Whole Food Plant-Based Diet Vs. Ketogenic (Keto) Diet

whole food plant-based vs. keto diet whole harvest blog

There has been a lot of debate lately about the best way to eat for optimal health. Some people swear by the plant-based diet, while others find that the ketogenic diet is the key to success. So which one is better? Let's take a look at both diets and see which one might be right for you!

 

What's the Difference?

The plant-based diet is all about eating whole, unprocessed foods.

This means plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The idea behind this diet is by eating these healthy foods you will get all the nutrients your body needs without having to worry about unhealthy additives.

The ketogenic diet, on the other hand, is all about cutting out carbs and sugar.

This means you will be eating mostly fats and proteins. The idea behind this diet is that by cutting out carbs, your body will go into a state of ketosis, where it will burn fat for energy.

So which one is better?

Well, it depends on your individual goals and needs. If you are looking to lose weight, then the ketogenic diet might be a better option for you. However, if you are looking to improve your overall health, then the plant-based diet is probably a better choice.

Whichever diet you choose, make sure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and happy!

 

Whole Food Plant-Based Diet

If you're thinking about starting a plant-based diet, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure that you are getting enough protein. This can be tricky on a plant-based diet, but there are plenty of sources of plant-based protein, such as beans, lentils, and quinoa.

While this type of diet can have many benefits, there are also some potential side effects that you should be aware of.

Common Side Effects of a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet

One of the most common side effects of a plant-based diet is digestive issues. This is because your body is not used to digesting all of the fiber from fruits and vegetables. 

If you find you are visiting the bathroom more frequently or feeling bloated, know that it’s temporary as your body adjusts. There are many over the counter medications and supplements that can help. 

Another possible side effect of a plant-based diet is that you may not get enough vitamins and minerals.

This is because animal products are an easy source of many essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and iron. If you find you are feeling tired or run down, make sure to take a multivitamin and eat plenty of dark leafy greens.

If you find any of these side effects are persistent or bothersome, talk to your doctor or a Registered Dietitian. They can help you figure out if a plant-based diet is right for you and give you tips on how to make the transition smoothly.

 

Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been used for centuries to treat epilepsy.

There are many potential benefits of the ketogenic diet, including weight loss, improved mental clarity, and decreased inflammation. However, there are also some potential side effects that you should be aware of before starting this type of diet.

Common side effects of the Ketogenic Diet

One of the most common side effects of the ketogenic diet is the "keto flu."

This is a group of symptoms that can occur when your body is adjusting to the new way of eating. Symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.

If you find yourself experiencing the keto flu, try drinking plenty of fluids and getting some rest. It should go away after a few days.

Another possible side effect of the ketogenic diet is constipation.

This is because you are not getting enough fiber when you cut out carbs. To avoid this, make sure to eat plenty of high-fiber vegetables and drink plenty of water.

Lastly, a ketogenic diet may be difficult to sustain long term and the reintroduction of carbs back into your system can result in sudden weight gain.

If you are thinking about starting the ketogenic diet, talk to your doctor first. They can help you figure out if it's right for you and give you tips on how to make the transition smoothly.

 

What's Right For You?

Both the whole food plant-based diet and the ketogenic diet have potential benefits and side effects that you should be aware of before starting. 

Do your research, talk it out with professionals, and above all else do what's right for you, not what's most popular at the time.

For more helpful information on top diets and creating healthy habits check out more article on the Whole Harvest Blog. 

 

 

Check out Whole Harvest's weekly meal plan -- fresh, plant-based, ready-to-eat meals delivered to your door! 

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