarma Fits Into A Keto Diet
Beef shawarma can fit into a keto diet if consumed in moderation and with some modifications. To make it keto-friendly, it’s important to avoid high-carb ingredients like pita bread and hummus. Instead, opt for a shawarma plate that includes marinated beef shawarma strips and veggies like tomato, lettuce, red onions, and pickles.
It’s also important to keep track of your daily carb intake and limit your meat consumption. While beef shawarma can be a great source of protein, too much meat can lead to an increase in protein intake which can kick you out of ketosis.
Another option is to make your own beef shawarma bowl at home using an Instant Pot. This recipe is packed with flavor and includes seasoned beef, spinach, cauliflower rice, cucumbers, red onion, and tomatoes all topped with a creamy dairy-free tzatziki sauce. By making it yourself, you can control the ingredients and ensure that it fits within your daily carb limit.
Tips For Enjoying Beef Shawarma On A Keto Diet
If you’re looking to enjoy beef shawarma on a keto diet, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Skip the pita bread: Pita bread is high in carbs and not keto-friendly. Instead, opt for a beef shawarma bowl or plate that includes veggies like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
2. Watch your hummus intake: While hummus is a healthy dip, it’s also high in carbs. If you’re trying to stay in ketosis, avoid dipping your beef strips in hummus and focus on the other veggies on the plate.
3. Make your own seasoning: Store-bought shawarma seasoning may contain added sugars and preservatives that can kick you out of ketosis. To ensure that your seasoning is keto-friendly, make it yourself using spices like oregano, allspice, cloves, and garlic.
4. Use an Instant Pot: Making your own beef shawarma bowl using an Instant Pot is a great way to control the ingredients and ensure that the dish is keto-friendly. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make!
By following these tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of beef shawarma while staying in ketosis and achieving your health goals.
Other Keto-Friendly Middle Eastern Dishes To Try
If you’re looking to explore other Middle Eastern dishes that are keto-friendly, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few:
1. Steak Shawarma: This dish is served over a fresh Mediterranean salad and a tasty tahini dressing. The steak is marinated in flavorful spices and cooked to perfection.
2. Chicken Shawarma: This dish is similar to beef shawarma but made with chicken instead. It’s packed full of warming spices and Middle Eastern flavors like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
3. Baba Ghanoush: This creamy dip is made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it a great addition to any keto meal.
4. Tabouli Salad: This salad is made with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat. To make it keto-friendly, simply swap out the bulgur wheat for cauliflower rice or another low-carb alternative.
5. Lamb Kofta: These grilled meatballs are made with ground lamb and flavorful spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. They’re low in carbs and high in protein, making them a great option for a keto-friendly meal.