Looking to switch up your diet? You’ve probably heard of the keto and paleo diets, two popular nutrition plans that promise a healthier lifestyle and better food choices. But which one should you go with? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and differences between the two so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
The Pros and Cons of Keto
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb plan designed to put your body into ketosis–a metabolic state in which your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. The main benefits of this diet are weight loss, increased energy levels, improved mental clarity, prevention of type 2 diabetes, and improved heart health. However, some people might find it difficult to stick to this strict regimen due to the dietary restrictions and lack of variety in meals.
The Pros and Cons of Paleo
The paleo diet focuses on eating whole foods such as lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, healthy fats (like olive oil), eggs, seafood, herbs/spices, etc., while avoiding all processed foods. The primary benefit is that it eliminates many unhealthy ingredients from our diets (such as added sugar or preservatives). However some people may find this restrictive as they may miss their favorite treats or snacks like granola bars or chips. Additionally because it eliminates dairy products it can be difficult for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan/vegetarian to follow this diet plan.
Differences in Keto & Paleo
Perhaps the biggest difference between these two diets is their approach to carb intake. With keto you must limit carbs severely (no more than 5% of daily calories) while with paleo you have more flexibility in terms of carb intake but still need to limit them somewhat (around 30% of daily calories). Additionally both diets have different rules when it comes to food groups like dairy or grains; with keto you can consume dairy sparingly while with paleo all dairy products are off limits while some grains are allowed depending on your individual needs. Finally both diets require commitment and dedication; neither will work if not followed correctly!
Deciding between the ketogenic diet and the paleo diet isn’t easy—both offer unique benefits that appeal to different lifestyles. Ultimately it comes down to what works best for you; if you need a strict regimen then perhaps try out keto but if having some flexibility works better then go for paleo! Regardless make sure to do your research before starting any new nutrition plan so that you understand exactly what is expected from each one before making a commitment. Good luck on your journey towards better health!
by Matt Hanson, Las Vegas Personal Trainer, Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Health Coach