Finding Balance: My Journey through Paelo, Keto, Low-Carb, and beyond to Animal-Based Nutrition.

Over the years, I’ve explored various dietary approaches in my quest for optimal health and well-being. Starting with the Paleo diet, transitioning through Keto, and experimenting with a Low-Carb diet, I’ve gathered insights from numerous podcasts and YouTube channels. Through this extensive research and personal experience, I’ve identified a dietary regimen that suits me best: a diet focused on animal-based protein and fats with very low carbohydrates, supplemented with select fruits, some vegetables, and high-quality organ meats and protein supplements from ATP Labs and Lineage Provisions.

The following is a description of the main diets I have followed:

Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet, also known as the “Caveman Diet,” is based on the premise of eating like our prehistoric ancestors. It focuses on whole, unprocessed foods that would have been available during the Paleolithic era. This diet emphasises:

• Lean meats (especially grass-fed or wild game)

• Fish and seafood

• Fruits and vegetables

• Nuts and seeds

• Healthy fats (like olive oil and coconut oil)

The Paleo diet excludes processed foods, grains, legumes, dairy, and refined sugars, aiming to improve health by reducing inflammation and promoting natural food consumption.

Keto Diet

The Keto (Ketogenic) diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet designed to induce ketosis, a metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Key components of the Keto diet include:

• High-fat foods (such as avocados, butter, and oils)

• Moderate-protein foods (like meat, poultry, and fish)

• Very low-carb vegetables (such as leafy greens)

• Limited nuts and seeds

Carbohydrate intake is typically limited to about 20-50 grams per day, and foods high in carbs, like grains, fruits, and sugars, are restricted. The goal is to shift the body’s primary energy source from glucose to ketones, produced from fat breakdown.

Low-Carb Diet

A low-carb diet reduces carbohydrate intake to lower and more manageable levels compared to the standard diet. While not as strict as Keto, it still limits high-carb foods. Features of a low-carb diet include:

• Emphasis on protein and fat (meat, fish, eggs, and healthy fats)

• Reduced intake of grains and sugars

• Increased vegetables (especially non-starchy varieties)

• Moderate consumption of fruits (primarily berries and other low-sugar options)

This diet aims to stabilise blood sugar levels, promote weight loss, and improve overall health by reducing the intake of refined and high-carb foods.

Carnivore Diet

The Carnivore diet is an extreme form of a low-carb diet that consists entirely of animal products. It eliminates all plant-based foods, focusing exclusively on meat and animal-based products. Key aspects of the Carnivore diet include:

• All types of meat (beef, pork, poultry, fish)

• Animal fats (such as lard, tallow, and butter)

• Animal products (like eggs and some dairy, primarily hard cheeses)

The Carnivore diet excludes all fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and any other plant-derived foods. Proponents believe it can improve health by eliminating potentially inflammatory plant compounds and focusing on nutrient-dense animal foods. Critics, however, raise concerns about its potential nutritional deficiencies and long-term sustainability.

Each diet varies in its approach to carbohydrates and food choices, with Paleo focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, Keto emphasizing high fat and very low carbs, Low-Carb allowing for more flexibility in carb intake while still limiting it compared to a standard diet, and Carnivore advocating for an all-meat diet.

I’ve explored several dietary approaches, starting with the Paleo diet, then moving to Keto, and experimenting with a Low-Carb diet. Throughout this journey, I immersed myself in countless podcasts and YouTube channels to better understand these nutritional paradigms. Through this process, I discovered that a diet centred around animal-based protein and fats with very low carbs works best for me.

My Tailored Diet

Key Components:

• Animal-Based Protein and Fats: My diet is primarily composed of high-quality animal proteins and fats, ensuring I’m getting essential nutrients and maintaining satiety.

• Very Low Carbohydrates: I keep my carb intake minimal, which helps me stay energetic and maintain my health goals.

• Fruits: I include fruits, mainly focusing on those with lower sugar content, to provide essential vitamins and natural sweetness.

• Some Vegetables: I incorporate select vegetables that are low in carbohydrates and high in fibre and nutrients.

• Supplementation with Organ Meats: I supplement my diet with organ meats to ensure I’m receiving a broad spectrum of nutrients. Specifically, I use products from ATP Labs and Lineage Provisions, which provide high-quality organ meats.

Benefits I’ve Experienced:

• Enhanced Energy Levels: With this diet, my energy remains steady throughout the day.

• Better Health Markers: I’ve noticed improvements in various health markers, such as blood sugar levels and inflammation.

• Sustainability: This way of eating feels sustainable and enjoyable for me, making it easier to stick with long-term.

By combining insights from various diets and fine-tuning my approach based on what I’ve learned from experts and my own experiences, I’ve found a balanced and effective way of eating that supports my health and lifestyle.