We are hugely grateful to the many teams of NHS dietitians from around the country for sending us their top keto tips...

Belfast 

Don’t feel like you need a book of recipes to prepare. The majority of the non keto population will eat the same breakfast every day, why would keto be any different!

Oxford 

It is a lot of information to take on going on a keto diet. Please don’t suffer in silence. If something isn’t working or you need more support of help with recipes, just ask your dietitian. They will be happy to help and want to make the diet work and in the easiest way possible.

Be organised before starting. Get all your ingredients in, practice some recipes, and do some batch cooking before you start.

Cork 

Link in with your dietitian if you need help with adjusting some of your favourite family meals, your dietitian wants to help you and make this transition as easy as possible.

Birmingham 

Batch cooking is a great idea but be careful incase your prescription changes. On the modified ketogenic diet we usually suggest prepping meals with less carbohydrate than the current allowance, as it can be topped up later. Make sure you label the meals with the carbohydrate content!

Don’t worry about having a huge variety of meals at the start, as you can increase this once on the diet. We usually suggest planning two breakfast options, three lunch options and three dinner options as a good starting point.

Leeds

Always have good supply of prescribable products, strips and spare batteries. Don't be caught short as it can take a few days or longer to arrange prescriptions. 

Keep in touch with your keto dietitian - we're here to help.

Learn how to use the diet calculator tools if you can - it will make a huge difference to how flexible you can be with the diet, making it fit around what you may already be having as a family

Manchester 

Preparation is really important, so take the time to think ahead about what meals and snacks you are going to make.

It does take more time to make meals because of the weighing and cooking (sometimes with new foods) so plan ahead for this, and remember it does get easier.

Try to stay positive if at first the ketone levels aren't quite right, it takes the body time to adapt, and sometimes the diet plan needs adjusting as well.

Try to resist buying lots and lots of low carb fruit and veg and fresh high fat foods on your first shopping trip, plan ahead with a list to avoid foods going to waste.

Think of the meals and flavours you really enjoy and think how they can be adapted to be keto.

Sometimes you won't like the meals that are made, but that's ok, it's always good to try and experiment.

Have a low carb snack that is a quick go to.

Wean onto and off the diet slowly, don't be tempted to rush, you can feel quite unwell if the diet changes too quickly.

MCT is a great way to boost ketones.

It's useful to practice ketone and glucose testing before you start the diet.

Extra thick double cream is a real time saver because it doesn't need whipping.

Cauliflower rice is a good side dish and is rich in fibre.

Low carb bread products can be really useful for eating out or quick meals.

High fat puddings can be useful to boost fat intake.

Sharp flavours like pickles and rhubarb can help to cut through the heaviness of high fat foods.

Support is really important and having someone to share your experience with.

Great Ormond Street

To explore alternative treat options rather than food e.g. sticker charts, small toys.

Checking supermarket own brand alternatives/options can sometimes be lower in carbohydrate.

Bristol 

If you or your child are finding ketogenic meals small then try bulking out the meal with low carbohydrate fruit and vegetables. Vegetables such as mushrooms, aubergines and courgettes all absorb fat well, which can be helpful when cooking.

If you are finding the ketogenic diet hard to follow, use the charity forum and speak with other families as they can be a great source of support and tips. Your ketogenic dietitian will also be happy to support you so never feel afraid to ask for help.