What’s the Difference Between Keto and Ketogenic Diets?
When it comes to weight loss and improving overall health, two popular diets that come to mind are the keto and ketogenic diets. While both diets are similar in many ways, there are distinct differences between the two that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the key differences between the keto and ketogenic diets, and help you understand which one may be right for you. Whether you’re looking to shed some pounds or simply improve your overall health, this article will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and discover the differences between these two popular diets!
The main difference between “keto” and “ketogenic” diets is that “keto” is a colloquial term for a low-carb, high-fat diet, while “ketogenic” refers to a specific medical diet that is designed to induce a state of ketosis in the body. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that is used to treat certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy and diabetes. It is a carefully planned and monitored diet that is typically prescribed by a healthcare professional and is not the same as a “keto” diet that someone might follow for weight loss or other non-medical reasons.
Understanding Keto and Ketogenic Diets
Keto Diet
The Keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that is designed to put your body into a state of ketosis. This means that your body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. The diet is typically recommended for people who want to lose weight, improve their metabolic health, or manage certain medical conditions such as epilepsy or type 2 diabetes.
Definition
Key components
The key components of the Keto diet are:
- Limiting carbohydrate intake to 20-50 grams per day
- Increasing fat intake to make up 70-80% of daily calories
- Protein intake is moderate and should not exceed 30% of daily calories
- Eating nutrient-dense, whole foods such as leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats
Typical meal plan
A typical Keto meal plan includes:
- Breakfast: bacon and eggs, avocado toast, or a Keto smoothie with almond milk, frozen berries, and MCT oil
- Lunch: a salad with grilled chicken, olive oil dressing, and a Keto-friendly protein such as tuna or tofu
- Dinner: a Keto-friendly main dish such as baked salmon or roasted chicken, along with a side of cauliflower rice or broccoli
- Snacks: nuts, seeds, and Keto-friendly snacks such as guacamole or Keto protein bars.
Ketogenic Diet
Definition
The ketogenic diet, commonly referred to as the “keto diet,” is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate dietary regimen designed to induce a metabolic state known as ketosis. This metabolic state is characterized by the production of ketone bodies, which are byproducts of the breakdown of fatty acids for energy. The keto diet is typically implemented for weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and as a means to enhance cognitive function.
Key components
The ketogenic diet primarily focuses on limiting carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day, with the majority of daily calories coming from fat (70-80%) and a moderate amount of protein (10-20%). The goal is to shift the body’s primary energy source from glucose (carbohydrates) to ketones (fatty acids).
Some key elements of the keto diet include:
- Low carbohydrate intake: As mentioned, the diet restricts carbohydrate consumption to less than 50 grams per day, with the majority of calories coming from fat.
- High fat intake: Fat sources such as meat, fish, nuts, seeds, and oils (like olive oil and avocado oil) are prioritized to provide the body with energy.
- Moderate protein intake: Protein is included in moderation to preserve ketosis and avoid excessive protein consumption that could potentially kick the body out of ketosis.
- Elimination of or limited intake of certain foods: Foods high in carbohydrates, such as grains, sugar, starchy vegetables, and most fruits, are typically excluded or limited in the keto diet.
Typical meal plan
A typical day on the ketogenic diet might involve the following meals:
- Breakfast: Eggs with spinach and avocado, or a bacon and cheese omelette
- Lunch: Grilled chicken or beef with a mixed green salad and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Pork tenderloin with cauliflower mash and steamed broccoli
- Snacks: Handful of almonds, cheese and tomato slices, or protein bars
Please note that the exact meal plan may vary depending on individual preferences and dietary requirements. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting the keto diet to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your personal health goals and needs.
Similarities Between Keto and Ketogenic Diets
Both diets promote
- Low-carb intake:
- Both diets significantly reduce carbohydrate consumption, typically limiting it to less than 50 grams per day.
- This reduction puts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where it begins to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
- Increased fat consumption:
- Both diets encourage the consumption of healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
- This increase in fat intake provides the body with the necessary energy to function while in a state of ketosis.
- Nutrient-dense foods:
- Both diets emphasize the consumption of nutrient-dense foods, such as leafy greens, berries, and other low-carb vegetables.
- These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that support overall health and well-being.
Both diets aim to
- Activate ketosis
- Both diets involve significantly reducing carbohydrate intake to force the body to burn fat for energy instead of glucose.
- This metabolic state is called ketosis, which is characterized by the production of ketone bodies, or molecules produced by the liver when it breaks down fat for energy.
- Achieve weight loss
- By reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat intake, both diets can lead to a calorie deficit, which can result in weight loss.
- However, the exact amount of weight loss can vary depending on individual factors such as age, gender, starting weight, and adherence to the diet.
- Improve overall health
- Both diets have been associated with various health benefits, such as improved blood sugar control, increased energy levels, and improved cognitive function.
- However, the specific health benefits can vary depending on individual factors such as starting health status, duration of the diet, and adherence to the diet.
Differences Between Keto and Ketogenic Diets
Target audience
When it comes to the target audience of each diet, there are some key differences to consider.
Keto Diet
The Keto diet is designed for the general population who are looking to lose weight or improve their overall health through a low-carb, high-fat diet. It is a popular diet plan that has been adopted by many people worldwide.
Ketogenic Diet
The Ketogenic diet, on the other hand, is primarily designed for epilepsy patients, especially children, who may benefit from a high-fat, low-carb diet to control seizures. The diet was originally developed in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy and has since been used to treat other neurological disorders.
While both diets share some similarities, such as a focus on low-carb and high-fat foods, the target audience of each diet is quite different. The Keto diet is geared towards individuals who want to improve their overall health and lose weight, while the Ketogenic diet is primarily used as a medical treatment for epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Specific guidelines
Keto
- The Keto diet does not have specific guidelines for macronutrient ratios.
- However, the general recommendation is to keep net carbohydrates (total carbohydrates minus fiber) below 50 grams per day.
- This can be achieved by consuming a variety of whole, unprocessed foods such as meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Ketogenic
- The Ketogenic diet, on the other hand, has specific guidelines for macronutrient ratios.
- The strict ratio for the Ketogenic diet is 4:1, which means that 4 kcal should come from carbohydrates, 1 kcal from protein, and 90% of daily calories should come from fat.
- This can be achieved by consuming a specific list of allowed foods such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- It is important to note that the Ketogenic diet should only be followed under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it can be difficult to follow and may not be appropriate for everyone.
Long-term sustainability
While both the keto and ketogenic diets aim to reduce carbohydrate intake, there are differences in their long-term sustainability.
- Keto: The keto diet is designed for long-term use, focusing on maintaining a state of ketosis to promote weight loss, improve energy levels, and enhance overall health. By restricting carbohydrate intake and prioritizing healthy fats and protein sources, individuals can sustain this diet for an extended period.
- Ketogenic: The ketogenic diet, on the other hand, is primarily used as a short-term treatment for epilepsy in children. In this context, the diet is closely monitored and gradually reintroduces carbohydrates over time to minimize the risk of seizures. The goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of epileptic episodes, rather than maintaining a state of ketosis for general health benefits.
It is important to note that while the keto diet can be sustained for an extended period, it may not be suitable for everyone. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet to ensure it aligns with individual health goals and needs.
FAQs
1. What is a keto diet?
A keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that is designed to put your body into a state of ketosis. When your body is in a state of ketosis, it begins to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This can lead to weight loss and other health benefits.
2. What is a ketogenic diet?
A ketogenic diet is a specific type of keto diet that is used to manage epilepsy and other neurological conditions. It is a high-fat, low-carb diet that is designed to induce a state of ketosis in the body. The diet is carefully controlled to ensure that the body is getting the right balance of nutrients while in a state of ketosis.
3. What are the differences between a keto diet and a ketogenic diet?
The main difference between a keto diet and a ketogenic diet is the level of control and monitoring. A keto diet is a general low-carb, high-fat diet that can be followed for various reasons, such as weight loss or improved health. A ketogenic diet, on the other hand, is a highly controlled diet that is used to manage specific medical conditions, such as epilepsy. The ketogenic diet is closely monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure that the body is getting the right balance of nutrients while in a state of ketosis.
4. Can I follow a keto diet for weight loss?
Yes, a keto diet can be an effective way to lose weight. When your body is in a state of ketosis, it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This can lead to weight loss, especially around the belly area. However, it is important to note that a keto diet should only be followed under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it can have potential risks and side effects.
5. Can a ketogenic diet be used for weight loss?
A ketogenic diet is not typically used for weight loss, as it is a highly controlled diet that is designed to manage specific medical conditions, such as epilepsy. However, some people may choose to follow a ketogenic diet for weight loss, but it is important to note that this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The ketogenic diet is a very restrictive diet, and it can be difficult to follow for an extended period of time. Additionally, it may not be appropriate for everyone, as it can have potential risks and side effects.
