I’ve been on a health journey for a while now. Along the way, I’ve tried a lot of things to lose weight, get stronger, and feel more alive. Two of the most powerful tools I’ve found? The Ketogenic Diet and The Carnivore Diet.
For the last two and a half months I’ve been concentrating exclusively on the Carnivore Diet. But the Keto Diet is far less harsh and a great way to ease into something like the Carnivore Diet.
They’re both low-carb, both popular, and both promise real fat loss. But if you’re trying to lose fat and get healthy, which one actually works better?
Let’s take a closer look—based on science, real results, and my own experience.
What Is the Keto Diet?
The Keto Diet is all about high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbs. The goal is to shift your body into ketosis, a state where you burn fat for fuel instead of sugar.
Here’s what that looks like:
- 70–75% fat
- 20–25% protein
- 5–10% carbs (usually under 50 grams a day)
You eat foods like:
- Eggs, beef, salmon
- Butter, olive oil, avocado
- Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower
- Some cheese and nuts
You skip:
- Bread, pasta, soda
- Most fruits, beans, and grains
By keeping carbs low, your body stops using sugar and starts burning fat.
What Is the Carnivore Diet?
Now take that idea—and go even deeper. The Carnivore Diet is all animal-based and zero carbs. That means:
- Meat (especially red meat)
- Organ meats (like liver)
- Eggs, fish, shellfish
- Animal fats like butter and tallow
No veggies. No fruit. No nuts. Not even herbs or spices if you’re doing it strict.
It’s simple and strong. Like keto, it puts your body in fat-burning mode—but it gets there faster and more aggressively.
How They Both Help With Fat Loss
Both of these diets can help you lose fat and feel full—and they do it in a few similar ways:
Ketosis happens.
With almost no carbs, your body switches from sugar to fat for energy.
You feel full longer.
Fat and protein take time to digest, which helps you eat less.
No more sugar crashes.
With blood sugar steady, you avoid hunger spikes and mood dips.
Cravings disappear.
Many people feel calmer around food—and more in control.
These diets change the way your body fuels itself. And that’s where the magic happens.
Where They’re Different
Now here’s the part that matters most: what sets them apart—and how that affects your fat loss.
1. Carbs or no carbs?
Keto allows a little. Carnivore cuts them all out.
Carnivore may get you deeper into fat-burning.
2. Food variety.
Keto has more choices—veggies, nuts, cheese.
Carnivore is meat-only, simple but strict.
3. Nutrients.
Keto gives you plant vitamins and fiber.
Carnivore gives you everything from meat—if you’re eating organ meats.
Some people feel great either way. Some don’t.
4. Simplicity.
Carnivore is very clear.
“Eat meat. Repeat.” That’s it. For many, this makes it easier.
5. First week struggles.
Keto flu: headaches, tiredness as your body adjusts.
Carnivore may bring digestive changes at first.
Stick with it. It gets better.
What Do Real People See?
Here’s what people (including me) often report:
✅ Keto:
- 1–2 pounds lost per week
- Pairs well with intermittent fasting
- Some hit a plateau if they snack too much
✅ Carnivore:
- Quick fat loss in the first few weeks
- Strong appetite control
- Some find it hard socially (eating out is tricky)
Which One’s Right for You?
Here’s a quick guide:
You might like Keto if:
- You love variety in your meals
- You still want some veggies and cheese
- You’re just starting low-carb and want to ease in
You might prefer Carnivore if:
- You want fast fat loss
- You struggle with cravings or food addiction
- You don’t mind eating meat every day
Choose what fits your life best. What matters most is what you can stick with.
A Few Things to Watch Out For
No diet is perfect. Here are a few bumps in the road:
- Keto: Easy to eat too many keto snacks or cheese. That slows fat loss.
- Carnivore: Some feel isolated (it’s not exactly restaurant-friendly). Long-term studies are still limited.
- Both: Watch electrolytes. You might need more salt, potassium, and magnesium to stay energized.
What Do the Experts Say?
While both diets are still gaining ground in science circles, many doctors back low-carb eating for fat loss and better health.
Some like keto because it’s more flexible.
Others see amazing results with carnivore, especially for gut problems and autoimmune conditions.
My Final Take
Here’s what I’ve learned:
There’s no perfect diet. There’s only the one that fits you.
Both Keto and Carnivore have helped me burn fat, think clearer, and feel stronger. What made the difference wasn’t just the food—it was the discipline, consistency, and tracking along the way.
Start where you are. Adjust as you go.
Your body will tell you what’s working.
And don’t give up—because every great day is worth fighting for.
See you! 😊
Warmly,
Paul
