Perplexed by Paleo? Confused by Keto? We’ve got you covered with short introductions to the Ketogenic, Paleo, Intermittent Fasting, Raw Food and the Alkaline diets.
Ketogenic
Fat is back in this ultra-low-carb, high-fat diet. Keto calls for more protein and cutting carbs to achieve a natural process called ketosis, where the body uses fat for energy instead of sugar.
Pros
Cons
Cutting carbs can enhance mood, mental focus, energy levels and even sleep.
Get a handle on hunger pangs as more healthy fat can provide a steadier supply of energy across the day.
Research suggests that high protein diets like Keto can raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol.
No carbs! That’s a tough diet change in today’s world…
The “Keto Flu” can strike in the early days as the body gets used to ketosis.
Paleo
The Paleo diet is all about cutting out modern foods and returning to our hunter-gatherer roots. The focus is on lean protein, fruits and vegetables over calorie and sodium-rich processed foods.
Pros
Cons
A blanket ban on foods with nasty stuff like additives, preservatives and chemicals.
Paleo can help unleash the anti-inflammatory benefits in fruits, vegetables, oils, nuts, and seeds.
Feel full faster for longer with lean protein and healthy fats over processed carbs
There’s a lot to be said for modern foods - grains and dairy have a host of benefits (not to mention are flipping delicious!)
Paleo can be tough for vegetarians as staples like beans are a no-go…
Paleo can get expensive when all that protein adds up.
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is all about alternating when you do and don’t eat. Like Paleo, it’s designed to mimic our ancient eating habits – in this case, feast and famine. There are several different ways to fast, from alternative-day fasting (25% of your regular intake on fasting days and 125% on feast days) to same day, time-restricted fasting and the popular 5:2 fast diet (5 normal and 2 fasting days each week).
Pros
Cons
Outside of reducing calorie intake, intermittent fasting doesn’t usually require major changes in the types of food you eat, so the family’s shopping list is generally safe.
Intermittent Fasting is one of the simpler diets. Just plan a new eating regime and stick to it.
The only problem with a feast and famine approach to dieting is the famine part…
The opportunity to feast can give dieters a license to overeat and binge on the wrong types of food.
Intermittent Fasting can be a lonely diet - eating at different times to family and friends can put pressure on social meals and outings.
The Raw Food
Raw Foodies believe that cooking reduces the value of nutrients and enzymes needed for digestion and disease prevention. The diet calls for food to be eaten raw or below 45 degrees. Anything cooked, processed, pasteurized, irradiated, or not in its “natural-state” is off-limits.
Pros
Cons
You don’t have to cook – a big positive for those living a life on the go!
The eating plan doesn’t include added sugars, colourings, additives or chemicals and is low in sodium and high in potassium
Eating only raw foods takes more planning that it sounds. Raw Foodies can struggle to meet daily nutrient needs as standard sources of protein such as meat are usually off-limits.
Most restaurants aren’t raw food friendly making eating out a challenge.
Consuming unpasteurized dairy is not recommended due to potential pathogens, especially for children and those with weak immune systems.
The Alkaline
High school chemistry class here we come! The alkaline diet starts from the premise that foods impact the body’s internal pH levels and a more alkaline diet improves health and possibly prevents disease. The eating plan focuses on eating alkaline-promoting foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, while eliminating acid-promoting foods like meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, grains, and alcohol.
Pros
Cons
Any diet that promotes more plant-based foods is a step in the right direction.
The alkaline diet promotes avoidance of the dreaded three - sodium, saturated fat, and sugar
There’s a lack of credible research on the health impact of pH levels of food and the benefits of the diet in general.
It’s tough to know which foods are acidic, neutral, or alkaline – it’s hardly intuitive or listed on food labels
So there you have it. Everything you need to know about the most talked-about diets. Just in time for the experts to decide that none of them work and invent a new one.
This quick overview was taken from information readily available in the public domain. Calocurb doesn’t endorse any particular diet. We would strongly encourage you to research any diet change in detail and discuss any concerns with your doctor.