Keto or Paleo: Which is Best?
By Genevieve Cunningham
While some people think of a diet as severely restricting what you eat, that’s not really the true definition. A diet is simply what you eat, and it’s time to start thinking of it this way. Once you think of a diet as something normal instead of restrictive, it becomes easier to maintain healthy eating. But what if you need a little help moving in the right direction? If you’re looking for a major diet change, two great options that you’ve probably heard of include the Keto Diet and the Paleo Diet. But which is better? To learn about each of these healthy eating plans, take a look at this information.
The Ins and Outs of Keto
The Keto Diet -- short for Ketogenic -- is an eating plan that works to put your body in a state of ketosis. What does that mean? It means that through the consumption of certain foods, you hope to force your body to burn stored fat as energy. This is done through the consumption of healthy fats, protein, and very little (if any!) in the way of carbohydrates. Does it work? Most people lose weight when the body enters ketosis, but entering this state can also be dangerous. Some people don’t handle ketosis well, and people with certain diseases may not want to enter ketosis at all. This is a diet that requires serious discussion with your doctor before jumping in.
The Lowdown on Paleo
The Paleo Diet is sometimes called the caveman diet. Why? Because it encourages people to eat foods that would only have been accessible to cavemen. This means sticking to meats, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Paleo followers generally stay away from legumes and whole grains. It’s a very low-calorie diet, and steers far away from processed foods and refined sugars. Does it work? Most of the time, yes! When followed closely, most people enjoy weight loss, a clear mind, and benefits to blood pressure and blood sugar. What should you watch out for? Make sure you’re getting enough calories, and make sure the meat that you consume is the healthiest you can find.
Which is Right?
Each diet brings its own set of good and bad to the table. If you want to try one of these, it’s best to talk with your doctor or healthcare professional. They will know your personal history, help guide you toward the best option, while still keeping your health and body safe. Both of these diets can drastically alter your state of mind as well as the composition of your body. Research, ask questions, and choose wisely, and you may be on the path to better health and incredible fitness before your know it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Whittier, Calif.
