"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

What is the difference between popular low-carb diets?

Question
If someone desires to try a really low carb food regimen, what's the difference between a carnivore food regimen, a keto food regimen, and a paleo food regimen?

Oh While all three diets are low in carbohydrates, there are significant differences between each of them.

The ketogenic (keto) food regimen. A “true” keto food regimen doesn't provide enough calories from glucose and other types of sugar and causes the body to burn fat for energy. When fat is broken down, ketones are released into the bloodstream by fat cells. An increase in blood ketones lowers the conventional acid balance within the blood in order that it becomes more acidic, a condition called ketosis. In a typical keto food regimen plan, about 70% to 75% of each day calories come from fat, 20% from protein, and not more than 10% from carbohydrates. Food and beverage decisions may vary to offer this calorie mix.

Carnivorous food regimen. A carnivore food regimen is essentially the most ketogenic since it is amazingly low in carbohydrates, which is why it is typically called a “zero-carb” food regimen. You only eat meat, poultry, eggs, fish and milk. The long list of foods not allowed includes all vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds and nuts.

The paleo food regimen. The paleo approach focuses on the unprocessed, truly natural foods that humans ate through hunting and gathering through the Paleolithic period, which ended about 10,000 years ago. Food decisions can come from meat, fish, poultry, eggs, vegetables, fruits and nuts. Any refined or artificial products (including healthy oils akin to olive oil), dairy, grains, beans, and potatoes are excluded because they appeared after the agricultural revolution that followed the Paleolithic era. A paleo food regimen will be ketogenic if easy carbohydrates are sufficiently restricted. Still, you possibly can go paleo and never be in ketosis by eating an excessive amount of fruit, especially berries.

So, which of those three methods, if any, might you concentrate on trying? The pros and cons of the keto food regimen depend upon your goal. If you wish to start a weight reduction program, the keto food regimen can assist you to lose five to 10 kilos or more. The downside, even short-term, is a possible increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol. Personally, I even have concerns about staying in ketosis longer than 4 to 6 weeks. Long-term use of the keto food regimen is related to an increased risk of kidney stones, osteoporosis, and gout.

With the Paleo food regimen, you might have the pliability to go out and in of ketosis. However, because grains usually are not allowed, you will have to search out ways to extend your fiber intake. And you could possibly be missing out on some essential micronutrients.

Finally, given the overwhelming evidence supporting the advantages of a plant-based food regimen, I'd never recommend a carnivore food regimen.


Photo: © SewcreamStudio/Getty Images