Ketovore vs. Carnivore Diet: What’s the Difference?

If you want to adopt a meat-based diet, you may have encountered the Ketovore and Carnivore diets. Both diets focus on consuming high amounts of animal products while limiting or eliminating carbohydrates. But what are the key differences between the two? In this article, we'll break down the Ketovore and Carnivore diets, their benefits, risks, and meal plans to help you decide which, if either, make sense for you.

Introduction

The Ketovore and Carnivore diets are two popular diets that have gained attention in the low-carb, high-fat community. The Ketovore diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that combines the principles of the ketogenic diet with the carnivore diet. The goal of the Ketovore diet is to achieve a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. On the other hand, the Carnivore diet is a strict meat-based diet that eliminates all plant foods, including fruits and vegetables.

Ketovore Diet

What is Ketovore Diet?

The Ketovore diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that focuses on consuming meat, fish, eggs, and high-fat dairy products while limiting or eliminating carbohydrates. The diet combines the principles of the ketogenic diet, which involves reducing carbohydrate intake to induce ketosis, with the carnivore diet, which involves eliminating plant foods.

Benefits of Ketovore Diet

The Ketovore diet has been shown to have several health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and increased energy levels. It may also help reduce inflammation, improve mental clarity, and support gut microbiome health.

Risks of Ketovore Diet

One of the main risks of the Ketovore diet is the potential for nutrient deficiencies, as the diet limits or eliminates plant foods, which are important sources of vitamins and minerals. It may also be difficult to follow for vegetarians or vegans, and some people may experience digestive issues or keto flu during the transition period.

Ketovore Meal Plan

A typical Ketovore meal plan includes animal products such as beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and high-fat dairy products like cheese and butter. Low-carb vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower can also be included in moderation. Snacks may include nuts, seeds, or low-carb protein bars.

Ketovore Recipes

  • Beef and broccoli stir-fry
  • Grilled chicken with avocado salsa
  • Salmon and asparagus in foil
  • Keto coffee with heavy cream

Carnivore Diet

What is Carnivore Diet?

The Carnivore diet is a meat-based diet that involves eating only animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and high-fat dairy products. The diet eliminates all plant foods, including fruits and vegetables.

Benefits of Carnivore Diet

The Carnivore diet has been shown to have several potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and reduced inflammation. It may also help improve mental health and support the health of the gut microbiome.

Risks of Carnivore Diet

One of the main risks of the Carnivore diet is the potential for nutrient deficiencies, as the diet eliminates plant foods, which are important sources of vitamins and minerals. It may also be difficult to follow for vegetarians or vegans, and some people may experience digestive issues during the transition period.

Carnivore Meal Plan

A typical Carnivore meal plan includes animal products such as beef, pork, chicken, fish, and high-fat dairy products like cheese and butter. Some people may also include organ meats and bone broth for additional nutrients. The diet eliminates all plant foods, including fruits and vegetables, grains, and processed foods.

Carnivore Recipes

  • Pan-seared ribeye steak
  • Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs
  • Grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce
  • Bone broth soup with beef bones

Comparison

Ketovore vs. Carnivore Diet: Which is Better?

The answer to this question depends on your personal goals and preferences. The Ketovore diet may be more suitable for those looking to achieve ketosis and improve their overall health. The Carnivore diet, on the other hand, may be more suitable for those with digestive issues or autoimmune conditions, as it eliminates all potential trigger foods.

Similarities between Ketovore and Carnivore Diet

Both diets share the common theme of consuming high amounts of animal products while limiting or eliminating carbohydrates. They both have potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and reduced inflammation. However, they also have potential risks, including nutrient deficiencies and digestive issues.

Conclusion

In summary, the Ketovore and Carnivore diets are two popular meat-based diets that have gained attention in the low-carb, high-fat community. While they share some similarities, they also have key differences that may make one more suitable for your needs than the other. It's important to consider your personal goals and preferences, as well as potential risks and benefits, before starting any new diet. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

William H. McDaniel, MD

Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is the former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and is a current member of the corresponding faculty in medicine at Harvard Medical School.

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