We could argue that the Paleo and Keto diets aren’t really new anymore, but there still seems to be some confusion around the difference between the two. People may think of the Keto diet and the Paleo diet, are diets that restrict you from some of your favorites foods, such as pizza, ice cream, sandwiches, cereal, etc. However, there are some important differences between the two diets so you can figure out which one is good for you, if at all.
What is Paleo?
The Paleo Diet is named after a diet that our ancestors would have eaten during the Paleolithic era. The Paleo Diet focuses on foods that are high in protein and rich with fiber while having a strong emphasis on meat, vegetables, and some fruit. This diet is also gluten-free and dairy-free, so foods that otherwise are considered healthy like whole grains and full-fat dairy are on the no list for the Paleo Diet. Also, legumes are no-nos.
The largest difference between the Paleo Diet and the Keto Diet is that Paleo is not strictly low-carb. Carbs are welcomed and come mostly from fruits and vegetables on this plan.
What is Keto?
Like the Paleo Diet, the Keto Diet puts grains, rice, and other high-carb foods on the no list. The primary goal of the Keto Diet is to put your body into a state of ketosis, which is when your body uses fat instead of carbohydrates as its primary energy source. The largest reason why low carbs are due to your body needing to get into that state. Too many carbs will take your body out of ketosis.
Generally speaking, because we are all different, a good percentage of your calories about 60-80% needs to come from fats. And not more than 20-30 grams of carbohydrates to maintain ketosis. Which if you are into measuring your food, you already know this is not that many carbs. For example, a ‘normal’ size banana has about 27 grams of carbs. Also, a food that can sneak up on you and take you out of ketosis without evening thinking about it, are nuts. Even though they are a great source of fat (and protein) they also contain carbohydrates so you’d want to be careful about your nut intake.
Is the Keto and Paleo Diet Right for Me?
If you haven’t gathered already, keto is a lot less flexible than paleo. This doesn’t mean the diet isn’t for you, it is just a huge factor to keep in mind. However, both diets are very effective at helping you to lose body fat.
Also, if you are someone that has been doing Keto Diet already for a while and not sure if it is working for you. Or if you want to try and want something to gauge on if it is working or not… here are four ways to tell if the Keto Diet isn’t working.
