Paleo vs Keto vs Real Food – What You Need to Know

Posted by Dr. Della Parker     on July 6, 2018

Paleo, Keto, and Real Food diets all focus on replacing processed convenience food and refined sugar with whole foods like lean protein, leafy greens, fresh vegetables, and select fresh fruits but there are nuances that separate each of these specific ways of eating. Finding the right diet is all about the details, so here’s what separates these very similar nutritional styles.

The Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet is a focus on eating natural, real food that is widely available with little or no processing. Essentially, the Paleo diet focuses on prehistoric eating — the way we ate before our modern agricultural advancements, which excludes any grain, dairy, beans, and other legumes.

The Keto Diet

The Keto diet is remarkably similar to the Paleo diet, but with Keto, the focus is on achieving ketosis. Ketosis occurs when your body, properly detached from carbs as its main fuel source, begins to convert fat into ketones which become your body’s new fuel source.

The Real Food Diet

Similarly, the Real Food diet focuses on lean meats, vegetables, and fruit, with an emphasis on food intolerance testing. The Real Food diet utilizes the same principals of both Keto and Paleo; avoid processed foods, eliminate refined sugar, and switch your body’s fuel source away from carbs. However, with the Real Food diet, you can establish an eating plan focused on your specific food tolerances.

Dr. Della Parker treats all types of conditions, but has a special interest in digestive problems, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid dysfunction. This year, make your health a priority. Learn about our Integrative Nutrition Counseling, Nutrition Response Testing, Injection Therapies, and other services. Contact Dr. Della Parker, Integrative Nutritionist Amy Hardesty or Massage Therapist Yvonne Schroeder for an appointment today or call 503-344-6631.