If your day-to-day takes you on-the-go, choosing a diet to go with your busy lifestyle becomes just as important. We go into depth of the 2 most popular diets below.
Purchase beef jerky options for each diet here.
PALEO DIET
Paleo Diet Highlights
A Paleo diet is a dietary plan based on foods similar to what might have been eaten during the Paleolithic era, which dates from approximately 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago.
A paleo diet typically includes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds — foods that in the past could be obtained by hunting and gathering. A paleo diet limits foods that became common when farming emerged about 10,000 years ago. These foods include dairy products, legumes and grains.
What to eat
- Lean meats
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Fish, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel and albacore tuna
- Oils from fruits and nuts, such as olive oil or walnut oil
What to avoid
- Grains, such as wheat, oats and barley
- Legumes, such as beans, lentils, peanuts and peas
- Dairy products
- Refined sugar
- Salt
- Potatoes
- Highly processed foods in general
Furthermore, the diet emphasizes exercise. Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and can help you lose or maintain your weight.
More Reading -> Paleo Diet Books
KETO DIET
Keto Diet Highlights
The Keto Diet is low in carbohydrates and high in fat, with a moderate amount of protein. Carbohydrates can come from non-starchy vegetables, nuts and seeds, some berries, or dairy, but not from grains, potatoes or sugar. Keto diets consist of foods that fill a person up and may reduce hunger-stimulating hormones. This diet also decreases risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
What to eat
- Meat and Poultry (Contains no carbs and are rich in B vitamins and several minerals, including potassium, selenium and zinc)
- Seafood (Salmon and other fish are rich in B vitamins, potassium and selenium, yet virtually carb-free)
- Low-carb Vegetables (Non-starchy vegetables are low in calories and carbs)
- Cheese (Very low in carbs and high in fat, which makes them a great fit for a Keto diet)
- Avocados
- Eggs (One large egg contains less than 1 gram of carbs and fewer than 6 grams of protein)
- Coconut Oil (The main fatty acid in coconut oil is Lauric acid. It has been suggested that coconut oil's mix of MCTs and Lauric acid may promote a sustained level of ketosis)
- Greek Yogurt (Healthy, high-protein food)
- Olive oil (High in antioxidants and contains no carbs)
- Nuts and seeds (High-fat and low-carb food)
- Berries (Low in carbs and high in fiber)
- Butter and cream (Nearly Carb-free and appear to have neutral or beneficial effects on heart health, when consumed in moderation)
- Dark chocolate and Cocoa
What to avoid
- Grains
- Starchy vegetables and high-sugar fruits
- Sweetened yogurt
- Juices
- Honey, syrup or sugar in any form
- Chips and crackers
- Baked goods including gluten-free baked goods
WHICH DIET IS BEST FOR YOU?
Both diets achieve results for individuals who follow the plan. Both diets result in health benefits ranging from weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels to stabilizing blood sugar levels, clearing brain fog, and improving focus.
Deciding on the best plan—Paleo or Keto—depends on your specific goals and the changes you are comfortable making to achieve them. It's not a one-size-fits-all prescription, and it's crucial to work with a dietitian to ensure you're getting essential nutrients while on any diet.
Purchase beef jerky options for each diet here.