The world of diets can be overwhelming, with so many different options promising different benefits. If you Google “diet for weight loss” right now, you’re going to be inundated with results, most of which won’t even make sense to you.
Two diets that have gained popularity in recent years are the Paleo and Keto diets. But which one is better, or are they both trash? In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these diets, their potential benefits and drawbacks, and help you decide which one may be best for you.
What is the Paleo Diet?
The Paleo Diet, also known as the Caveman Diet, is based on the idea of eating foods that our ancestors from the Paleolithic era would have consumed. If you think back to the kinds of foods available back then, you’ll get a good sense of the foods in this diet.
These include lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Processed foods, dairy products, grains, and pretty much anything that wasn’t available to Cavemen are avoided in this diet.
The idea behind the Paleo Diet is that by eating the way our ancestors did, we can improve our health, reduce inflammation, and lose weight; basically, enjoy the kind of health they did.
What is the Keto Diet?
The Keto Diet, short for the Ketogenic Diet, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that aims to put the body in a state of ketosis. It’s very different from the Paleo diet because, while that focuses on specific foods, the Keto Diet focuses on what food does to the body.
Ketosis is a state of metabolism where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbs. By limiting carbohydrates, the body is forced to use fat as its primary energy source. By using fat as energy, the body sheds weight a lot quicker, helping people move closer to their body goals.
The Keto Diet is typically made up of 70-80% fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates.
Paleo Vs Keto Diets: Which is Better?
When it comes to deciding between the Paleo and Keto diets, it really depends on your individual goals and lifestyle.
The Paleo Diet may be a good option for those who want to focus on whole, unprocessed foods and reduce inflammation in the body. It’s also a great way to live a disciplined lifestyle.
The Keto Diet, on the other hand, may be a good option for those who want to lose weight, reduce blood sugar levels, and improve brain function.
It’s important to note that both diets have potential drawbacks. The Paleo Diet may be restrictive for some, as it eliminates several food groups and may not provide enough carbohydrates for athletes or those with high activity levels.
It’s also going to be tough for you if you love certain foods that weren’t available to Cavemen. Nobody can fault you for enjoying an occasional bowl of ice cream or some french fries.
In the same vein, The Keto Diet may cause side effects such as the “Keto flu”, which involves nausea, constipation, sugar cravings, and general fatigue. The Keto flu is pretty common during the initial adjustment period and may not be sustainable for you in the long term.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Paleo Vs Keto Diet
What Foods Do You Enjoy?
If your go-to method of rewarding yourself after a significant accomplishment is to order a pizza and knock back some beer, you’re not going to enjoy the Paleo Diet very much.
The same goes for the Keto Diet; carbohydrates will make up 10% of your diet max, which means you’ll have to cut out most sugar sources. The best diets are the ones you can easily live with so consider which foods you enjoy the most before committing to a diet.
What Foods Can Your Body Can Tolerate?
This point is more about the Keto diet because it can be a dramatic shift for most people. Keto Flu is just one of the many ways your body can reject the lifestyle. Another one is the lingering smell of ammonia on people adhering to the diet.
You see, during ketogenesis, ammonia is released as a by-product, and if your body stays in ketogenesis for too long, the ammonia builds up, and the odor starts to linger on your body. This is only seen in individuals that take the diet to the extreme, but it’s worth mentioning.
Which Diet Supports Your Goals?
Both the Keto and Paleo Diets are great for weight loss. But losing weight isn’t the only reason why people go on diets.
If you’re trying to improve your gut health, reduce inflammation, and improve your macro and micronutrient intake, then the Paleo Diet is what you need.
On the other hand, if your goals involve getting a handle on your blood sugar, improving blood pressure regulation, and boosting brain function, go with the Keto Diet.
The Bottom Line
Both the Paleo and Keto Diets have potential benefits and drawbacks, and ultimately it’s up to you to decide which one is best for your individual needs and goals.
Remember that the key to a healthy and sustainable diet is to focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods and to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs.
Check out our guide to getting lean and muscular right here.
