Paleo vs Keto: What’s the Difference?

The Importance of Protein in the Keto and Paleo Diet

Protein plays a crucial role in both the keto and paleo diets. In the keto diet, it is recommended that a quarter of your daily food intake should consist of protein. However, for those who are not used to consuming a lot of meat, meeting this requirement can be quite challenging. On the other hand, the paleo diet also emphasizes the consumption of a significant amount of protein. The main difference lies in the quality of the meat consumed. In the paleo diet, the focus is on consuming high-quality sources of protein such as wild-caught seafood, fish, and grass-fed meat. While some individuals may overlook this specific aspect, it is actually a crucial element of a traditional paleo diet.


Longevity of the Keto and Paleo Diets

The keto diet and the paleo diet have both been in existence for a considerable period of time, each with their own unique origins and purposes.

The keto diet, originally used as a treatment for epilepsy, has a long history dating back to the 1920s. It was primarily used as a therapeutic approach for managing epilepsy before gaining popularity as a weight loss plan. The modern version of the keto diet was developed in the early 1970s, which allowed for slightly higher levels of protein and carbohydrates compared to its medical counterpart.

In a similar vein, the paleo diet also emerged in the 1970s. This diet was designed around the belief that the rapid advancements in agriculture and technology have outpaced the natural adaptability of the human body. The main concept behind the paleo diet is to emulate the eating habits of our ancestors, with the belief that it would bring about numerous health benefits. In adhering to this diet, processed foods are strictly avoided, and even foods such as legumes, grains, and dairy are not permitted. It is worth noting that while meat was consumed during the time of our ancestors, it was obtained from non-domesticated animals that were not milked.

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