Starting a new way of eating can come with a bit of a learning curve. Not only are there a lot of options when it comes to healthy eating but some ways of eating have different versions, such as Keto. When two ways of eating share some similarities is can be difficult for those who are new to the scene to figure them out. In the case of Keto vs Carnivore, there are just s many differences as similarities but some people who practice keto move into a carnivore diet as they find a zero carb lifestyle more suitable.
As always the diet that someone chooses to follow is a highly personal choice and the results that one person sees can be very different from another’s. The opinions that people have when it comes to nutrition and diet can be very strong and this article is not meant to debate or sway these opinions merely to give you some more information. I highly encourage everyone to do their research and take into account their own health needs when trying to adjust their diet as there is no one size fits all way of eating that will work equally well for everyone. and in the end, you must find a healthy way to eat that you are personally comfortable following.
Keto Vs Carnivore, The Difference Between Them.
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Keto Vs Carnivore – The Basics
What is Keto?
Keto is a way of eating in which you teach your body to rely on fat instead of sugar (carbohydrates) for fuel. Keto is considered a high fat, moderate protein, low carb diet. When you follow a Keto diet you enter a state called Ketosis. In this state, your body uses fat to produce ketones. Ketones then become your body’s fuel.
You can think of Keto as being a low carb diet on steroids. Where most low carb diets tend to restrict carb intake to 150g of net carbs or less a Keto diet restricts you to around 20g of net carbs a day. There are several different versions of Keto but at its core, Keto simply means entering a state of Ketosis which is possible just by restricting carb intake. What version you choose to follow is a personal choice but rest assured there are success stories in every category! For more details, you can see our post – Keto Diet Basics
What is Carnivore?
If you remember your science lessons from school then the name of this diet should be a pretty good clue! The Carnivore diet is a way of eating that consists of consuming nothing but animal products. This diet is a protein-heavy diet consisting of meat and fish.
Just like keto, there are several versions of the carnivore diet. Some people restrict eggs and butter while others allow them as animal products. Many carnivores also allow themselves to consume full-fat dairy,/heavy cream and hard cheeses. How strict you decide to be depends largely on your own personal results and reasons for going carnivore in the first place.
Many people who start a carnivore diet have previous Keto experience and either did not get the results they were looking for, required a more selective diet for health reasons or grew tired of the extra preparation that a keto diet can require. If you love your vegetables then the Carnivore diet may be difficult for you, however, if you’re tired of calculating macros and worrying about your carb intake then Carnivore might be easier to follow.
Carnivore might seem extreme when compared to the diet we all grew up learning about but in reality, this way of eating has been followed by many groups of people for thousands of years. People have lived successfully on an all-meat diet in remote and harsh environments for thousands of years. You can find more information about various scientific research and details Here
How are Keto and Carnivore Similar?
- Both Keto and Carnivore diets permit proteins and fats while restricting carbs.
- When starting a Keto or Carnivore diet after following a carb-heavy way of eating its likely that you will experience some side effects as your body adjusts. This is typically called the keto flu and the effects can be eased by making sure you get enough electrolytes. Once your body learns to use fat as a fuel these symptoms will vanish.
- Both diets require fat for fuel. Since you are no longer consuming carbohydrates your body will become fat adapted and switch to burning fat rather than sugar for fuel.
- Both diets mean you will enter ketosis. This is a metabolic state which means your body turns fat into ketones rather than relying on blood glucose. While some people believe that excessive protein can lead to being knocked out of ketosis but this is a widespread myth that has been thoroughly debunked.
- People who follow both keto and carnivore diets often report increased mental clarity, less joint pain due to a lack of inflammation and both typically result in weight loss.
How are Keto and Carnivore Different?
- Strict carnivore is essentially zero carb diet while Keto allows you up to 20g of net cabs a day.
- Food choices between Keto and Carnivore are drastically different. When following a carnivore diet you will be eating meat, perhaps some butter and cheese and drinking water and coffee (without sweeteners).On keto, you have more choices as you are allowed high fiber vegetables and berries.
- Since Keto allows for more variety it can be easier to battle cravings during the early days as there are a variety of keto-friendly treats out there to give you a hand.
- Carnivore makes life easy – you don’t have to worry as much about calories, carb intake or macros. You are allowed to eat meat which is filling and makes decisions while eating out simplistic, a steak with butter or chicken wings is easy. Figuring out how many carbs are in a restaurant’s meal can be challenging when following Keto.
- Many people report quicker weight loss on the carnivore diet but as always this is highly personal. However, in many keto groups, beef and butter or egg fasts are often prescribed for beating a stall. Both of these are basically following a carnivore diet for a limited amount of time.
