Is Ham Keto-Friendly?

Ham is low in net carbs, making it keto-friendly, but it is classified among lazy keto foods as it contains harmful ingredients like modified starch, dextrose, and sodium nitrite.

Lazy Keto

• Ham is low in net carbs (1.84g per 100g serving), but it is classified among lazy keto foods since it contains harmful ingredients like sodium nitrite, modified starch, and dextrose.
• Lazy keto is a type of keto diet that restricts carbs but has no rules on calories, fat, or protein intake and allows the consumption of both “clean” and “dirty” foods on keto.
• You can still reach ketosis on lazy keto, but it is hard to maintain and may lead to further health complications.
• It is best to eat clean and nutritious low-carb foods for healthy and sustainable weight loss on keto. Some healthy alternatives include salmon, olives, and broccoli.

Contains Added Sugars

• Ham contains added sugars such as dextrose, a high-glycemic sweetener that may increase blood sugar levels and easily kick you out of ketosis.
• Instead, it would be best to consider other meat products using keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit.

Contains Harmful Food Additives

• Ham contains some harmful additives like sodium nitrite and modified starch associated with certain health risks.
• Sodium nitrite is linked to the development of diabetes and heart disease. Under certain conditions, sodium nitrite can also damage body cells and morph into cells that can cause stomach and bowel cancer.
• Modified starch compromises the ability of cells to respond to bacteria, and it leads to allergic reactions, flatulence, bloating, and weight gain. In some cases, it also causes skin irritation and cramping.
• Though ham is low in net carbs, you should consume it in moderation on keto.