Most people have heard about both diets. Your friend lost 50 pounds on the keto diet. Your uncle is really into CrossFit and wont stop talking about eating Paleo. You’ve been thinking about trying one of them, but how do these popular diets differ?
The main difference
The Keto, or Ketogenic diet, is more focused on the ratio of macronutrients– carbs, proteins and fats. The Paleo, or Paleolithic diet depends more on the types of foods you are eating.
The Paleo diet- Low Carb / High Protein / Moderate Fat
The Paleo, or Paleolithic diet, is based off the principle of resembling what our ancestors ate before modern civilization introduced dairy, legumes, grains, and processed foods. It includes meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, certain fats, oils, and is heavy on the vegetables. The idea is that we didn’t start accumulating chronic diseases, like diabetes and heart disease, until the agricultural revolution began.
What’s a typical meal?
- A large pile of non-starchy vegetables.
- About 2 fist sized servings of animal protein.
- 1-2 tablespoons of healthy fat, like olive or coconut oil.
- Some starchy vegetables (eg. ½ sweet potato) or fruit.
But wait…
Some critics say there’s no way we can eat the same way as back then, and there’s even research showing we were eating grains and legumes earlier than we thought.
The Keto diet- Low Carb / Moderate Protein / High Fat
The Keto diet, or low carb high fat diet (LCHF) is based on a metabolic state your body enters, ketosis, when it uses fat as fuel since glucose is no longer available. Since the body can convert extra protein into glucose, it is lower in protein than Paleo. Also unlike Paleo, it can include dairy products. Historically, the diet was meant to treat certain medical conditions, like epilepsy. Now, more recently, findings have shown it can help with weight loss and have positive impact on blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
What’s a typical meal?
- A large pile of non-starchy vegetables.
- 1 fist sized serving of animal protein.
- Lots of fat: olive or coconut oil, butter, cream, cheese.
- None or very minimal amounts of starchy vegetables or fruit.
But wait…
The Keto diet tends to be very difficult to follow long term and the limited options can be socially isolating. Also, more research is needed to determine if the high-fat diet can increase the risk of heart disease.
What our Nutritionists recommend
While we love the large array of vegetables, healthy fats, high quality proteins that each of these diets can include, not one diet is for anyone. The best diet is going to be one you can stick to long term, not one that enables you to lose 25 pounds and gain it all back later when eating normally again. If you can stick to Paleo or Keto, that’s great! We’re here to help you in your wellness journey, whichever diet (or not diet) you choose.
If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take our on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of our knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!
This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.
