When it comes to comparing the Paleo and Keto diets to the way our ancestors used to eat, the Paleo diet aligns more closely with our ancestral eating habits. Here’s why:
Paleo Diet
The Paleo diet is based on the idea of eating foods that our ancestors from the Paleolithic era consumed. This diet focuses on whole foods that would have been available to early humans, such as lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Here are some reasons why the Paleo diet aligns more closely with the way our ancestors used to eat:
- Avoids processed foods: Our ancestors did not have access to processed foods like refined sugars, grains, and vegetable oils. The Paleo diet eliminates these modern additions to our diet, focusing instead on whole, natural foods.
- Emphasizes nutrient-dense foods: Early humans would have relied on nutrient-dense foods to survive and thrive. The Paleo diet encourages the consumption of foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Includes lean proteins and healthy fats: Our ancestors would have hunted for lean meats and gathered nuts and seeds for healthy fats. The Paleo diet promotes the consumption of these nutritious protein and fat sources.
- Eliminates dairy and grains: Dairy farming and grain cultivation are relatively recent developments in human history. The Paleo diet excludes dairy and grains, which would not have been part of our ancestors’ diet.
Keto Diet
The Keto diet, on the other hand, is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis. While the Keto diet can be effective for weight loss and certain health conditions, it may not align as closely with the way our ancestors used to eat. Here are some reasons why:
- Relies on modern food processing: The Keto diet often includes processed foods like artificial sweeteners, protein bars, and keto desserts. Our ancestors would not have had access to these highly processed foods.
- Focuses on high-fat foods: While our ancestors would have consumed some fat from animal sources, the high-fat nature of the Keto diet may not reflect the fat sources available to early humans.
- Does not prioritize nutrient density: The Keto diet can sometimes lead to a lower intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants if not carefully planned. Our ancestors would have relied on nutrient-dense foods for optimal health.
- Allows for dairy and artificial ingredients: The Keto diet permits dairy consumption and the use of artificial sweeteners, which would not have been part of our ancestors’ diet.