If you’re living the low-carb or keto life, you’ve probably got a love-hate thing with sweet potatoes. On one hand, they’re delicious and packed with nutrients. On the other? Carbs. So the big question is… can sweet potato taco bowls fit into your low-carb or keto diet without totally wrecking your goals?
Let’s dig into it.
First Things First: Are Sweet Potatoes Keto?
Okay, technically speaking no, sweet potatoes aren’t considered “keto-approved.” They’ve got about 20 to 25 grams of carbs per 100 grams, which is kinda high if you’re trying to stay under 30 grams a day. If you’re strict keto, sweet potatoes are probably off your plate.
But if you’re more flexible low-carb or doing something like lazy keto? You’ve got room to play with small portions, especially if the rest of your meal is low in carbs.
The Smart Way to Build a Low-Carb Taco Bowl
Here’s where it gets fun. You don’t have to ditch the taco bowl dream just tweak it. Instead of piling on sweet potatoes like it’s Thanksgiving, use a small amount for flavor and texture, then bulk up with lower-carb stuff.
Try this combo:
- 1/4 cup roasted sweet potato (about 50 cal, 12g carbs)
- 1/2 cup cauliflower rice
- Grilled chicken or ground turkey
- Sautéed peppers and onions
- Chopped romaine or spinach
- Spoon of guac or sliced avocado
- Salsa, lime, and lots of spices
You still get those sweet potato vibes, but keep the carb count in check.
Sweet Potato Swaps for a Hardcore Sweet Potato Taco Bowl Keto Version
If you’re going all-in on keto and sweet potatoes are totally off the table, no worries you can still get that cozy, taco bowl vibe. To keep your sweet potato taco bowl keto friendly, swap out the spuds for these lower-carb options:
- Roasted radishes: sounds weird, tastes amazing
- Cauliflower or zucchini chunks: roasted with taco seasoning, they soak up flavor like champs
- Butternut squash: still on the carby side, but lower than sweet potatoes if used sparingly
They may not be sweet potatoes, but these swaps still bring the texture, warmth, and taco energy to your bowl minus the carb overload.
Low-Carb Isn’t Just About the Potato
Remember, it’s the whole bowl that matters. Skip the beans, tortillas, and corn, and you’ve already saved a bunch of carbs. That gives you some room to enjoy a few bites of sweet potato without blowing your carb budget.
Plus, you can always balance things out throughout the day. Maybe skip a snack or go lighter on carbs at dinner if your lunch bowl had a little more than planned. It’s all about give and take.
Final Thoughts
If you’re super strict keto, sweet potato taco bowls probably won’t make the cut. But if you’re doing low-carb your own way or following a more relaxed version? You can totally make it work.
Keep portions small, load up on veggies and protein, and make the rest of the bowl work with your goals. Sweet potatoes don’t have to be all or nothing they can just be a little guest star in your low-carb taco bowl masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sweet potatoes keto-friendly?
Not really. They’re relatively high in carbs about 20-25g per 100g which is a lot for strict keto diets.
Can I eat sweet potatoes on a low-carb diet?
Yes, in small amounts. If you’re flexible with your carb intake, you can include a small portion, especially when paired with low-carb ingredients like leafy greens and protein.
What can I use instead of sweet potatoes for fewer carbs?
Try roasted radishes, zucchini, cauliflower, or even small amounts of butternut squash. These mimic the texture with fewer carbs.
What should I avoid in a taco bowl to keep it low-carb?
Skip beans, corn, tortilla chips, and creamy dressings high in sugar. Use salsa, guac, grilled veggies, and lean proteins instead.
Is it okay to include sweet potatoes occasionally on keto?
If you’re doing a more relaxed version of keto (like lazy or targeted keto), a small amount may be manageable just keep the rest of your day low in carbs.
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