If you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of diet research (like I have, countless times), you’ve probably come across the never-ending debate: Keto diet vs Paleo—which one is better? I’ve tried both, and let me tell you, they each have their perks and their pitfalls. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your health, or just figure out what’s actually sustainable, let’s break it down in a way that doesn’t feel like a science lecture.
First, if you’re considering keto, having the right products on hand makes a huge difference. One of my go-to essentials was Perfect Keto Collagen Powder—a game changer for keeping my energy up while cutting carbs.
The Basics: What Are Keto and Paleo?
Before I get into my personal experience, let’s do a quick rundown of what these diets actually are.
- Keto Diet: This is all about high fat, very low carb, and moderate protein. The goal? To get your body into ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbs. Think butter, avocados, meat, eggs, and lots of cheese (yes, cheese!).
- Paleo Diet: Also known as the “caveman diet,” Paleo focuses on eating whole, unprocessed foods that our ancestors supposedly ate. That means no grains, dairy, refined sugars, or processed junk. It’s a diet built on meat, fish, veggies, nuts, and fruits.
Sounds simple enough, right? Well, here’s how they actually played out in my life.
My Experience on Keto
I first tried keto because I loved the idea of eating bacon and still losing weight. I mean, who wouldn’t? The first week was rough—hello, keto flu—but once I got through it, I actually felt amazing. My energy levels soared, my cravings disappeared, and I could go hours without feeling hungry.
The biggest downside? The carb restriction is real. No bread, no pasta, no sugar—not even a sneaky bite. It takes commitment. But once I found some good keto-friendly alternatives, like Hero Bread™ Classic White Bread, things got easier.
Keto Pros:
- Fast weight loss
- Reduced cravings
- Steady energy levels
Keto Cons:
- Super restrictive (goodbye, pizza nights)
- Hard to maintain long-term
- Social situations can be tricky
My Experience on Paleo
After a few months of keto, I decided to try Paleo. It felt way more flexible—no calorie counting, just focusing on whole foods. I could still have fruit, sweet potatoes, and even dark chocolate. That alone made it feel more sustainable.
The downside? The “no dairy” rule was tough for me. I love cheese, and not being able to sprinkle parmesan on my meals felt like a personal attack. Also, while Paleo lets you have natural sugars like honey or maple syrup, I found it easier to go overboard on these since they were technically allowed.
Paleo Pros:
- Focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods
- No calorie counting or macro tracking
- Easier to maintain socially
Paleo Cons:
- No dairy (why?!?)
- Can still lead to overeating natural sugars
- Less structure, which can make it hard to follow
My Decision: Sticking with Keto
After trying both, I had to make a decision—what was actually sustainable for me in the long run? While Paleo had its perks, I found that keto gave me the most consistent results. I wasn’t constantly battling cravings, my energy levels were stable throughout the day, and my body just felt better.
Sure, I miss bread sometimes, but I’ve learned how to work around that with great keto-friendly alternatives. Plus, I enjoy the structure keto provides—it’s clear-cut and easy to follow once you get the hang of it. And honestly, the fact that I get to eat cheese and bacon and still lose weight? That sealed the deal for me.
That said, I don’t do “strict” keto all the time. I allow myself some flexibility, especially when traveling or during special occasions. But for the most part, low-carb living just works for me.
My Top Keto & Paleo-Friendly Amazon Finds
If you’re considering either diet, having the right foods on hand makes things so much easier. Here are some of my favorites:
- Keto-Friendly:
- Perfect Keto Collagen Powder – Great for energy and skin health.
- Hero Bread™ Classic White Bread– A lifesaver for bread lovers.
- Quest Protein Chips – When you need a crunchy snack.
- Paleo-Friendly:
- Artisana Organic Raw Almond Butter – Perfect for Paleo-friendly snacking.
- Epic Grass-Fed Meat Bars – A great on-the-go protein source.
- Hu Dark Chocolate – Because you need a sweet treat.
Final Thoughts
Both the keto diet and paleo diet have their benefits, and it really comes down to personal preference. If you love structure and fast results, keto might be your jam. If you want flexibility and a focus on whole foods, Paleo is a great long-term option.
For me, keto just made the most sense. It helped me lose weight, control cravings, and feel my best. But at the end of the day, the best diet is the one you can actually stick with. So whether you’re team keto, team paleo, or somewhere in between—find what works for you, and don’t stress the small stuff!