Each year, millions of people resolve to lose weight. It’s a resolution we as Americans make each year.

In fact, in 2017, 45% of respondents to a Nielsen survey said they wanted to lose weight that year.

If you’re among them, that’s great! Being in a mindset to get healthy and exercise regularly is a resolution that can help reverse diseases like diabetes and extend your life.

When you get down to it, you realize there are dozens of diets to choose from like the Mediterranean, Vegan, Whole30, Keto, and Paleo.

It’s these last two – Keto and Paleo – that we’re discussing today. Many people have questions about Keto vs. Paleo because they seem similar. Ready to complete your resolutions?

What is Keto?

The Ketogenic diet forces your body into ketosis. This is the biological process by which your body burns fat instead of carbs. Ketones are a byproduct of that burnt energy.

How it works is you remove almost all carbohydrates from your diet. With carbs removed, that means your diet is made up primarily of fat and protein. You’ll eat a lot of meat (grass-fed, organic), full-fat dairy, and healthy oils.

What is Paleo?

The Paleo diet is also a low-carb diet. The line of thinking is that cavemen, or Paleolithic humans, didn’t have access to grains or processed foods. With the removal of those foods, we can reverse a lot of ailments that plague us today.

On the Paleo diet, your diet will be comprised mainly of grass-fed meats, low-starch vegetables and fruits, eggs, nuts and seeds, and healthy oils. You won’t get to eat dairy, legumes, refined sugar, salt, or potatoes.

How Are They Similar?

The main similarity between the Keto and Paleo diets is the fact that they’re both low-carb. Both restrict the consumption of grains, beans, legumes, sugars, and starchy vegetables.

With both of these diets, you’ll notice an initial dip in your energy levels. This is due to the fact that your body no longer has access to quick-burning fuel (i.e. carbs) and has to rely on other sources of energy.

How Are They Different?

With Keto, your focus is primarily on consuming fat. On this diet, you’ll consume about 3 calories of fat per 1 calorie of protein or carbohydrates.

To get all this fat into your diet, the Keto diet allows you to eat full-fat dairy products like cheese, milk, and butter.

On the Paleo diet, your primary macronutrient is protein. You also cannot eat dairy on this diet.

Paleo is also much more restrictive on the types of fruits and vegetables you can eat.

Which Diet Is Better?

The answer to this question for any diet really is “it depends.” This is especially true for Keto vs. Paleo.

With any new diet, your body will need to adjust to the fuel you’re giving it. However, you should also listen to your body about its sensitivity to certain foods. For example, if your gut is sensitive to dairy, then the Paleo diet might be better for you.

You should also consider what your fitness goals are. Both diets tend to be ideal for those who lift weights often. Keto tends to be better for runners.

Whether you choose Keto or Paleo, you’ll find plenty of sources and meal services online to help you adjust. One such service is Ketoned Bodies keto meals.

Keto vs. Paleo Wrap Up

Both of these diets focus on ditching foods that are generally thought to make us sick.

When it comes to Keto vs. Paleo, you have to consider what your lifestyle and workouts are like before choosing one. You should also consider which foods you know you’re sensitive to.

And remember, these diets are not right for everyone!

For more articles like this, check out our health and fitness section.