Keto Means
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko Pexels Logo Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko

What is low carb but not keto?

When it comes to choosing between the low carb and keto diets, there are several factors to consider. The main difference between these diets is carbohydrate intake. On a low carb diet, you typically eat 50–150 grams of carbs per day, but on the keto diet, daily carb intake is restricted to fewer than 50 grams.

Is it better to cook pork chops on the stove or in the oven?
Is it better to cook pork chops on the stove or in the oven?

Because one of the best ways to bake pork chops is to start in an oven-safe skillet on the stove and then transfer them into a hot oven. High-heat...

Read More »
What fruit burns the most fat?
What fruit burns the most fat?

Best Fruits for Weight Loss: Top 10 fruits to naturally burn fat... Tomatoes. Contrary to popular belief, tomatoes are fruits and not vegetables....

Read More »

The low carb and keto diets are two popular ways of eating that involve restricting your carb intake. Given that they both limit carbs, you may wonder what sets the two apart. This article reviews the differences between the low carb and keto diets, the pros and cons of each, as well as which one may be a better option for you. Share on Pinterest What’s a low carb diet? A low carb diet is a way of eating that restricts dietary carbohydrates, mainly from grains, sugar-sweetened beverages, and bread. Studies suggest that a low carb diet comprises 10–30% of calories from carbs, although there is no set definition. For a healthy person who consumes 2,000 calories per day, this equals 50–150 grams of carbs ( 1 , 2 ). When following a low carb diet, it’s common to increase your intake of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables to replace the carbs and promote fullness. Also, by restricting carbs, you eliminate many high calorie foods from your diet. All these factors may work together to reduce your overall calorie intake and promote weight loss ( 3 , 4 ). A low carb diet has been linked to several health benefits in people with diabetes, including weight loss and improved blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk factors ( 5 ). It’s also commonly used to induce weight loss ( 6 , 7). While a low carb diet may not be for everyone, it can be a viable weight loss option for most healthy people. Low carb pros and cons Pros may promote weight loss ( 3 , 4 )

, ) eliminates many processed high carb foods

can be sustained long term

less extreme adaptation phase than keto

less restrictive and easier to follow than keto Cons you may feel weak or experience constipation

limits food options

limits fruit intake

may impact micronutrient intake Summary A low carb diet restricts carbs, such as grains, rice, and starchy vegetables, to 10–30% of your overall calorie intake, which may lead to weight loss. You should consider the diet’s pros and cons before starting it. What’s keto? The ketogenic — or keto — diet is a very low carb, high fat diet that has gained popularity in recent years. The keto diet has several therapeutic properties, such as helping treat refractory epilepsy. Promising research shows it may also impair the growth of certain types of cancer. Furthermore, some people utilize it to lose weight ( 8 , 9 , 10 ). When following a keto diet, the goal is to reach nutritional ketosis. In this state, your body produces ketones from fat in your liver and uses fat as its main fuel source instead of carbs. This is achieved by consuming fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day while keeping protein intake moderate and increasing fat intake drastically. A standard keto diet is restrictive and may not be a practical long-term option for those looking to lose weight and improve their health. Keto pros and cons Pros has therapeutic benefits, such as managing epilepsy ( 8 , 9 )

, ) may improve insulin sensitivity ( 11 )

How do I start the first day of ketosis?
How do I start the first day of ketosis?

The first day of the meal should necessarily include fiber rich and healthy food items so that the body gets the flavor of Keto on the very first...

Read More »
Is it OK to have an avocado every day?
Is it OK to have an avocado every day?

In fact, researchers have found that avocados may protect the heart in a similar way as olive oil and nuts do in the heart-healthy Mediterranean...

Read More »

) may reduce appetite ( 12 )

) can improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels ( 4 ) Cons constipation is common due to low fiber intake

long-term data is limited

risk of the keto flu, which may include headaches, fatigue, brain fog, irritability, and lack of motivation

limits fruit intake

may be difficult to stick to for long periods Summary The keto diet restricts carbs to 50 grams or fewer per day. This puts your body in a state of nutritional ketosis, which promotes the use of fat as a primary fuel source. The diet’s pros and cons should be considered before starting it. Which is better for most people? When it comes to choosing between the low carb and keto diets, there are several factors to consider. The main difference between these diets is carbohydrate intake. On a low carb diet, you typically eat 50–150 grams of carbs per day, but on the keto diet, daily carb intake is restricted to fewer than 50 grams. Another main difference is protein intake. With low carb diets, protein intake may be high, but with keto diets, protein intake should be moderate at around 20% of total calories. This is because excessive protein intake can prevent ketosis ( 13 ). Additionally, fat intake tends to be significantly higher on the keto diet, as fats replace carbs and protein. The keto diet may be too restrictive for most people, leading to poor long-term adherence. Furthermore, the keto diet is more likely to cause unwanted side effects ( 13 ). Therefore, a low carb diet is likely a better option for most people. That said, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before starting any diet to reduce your risk of complications. Summary While both diets limit carbs to varying degrees, the keto diet is more restrictive. For the majority of the population, the low carb diet appears to be more sustainable in the long term.

Should cucumbers be stored in the refrigerator?
Should cucumbers be stored in the refrigerator?

Even though cucumbers are prone to chilling injury, the fridge is still the best place to store them. At room temperature, cucumbers will only last...

Read More »
Can you eat tomatoes on a keto diet?
Can you eat tomatoes on a keto diet?

Tomatoes. Tomatoes are a fruit, though many people use them in savory dishes and sauces. They are also keto-friendly, with about 4.8 g of carbs and...

Read More »
Does boiled egg belly fat?
Does boiled egg belly fat?

Hard-boiled eggs alone won't make you gain fat. Eating more calories than you burn causes fat gain, no matter where those calories come from. So,...

Read More »
Can you gain weight eating 1200 calories a day?
Can you gain weight eating 1200 calories a day?

Studies have found that while initial weight loss using low calorie diets like 1,200-calorie diets is typically rapid and substantial, it's often...

Read More »