By: Annie Morgan
More and more Americans are kicking carbs to the curb and jumping on the carb-free lifestyle.
But many people who switch to a reduced carb diet use the terms keto and paleo interchangeably when they are not the same.
In fact, while keto and paleo do share some similarities, there are many differences.
So before you decide which one is best for you, check out the basics of keto and paleo so you can learn the difference.
Keto
The goal of keto is to focus on eating healthy amounts of fat and protein and limited carbs.
Things like eggs, avocados, bacon, and cheese are a staple in every keto-follower’s arsenal!
And when you actually stop filling your body with processed junk and heavy carbs– your body actually begins to burn stubborn fat!
Getting (and staying) into ketosis is the secret to weight loss.
Medical News Today reported:
“The body typically uses carbohydrates as fuel for energy. When a person does not get enough carbs, the body will start using up fat and some protein stores. In true ketosis, the liver will take stored fat and turn it into ketones, which the body then uses for energy. Reaching this state of ketosis is the goal of the keto diet.”
Note – keto is more a lifestyle – not a 2 week “lose weight” plan. If you binge one day and scarf down 3 bowls of ice cream, a bag of chips, and mac and cheese – you’ll knock yourself out of ketosis.
But if you truly stick to the plan – you’ll really start to see weight loss results.
Paleo
Living a paleo lifestyle takes things back to how our ancestors used to eat in the old days.
Think simple foods like nuts, seeds, meat, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats.
Those on a paleo diet mainly focus on eliminating grains, legumes, and processed sugar – except they take it further and restrict a keto favorite – dairy – which means – no cheese!
And the paleo diet is less strict when it comes to sugar intake – meaning more fruits are usually allowed and other sweeteners like honey and agave.
Starchy foods like beets, sweet potatoes, and carrots are also allowed on the paleo diet while they would throw someone in the keto diet out of ketosis.
On the plus side, paleo does focus on choosing organic and good quality meat as a source of protein and eliminates processed foods and other junk.
Which Is Better?
It depends.
If your goal is to lose weight – many people find success with keto as it turns your body into a fat-burning machine once you hit ketosis!
You’d also be surprised how much you don’t miss sugar – and once on the keto plan, you’ll naturally gravitate towards food choices that aren’t loaded with carbs.
And these days, with all the tasty and creative keto, treats like chaffles (which are a must try) – you won’t feel deprived.
Plus, on the keto plan, you get to still enjoy cheese!
But some say the keto diet is too strict, and think the paleo plan is more realistic.
As for which is better – it’s a personal preference. But the trend seems to be tipping in the favor of keto!
Do you prefer the keto or paleo plan?
Which one do you find most challenging?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your friends and family to let them know the difference between keto and paleo!
