Paleo vs. Keto — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on September 25, 2023
Paleo emphasizes eating like ancient humans with unprocessed foods, while Keto focuses on low-carb, high-fat intake to induce ketosis.
Difference Between Paleo and Keto
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
aleo and Keto are two dietary approaches that have gained popularity in recent years. The Paleo diet, often termed the caveman diet, emphasizes consuming foods that were presumably available to our Paleolithic ancestors. Keto, or ketogenic diet, is centered on achieving a metabolic state called ketosis by significantly reducing carbohydrate intake.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
The Paleo diet's main focus is on whole foods like lean meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. This diet avoids grains, dairy, and other processed foods. Keto, meanwhile, places emphasis on fats, moderate protein, and minimal carbs, with the aim of burning fat for energy.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Both Paleo and Keto diets can lead to weight loss, but their mechanisms differ. Paleo focuses on natural, unprocessed foods that may result in calorie reduction due to their nutrient-dense nature. Keto, by limiting carbs, shifts the body's primary energy source from glucose to fats.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
While some foods overlap in Paleo and Keto diets, such as meats and certain vegetables, the inclusion and exclusion criteria for each differ. For instance, some high-carb fruits and vegetables accepted in Paleo are restricted in Keto to maintain ketosis.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
The goals behind adopting either Paleo or Keto can vary. Paleo enthusiasts often aim for overall health and natural eating habits. In contrast, Keto followers typically seek weight loss, improved brain function, or enhanced energy levels.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Focus
Eat like ancient humans
Achieve ketosis
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Macronutrient Emphasis
Balanced; natural, whole foods
High fats, moderate protein, low carbs
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Restricted Foods
Grains, dairy, processed foods
High-carb fruits, grains, sugars
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Purpose
Overall health, natural eating
Weight loss, brain function, energy boost
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Origin
Based on presumed Paleolithic human diet
Designed to induce a metabolic state
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Compare with Definitions
Paleo
A regimen emphasizing lean meats, fish, veggies, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
On her Paleo diet, Janet rediscovered the joys of fresh vegetables.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Keto
A regimen designed to shift metabolism from glucose to fat burning.
Since starting Keto, Jenna noticed she felt less hungry between meals.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Paleo
A diet based on foods presumed consumed by Paleolithic humans.
Sarah adopted the Paleo diet to eat more natural foods.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Keto
A diet promoting ketosis through low carbohydrate intake.
Mike's Keto diet made him more energetic than ever.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Paleo
A nutritional plan avoiding grains, dairy, and processed items.
The Paleo lifestyle resonated with Mark's aim to eat unprocessed.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Keto
A nutritional plan emphasizing fats as the primary energy source.
Keto recipes often include ingredients like avocado and coconut oil.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Paleo
An ancestral nutrition framework focusing on unprocessed foods.
The Paleo approach helped Lisa identify her intolerance to processed sugars.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Keto
A dietary approach that limits carbs to induce a metabolic state.
Achieving ketosis on the Keto diet helped Ron shed pounds quickly.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Paleo
A dietary approach inspired by the eating habits of ancient humans.
Following Paleo guidelines, Jake eliminated dairy from his meals.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Keto
A high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb nutrition strategy.
Keto-friendly snacks often center around nuts, cheese, and meats.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Paleo
(informal) paleodiet
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 01, 2022
Keto
(organic chemistry) The carbonyl group of a ketone.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 01, 2022
Keto
(informal) ketogenic
A keto diet
Tayyaba Rehman
Jun 01, 2022
Common Curiosities
What is ketosis in the context of the Keto diet?
Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbs.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
What is the primary focus of the Paleo diet?
Paleo emphasizes natural, whole foods consumed by ancient humans.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
How does the Keto diet help in weight loss?
Keto induces ketosis, where the body burns fat for energy due to low carbs.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Are dairy products allowed in Paleo?
Typically, Paleo excludes dairy products.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is fruit consumption limited in Keto?
Yes, especially high-carb fruits are limited on Keto.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is Keto just about cutting carbs?
While reducing carbs is essential, the Keto diet emphasizes increasing healthy fat intake to promote ketosis.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Do all Paleo dieters eat meat?
While many do, it's possible to be vegetarian or even vegan and still follow a Paleo approach, although it's more challenging.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
What is the Keto diet?
The Keto diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that aims to get your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbs.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Do both Paleo and Keto diets restrict sugar?
Yes, both diets recommend limiting refined sugars.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
What does Paleo refer to?
Paleo, short for Paleolithic, refers to a diet that mimics the eating habits of our ancient ancestors, focusing on whole foods and avoiding processed ones.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Why is the Paleo diet also called the "caveman diet"?
Because it's based on the presumed eating habits of ancient humans or "cavemen" from the Paleolithic era.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
How do you know if you're in ketosis on the Keto diet?
Common signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, and a distinct breath odor. Some people also use ketone test strips.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is the Paleo diet gluten-free?
Yes, since it excludes grains, which are the primary sources of gluten.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is it possible to combine Paleo and Keto diets?
Yes, many foods are compliant with both diets, so it's possible to follow a low-carb Paleo approach.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can you eat fruits on the Keto diet?
In moderation. Some fruits have high sugar and carb content, so they're limited on Keto.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Are there any risks associated with the Keto diet?
Some individuals might experience the "keto flu," nutrient deficiencies, or increased cholesterol. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
How does the Paleo diet differ from the Keto diet?
Paleo focuses on mimicking ancient diets with natural foods, while Keto prioritizes macronutrient distribution to promote ketosis.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is ketosis the same as ketoacidosis?
No. While ketosis is a metabolic state from burning fat, ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition where the blood becomes too acidic, often linked to diabetes.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can you eat legumes on the Paleo diet?
Most strict Paleo guidelines recommend avoiding legumes, but some variations are more lenient.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Which diet is more restrictive, Paleo or Keto?
It varies by perspective. While Keto restricts carbs, Paleo eliminates specific food groups like dairy and grains. Personal preferences and goals can determine which feels more restrictive.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Share Your Discovery
⮪ Previous Comparison
Pinapple vs. Pineapple
Next Comparison ➦
Inductive Reasoning vs. Abductive ReasoningAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
