MCT Plan

MCTs (medium‑chain triglycerides) are a type of fat found naturally in certain foods—especially coconut products and some dairy—that may support weight loss by increasing energy burn, reducing appetite, and being metabolized faster than typical fats. They’re not magic, but the research shows they can be a helpful tool when used strategically.

⚖️ How MCTs May Support Weight Loss

🔥 1. Faster Fat Burning

MCTs are absorbed quickly and go straight to the liver, where they’re used for energy rather than stored as body fat. This can slightly increase calorie burn and fat oxidation.

😌 2. Reduced Appetite

Some studies show MCTs may increase satiety hormones, helping you feel fuller and potentially eat fewer calories.

⚡ 3. Quick Energy Source

Because they convert to energy rapidly, MCTs are popular in keto and low‑carb diets to help maintain energy and mental clarity.

🧠 4. Support for Ketosis

MCTs help produce ketones, which can make a ketogenic diet easier to maintain and may indirectly support fat loss.

🍽️ Foods Naturally High in MCTs

You don’t have to use supplements—some whole foods contain MCTs:

Food Approx. MCT Content Notes
Coconut oil ~62–65% MCTs Highest natural source; mostly lauric acid (C12)
Palm kernel oil High Similar profile to coconut oil
Butter & ghee Small amounts Contains C8, C10, C12
Cheese Small amounts Especially goat and sheep dairy
Whole milk Trace amounts Not a major source

🥄 How People Use MCTs for Weight Loss

(From research and common practice)

  • Add 1 tsp–1 tbsp of MCT oil to coffee or smoothies (start small to avoid stomach upset)
  • Use coconut oil for sautéing or cooking
  • Add MCT-rich dairy (butter, ghee) in moderation
  • Use MCT oil as part of a low‑carb or keto eating pattern for best effect

⚠️ Important Limitations

  • MCTs won’t cause weight loss alone—they help only when paired with calorie control or a structured diet.
  • Too much can cause digestive issues (cramping, diarrhea).
  • MCT oil is calorie‑dense (about 115 calories per tablespoon).

🧭 Bottom Line

MCTs can be a useful tool for weight management because they burn quickly, may reduce appetite, and support ketosis. The best natural food sources are coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and small amounts in dairy. Supplements offer the strongest effect, but whole foods still provide benefits.

🥥 Low‑Carb, Food‑Only MCT Daily Plan

🌅 Breakfast (Low‑Carb MCT Kickstart)

Option A — Coconut Coffee + Protein

  • Coffee
  • 1–2 tbsp coconut milk or coconut cream
  • 2–3 eggs (scrambled or fried in butter/ghee)
Option B — Coconut Berry Smoothie (Low‑Carb)
Blend:

  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • ½ cup frozen berries (raspberries or blackberries = lowest carb)
  • Spinach
  • Ice
Option C — Goat Cheese Omelet

  • Eggs
  • 1–2 oz goat cheese
  • Spinach or mushrooms

 

🍽️ Lunch (High‑Satiety, Low‑Carb)

Option A — Coconut Curry Bowl (Low‑Carb)

  • Chicken or shrimp
  • Broccoli, peppers, cauliflower
  • Simmered in coconut milk
  • Serve over cauliflower rice
Option B — Goat Cheese Power Salad

  • Mixed greens
  • Grilled chicken
  • Goat cheese
  • Olive oil + lemon
Option C — Coconut Chicken Soup

  • Chicken
  • Coconut milk
  • Mushrooms, spinach, garlic
  • Chili flakes

🌆 Snack (Optional, Low‑Carb)

  • Goat cheese slices
  • A few nuts
  • Coffee with 1 tbsp coconut milk

🌙 Dinner (Low‑Carb, MCT‑Forward)

Option A — Coconut Stir Fry

  • Beef, chicken, or shrimp
  • Veggies
  • 2–3 tbsp coconut milk added at the end

 

Option B — Steak + Coconut Mushroom Sauce

  • Sear steak
  • Sauté mushrooms
  • Add coconut cream + garlic
  • Reduce until thick

 

Option C — Salmon with Coconut Cream Spinach

  • Pan‑seared salmon
  • Spinach wilted in coconut milk

 

 

🛒 Low‑Carb MCT Shopping List (Food‑Only)

🥥 Coconut Products (Primary MCT Source)

  • Coconut milk (full‑fat)
  • Coconut cream
  • Unsweetened coconut yogurt
  • Shredded unsweetened coconut

🧀 Dairy (Moderate MCT Source)

  • Goat cheese
  • Goat yogurt
  • Grass‑fed butter
  • Ghee

🥩 Proteins (Low‑Carb)

  • Chicken thighs/breasts
  • Steak (sirloin, NY strip)
  • Ground turkey
  • Salmon
  • Shrimp
  • Eggs

🥦 Low‑Carb Vegetables

  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower (or cauliflower rice)
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Bell peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Onions
  • Garlic

🧂 Pantry Staples

  • Olive oil
  • Curry paste
  • Chili flakes
  • Salt, pepper
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