Paleo Vs Keto: Foods That Don't Fit The Keto Mold

The paleo and keto diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people adopting them for weight loss or to improve their overall health. While there are some similarities between the two, there are also key differences in the foods they allow. This article will explore the foods that are considered paleo but not keto, providing insight into the distinctions between these two dietary approaches.

Paleo allows some natural sweeteners, keto doesn't

The paleo and keto diets have some similarities, but there are also differences. Both diets aim to boost health, eliminate highly processed foods, and encourage weight loss. However, they differ in the foods they allow, their effects on the body, and their specific health benefits.

The keto diet focuses on eating a particular balance of macronutrients to enter a state of ketosis, where the body uses fat for energy or health instead of carbohydrates. In contrast, the paleo diet focuses on eating foods that humans would have eaten in the Stone Age, eliminating modern processed foods.

One of the key differences between the two diets is their approach to sweeteners and sugar. The paleo diet allows some "natural" sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, date sugar, and coconut sugar. However, it does not permit artificial sweeteners, including sugar alcohols, as they are considered a product of modern technology. On the other hand, the keto diet does not allow any sugars but permits some artificial sweeteners, such as stevia and sucralose, as long as they do not contain any sugar.

The paleo diet is more flexible when it comes to sweeteners and sugar, while the keto diet is more restrictive to maintain the state of ketosis.

In conclusion, while both diets have potential health benefits, they differ in their approach to sweeteners and sugar, with paleo allowing some natural sweeteners and keto permitting only artificial sweeteners without sugar.

Paleo is more flexible with fruit

The paleo diet is more flexible with fruit than keto. While both diets are considered "low-carb", the paleo diet does not have a strict limit on carbohydrates and allows for a wider range of fruits.

The paleo diet is based on the principle of eating foods that were available to early humans, with a focus on whole foods and the elimination of grains, legumes, and processed foods. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy oils such as olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado, and coconut oils. While some starchy fruits and vegetables like potatoes and bananas are limited, most fruits are allowed on the paleo diet.

On the other hand, the keto diet is a very low-carbohydrate diet that aims to induce a state of ketosis, where the body uses fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. To achieve this, the keto diet restricts all rich sources of carbohydrates, including most fruits. While a small amount of honey may be allowed for sweetening, the keto diet only permits low-carb fruits like berries, cranberries, peaches, apricots, apples, and plums, and even these are limited to small amounts.

The paleo diet is generally more flexible than keto when it comes to fruit. This is because paleo focuses on ideology and lifestyle choices, while keto focuses on strict macronutrient distribution. Paleo dieters can include a wider variety of fruits in their diet, as long as they are natural and unprocessed, whereas keto dieters must carefully monitor their fruit intake to maintain ketosis.

In addition to fruit, the paleo diet also allows for more whole-food sources of carbohydrates, such as vegetables, unrefined sweeteners, and tubers like potatoes and sweet potatoes. Paleo dieters can also consume some natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup, which are strictly forbidden on the keto diet.

Overall, the paleo diet provides more flexibility and variety in terms of fruit and carbohydrate options, making it easier to maintain and potentially offering a wider range of nutritious choices.

Paleo doesn't allow dairy, keto does

The paleo and keto diets are two popular diets that can help with weight loss and improving overall health. However, they differ in their ideologies and food restrictions.

The paleo diet, also known as "the caveman diet," is based on the principle of eating foods that were available to early humans, such as vegetables, selected fats and oils, and minimally processed sweeteners. It eliminates grains, legumes, processed sugar, and most sources of dairy. The keto diet, on the other hand, focuses on decreasing carb intake and increasing fat consumption to induce ketosis, a metabolic state where the body uses calories from fat instead of carbs for energy. While the keto diet allows for some dairy products, the paleo diet restricts almost all dairy.

Dairy is considered a grey area in the paleo diet. Some people choose to avoid it completely, while others consume butter but not milk or yogurt. There is no definitive answer, as dairy is not necessary for a healthy diet, but it can be a good source of fat, protein, and micronutrients. Additionally, dairy can be a good way to introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut through yogurts, kefirs, or cheeses. However, dairy can also cause digestive issues and insulin sensitivity, and it is high in carbs.

The keto diet, on the other hand, encourages the consumption of high-fat dairy foods such as heavy cream, butter, and unsweetened full-fat yogurt. These dairy products are good sources of protein, fat, potassium, and calcium. However, keto dieters must be mindful of their dairy choices, as dairy equals sugar, which equals carbs. Dairy products with minimal carbohydrates and no added sugar are allowed on the keto diet.

In summary, while the paleo diet restricts almost all dairy, the keto diet allows and encourages the consumption of certain dairy products. Paleo dieters may choose to include some dairy, but it is generally not recommended. Keto dieters, on the other hand, can enjoy dairy in moderation, as long as it fits within their specified macronutrient range.

Paleo is less restrictive with alcohol

The paleo diet is based on the principle that eating foods available to early humans will promote optimal health. It focuses on eating whole foods that were thought to be available to humans in the Paleolithic era, and eliminating modern processed foods. The diet also has a lifestyle component that focuses on wellness practices and exercise.

The keto diet, on the other hand, focuses on decreasing carb intake to induce ketosis, a metabolic state in which the body uses calories from fat instead of carbs to create energy. The keto diet is more restrictive than the paleo diet, eliminating all sources of dairy, grains, legumes, starchy vegetables, most fruits, sweeteners, and processed foods.

While the paleo diet does not technically allow alcohol, as it is both processed and a toxin, many proponents of the diet and nutrition experts recognise that devotees want the occasional drink. Thus, a moderate approach is often taken, with some experts advocating for the inclusion of a moderate amount of alcohol, as long as individuals are cautious about the type and amount they consume.

Wine, hard ciders, and tequila are considered more paleo-friendly drinks, as they are not as reliant on grains and therefore have fewer carbohydrates and hopefully less sugar. Red wine, in particular, is often seen as a healthier option due to its higher concentration of antioxidants such as resveratrol, which can have heart-healthy benefits. Hard cider, made from fermented apples or pears, is also increasing in popularity as a gluten-free alternative to beer.

However, it is important to note that even these more paleo-friendly alcoholic beverages are still processed and can have negative effects on the body, especially when consumed in large quantities. Alcohol can be toxic to the liver, is addictive, and can cause a dip in blood sugar and a rise in blood fats. It is also dehydrating and can affect electrolyte balance.

Thus, while paleo may be less restrictive with alcohol than keto, it is still important for individuals following the paleo diet to consume alcoholic beverages in moderation and prioritise their overall health and wellness goals.

Paleo is less strict with fats

The keto and paleo diets have a lot of similarities, but they also have some key differences. Both diets are considered "low-carb", but the paleo diet is less strict with fats and does not have ketosis as its primary goal.

The keto diet, or ketogenic diet, is a very low-carbohydrate diet that focuses on eating a particular balance of macronutrients. The goal is to enter a state of ketosis, where the body begins to burn fat for health or weight loss. A person on a keto diet should consume 5-10% carbohydrates, and the diet is typically high in fat, with moderate protein, and very low in carbs.

On the other hand, the paleo diet, also known as the caveman or stone-age diet, focuses on eating foods that humans would have eaten in the Stone Age or Paleolithic era. The goal is to eliminate modern processed foods and return to a more natural way of eating. The paleo diet does not have a specific macronutrient ratio, but it typically includes more whole foods, fruits, and vegetables, and healthy fats.

One of the main differences between the two diets is their approach to fat. The keto diet requires about 70% of total calories to come from fat, while the paleo diet is much more moderate at around 35%. This means that the keto diet is more restrictive and requires careful planning to ensure the correct ratio of macronutrients. The paleo diet, on the other hand, is more flexible and allows for a wider variety of food choices.

In terms of specific foods, the keto diet allows for high-fat dairy and low-carb alcohols, while the paleo diet forbids all dairy and alcohol. The paleo diet also allows for more fruits and below-ground vegetables, while the keto diet restricts these due to their higher carbohydrate content.

Overall, the paleo diet is less strict with fats and has a more moderate approach to macronutrients. It focuses on high-quality, natural foods and eliminating processed foods, rather than achieving a specific ratio of fats to other nutrients. This makes it a more flexible and sustainable diet for some people.

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