My Journey Through Two Low-Carb Worlds
Hey there!
If you’re stuck choosing between the Carnivore diet and Keto, wondering which one helps with weight loss, boosts energy, or just doesn’t leave you drained by 3 p.m.—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. And I tried both diets, back-to-back.
Why?
Because I wanted to stop guessing and start feeling better. Like many of you, I was looking for more than just a number on the scale—I wanted focus, energy, and real health. So, I went all in.
First, I dove into the Carnivore diet—yep, meat-only, zero carbs, no veggies. Then, I switched gears and tried Keto—a high-fat, low-carb diet that allows a bit more food freedom.
And let me tell you… the difference between the two?
Huge…..
One diet left me energized. The other? Completely exhausted.
In this post, I’m breaking it all down:
- What makes Carnivore vs Keto so different
- Which one worked better for fat loss and focus
- And how my body (and brain!) reacted to each
I’ll also share what nutritionists and Carnivore dieticians say, so you’re not just hearing it from me—you’ll get expert-backed facts, too.
If you’re curious which low-carb diet actually works best for your lifestyle, your energy, and your results—you’re in the right place.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics: Carnivore vs. Keto Diets Explained
So let’s get this straight—Carnivore vs. Keto sounds like two sides of the same low-carb coin, right?
Not exactly.
I’ve tried both, and trust me, they’re very different animals (pun intended).
What is the Carnivore Diet?
Think of it as going full-on primal. The Carnivore diet is a zero-carb diet—just meat, eggs, fish, and maybe some cheese if you tolerate it. No plants, no fruits, not even a sprinkle of herbs. The idea? Strip out everything non-essential and fuel your body with pure animal-based nutrition.
Carnivore fans, like The Bearded Butchers, swear it helps with everything from weight loss to anxiety and even autoimmune issues.
But here’s the catch—it’s strict. Like, really strict.
What is the Keto Diet?
Now Keto, on the other hand, is like the more flexible cousin. It’s a high-fat, low-carb diet designed to push your body into ketosis—where you burn fat for energy instead of sugar.
Keto still gives you room to enjoy things like:
- Avocados
- Leafy greens
- Nuts, seeds, and healthy oils
You’re still ditching bread and sugar, but you’re not stuck eating steak for breakfast (unless you want to—I’ve been there!).
Carnivore vs. Keto – What’s the Real Difference?
Here’s the bottom line:
- Carnivore is all animal, no plant.
- Keto is high-fat, low-carb, with a bit of plant food allowed.
- Carnivore is simpler, but more extreme.
- Keto is more balanced and can be easier to stick with long-term.
And honestly? One gave me energy. The other? Total burnout.
But more on that in a bit…
Need help choosing which one fits your life best? Keep reading—I’ll break it down by benefits, side effects, and even what Reddit carnivore vs keto warriors are saying. Let’s figure out what really works, not just what looks good on a food blog.
Macronutrient Breakdown: Protein, Fat, and Carbs Compared
Carnivore: High Protein, High Fat, Virtually Zero Carbs
If the Carnivore diet had a slogan, it’d be: “Meat, and only meat.”
It’s built entirely on animal-based nutrition, with a macronutrient split that’s usually 65–75% fat and 25–35% protein—depending on your meat choices. Carbs? Basically zero.
For me, this felt amazing at first—steady energy, no cravings, and fewer mood swings. But after a few weeks? My workouts started lagging, and I noticed slower recovery. Why? No glycogen. Carbs fuel quick, explosive movement, and I didn’t have any to spare.
Studies have shown this diet can help with insulin sensitivity and fat loss, especially short term , but it’s not ideal for everyone—especially if you’re training hard.
Keto: High Fat, Moderate Protein, Low Carb
On Keto, the macros are more precise:
- Fat: Around 70%
- Protein: Roughly 20%
- Carbs: Kept to 10% or less, usually under 50g/day
The goal? Ketosis—a state where your body burns fat for fuel instead of carbs. It takes a few days (or weeks) to fully adapt, and yes, you might feel the dreaded “keto flu” at first. I did. But after that?
Total energy transformation.
I felt alert, focused, and like my energy was on a slow-burning campfire instead of a short-lived match. Great for endurance and steady work—not necessarily peak sprints or max lifts, but fantastic for day-to-day stamina.
According to , this macronutrient structure supports consistent blood sugar, fat metabolism, and even mental clarity.
Impact on Energy: Real Talk
So which macronutrient setup gave me better fuel?
- Carnivore: Simpler, but energy dipped fast during intense activities.
- Keto: Took a little time to kick in, but once it did—wow. Balanced energy, better workouts, and less afternoon brain fog.
Your body might respond differently, of course. Some thrive on zero carb diets, while others do better with the ketogenic balance of fat + just enough carbs for function.
Meal Planning: Simplicity vs. Variety
Carnivore Meals – Simple, Straightforward, and a Little… Repetitive?
Let me tell you, the Carnivore diet meal plan is about as simple as it gets.
Breakfast? Steak.
Lunch? Ground beef.
Dinner? Maybe some eggs and salmon if you’re feeling wild.
There’s no counting carbs, no weighing out macros, and no recipe cards cluttering your kitchen. It’s zero-carb, high-fat, and high-protein, all from animal-based foods. Many Carnivore dieters love this simplicity because it removes food stress completely. According to The Bearded Butchers, a popular Carnivore resource, this “meat-only mindset” can actually reduce decision fatigue and help with consistency.
But let’s be real—after a week of nothing but meat, I missed texture. I missed crunch. I missed… guacamole.
Keto Meals – More Variety, But a Bit More Work
Keto meal planning feels a little more like real life, just cleaner. You’re building meals around healthy fats, moderate protein, and low-carb veggies.
Typical day?
- Scrambled eggs with avocado for breakfast
- A leafy green salad with grilled chicken and olive oil for lunch
- Zucchini noodles with creamy Alfredo and shrimp for dinner
There’s definitely more room for creativity here—and if you like cooking (or just eating something that isn’t beef for the fifth time in a row), you’ll probably prefer Keto. It also makes eating out and social events easier, because you’ve got options.
That said, you do need to track your macros if you want to stay in ketosis, which takes more effort than Carnivore’s “just eat meat” approach.
So, Which One Wins for Meal Planning?
If you want simplicity with zero food decisions, Carnivore is the clear winner.
If you crave variety and flavors beyond salt and fat, Keto gives you more flexibility.
For me? Carnivore was convenient, but Keto kept me more satisfied long-term. Variety helped me avoid burnout—and trust me, food boredom is real.
Pro Tip: Whichever path you choose—Carnivore or Keto—planning your meals ahead (even loosely) is key to staying on track and avoiding “what-do-I-eat” panic.
According to Harvard Health and DietDoctor.com, diet sustainability is one of the most important factors in long-term success. And that starts in the kitchen.
Health Impacts: Benefits and Drawbacks
Weight Loss: Comparing Effectiveness
Carnivore Diet: In my experience, the Carnivore diet led to rapid initial weight loss, primarily due to the elimination of carbohydrates and water weight. However, sustaining this weight loss became challenging over time, and I noticed fluctuations in my energy levels.
Keto Diet: Transitioning to the Keto diet, I observed a more gradual but consistent weight loss. The inclusion of healthy fats and low-carb vegetables helped me feel satiated, reducing overall calorie intake without feeling deprived.
Research supports these observations, indicating that while both diets can lead to weight loss, the Keto diet may offer more sustainable results over the long term .
Mental Clarity and Mood: Cognitive Function and Emotional Well-being
Carnivore Diet: Initially, I experienced heightened mental clarity and focus on the Carnivore diet. However, over time, I noticed mood swings and increased irritability, which I attribute to the lack of dietary variety and essential nutrients.
Keto Diet: On the Keto diet, I felt a steady improvement in mood and cognitive function. The balance of macronutrients and inclusion of nutrient-dense foods seemed to support better mental health.
Studies have shown that the Keto diet may have positive effects on mood and mental well-being .
Digestive Health: Gut Health and Digestion
Carnivore Diet: The lack of dietary fiber in the Carnivore diet led to digestive issues for me, including constipation and bloating. This aligns with concerns that the absence of plant-based foods can negatively impact gut health .
Keto Diet: The inclusion of low-carb vegetables and nuts in the Keto diet provided sufficient fiber, improving my digestion and overall gut health.
However, it’s worth noting that some individuals may still experience digestive discomfort on the Keto diet, especially during the initial transition period .
Nutritional Deficiencies: Potential Risks
Carnivore Diet: Eliminating plant-based foods raised concerns about missing essential nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber. I had to consider supplementation to address these gaps .
Keto Diet: While more balanced, the Keto diet still posed risks of deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and calcium. Including a variety of nutrient-dense foods and possibly supplements helped mitigate these risks .
In summary, both the Carnivore and Keto diets have their benefits and drawbacks. The Carnivore diet may offer quick weight loss and initial mental clarity but can lead to digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies. The Keto diet provides a more balanced approach, supporting sustainable weight loss and better overall health, though it still requires careful planning to avoid nutrient gaps.
Physical Performance: Energy Levels and Exercise
Carnivore Diet: Impact on Stamina and Physical Activity
When I first adopted the Carnivore diet, I noticed a surge in energy during the initial weeks. The high intake of animal-based proteins and fats seemed to provide a steady fuel source for my workouts. However, as time progressed, I began to experience a decline in stamina, especially during high-intensity exercises.
A case study published in the Journal of Exercise and Nutrition observed an NCAA Division II athlete on the Carnivore diet who experienced improved performance metrics after reintroducing carbohydrates around training sessions. This suggests that while the Carnivore diet may offer initial energy boosts, the lack of carbohydrates can hinder sustained physical performance.
Keto Diet: How Ketosis Influenced My Workouts and Endurance
Transitioning to the Keto diet, I aimed to leverage ketosis for enhanced endurance. Initially, I faced the common “keto flu,” characterized by fatigue and decreased performance. However, after a few weeks, my body adapted, and I began to experience more consistent energy levels during moderate-intensity workouts.
Research indicates that while the Keto diet can increase fat oxidation, it may not significantly enhance aerobic capacity or high-intensity performance. A systematic review found mixed results regarding the impact of ketogenic diets on VO₂ max and time to exhaustion, suggesting that benefits may vary based on individual adaptation and the nature of the exercise.
Comparative Analysis: Which Diet Better Supported My Physical Performance?
Reflecting on my experiences:
- Carnivore Diet: Provided initial energy boosts but lacked sustainability for prolonged or high-intensity workouts due to the absence of carbohydrates.
- Keto Diet: After an adaptation period, offered more stable energy levels suitable for moderate-intensity exercises, though it didn’t significantly enhance high-intensity performance.
Community Insights: What Others Are Saying
Reddit Discussions: Real Experiences from the Trenches
Carnivore Diet: Many Reddit users have shared their experiences with the Carnivore diet. One user reported losing 70 pounds in two months and feeling amazing during that period. However, they also mentioned that they “fell off the wagon hard” afterward, indicating potential challenges in maintaining the diet long-term.
Keto Diet: On the Keto front, users have reported benefits such as better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved energy levels. One user mentioned that their periods became shorter and less painful, and they experienced a reduction in chronic sinus issues.
Expert Opinions: What Nutritionists and Health Professionals Say
Carnivore Diet: Experts generally advise caution with the Carnivore diet. Registered dietitian Amanda Nighbert notes that while some individuals may experience short-term benefits, the diet’s restrictive nature and exclusion of plant-based foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health risks.
Keto Diet: The Keto diet has been studied more extensively. According to Harvard Health, while the Keto diet can lead to rapid weight loss and improved blood sugar control, it may also result in nutrient deficiencies and digestive issues if not carefully managed.
Making the Choice: Which Diet Suits You Best?
Lifestyle Compatibility – What’s Easier to Stick With?
Carnivore Diet:
If you’re all about keeping it simple—this diet is for you. No tracking, no recipes, no grocery list headaches. If it moos, clucks, swims, or lays eggs, you can eat it. That said, dining out, attending social events, or even grabbing a quick bite on the go? It’s tough. Not every restaurant has a ribeye on standby.
Keto Diet:
Keto gives you flexibility. You can still enjoy meals with friends (hello, bunless burgers or cauliflower mash), cook creatively at home, and enjoy a variety of low-carb foods. It’s a better fit for busy families, foodies, and anyone who doesn’t want to give up guacamole or roasted veggies.
Pro Insight: According to a , most people find Keto more adaptable for daily life and long-term social settings compared to stricter diets like Carnivore.
Health Goals – What Are You Aiming For?
Carnivore:
Great for elimination-style resets and short-term results. Many people use Carnivore to identify food sensitivities, reduce autoimmune symptoms, or calm inflammation. Some Reddit users report massive early fat loss, reduced bloating, and improved mental focus—at first.
Keto:
Better suited for those looking for sustained weight loss, stable blood sugar, improved metabolic health, and mental clarity. It’s especially effective for those managing type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, per .
So if you’re targeting weight management, focus, and a lifestyle that won’t burn you out—Keto has the edge.
Sustainability – Can You Keep It Going?
Let’s be honest: Carnivore is intense. And while many people see quick wins, sticking with it long-term is a challenge. You miss textures, flavors, fiber… even color on your plate.
Keto, with its built-in food flexibility and variety, is just easier to live with. It fits into more types of cuisines, lets you travel or eat out, and doesn’t feel socially isolating.
That’s not just my take—nutritionists and lifestyle coaches widely agree that diet sustainability depends on enjoyment and flexibility .
Conclusion: My Final Verdict
Personal Outcome – Which Diet Left Me Exhausted?
Let me be totally honest here—the Carnivore diet wore me out.
Sure, in the beginning, it felt amazing. My hunger disappeared, my meals were effortless, and I dropped weight like a hot steak off a grill. But after a few weeks, the lack of variety and missing micronutrients caught up with me. My workouts dragged, my sleep got weird, and I felt more irritable.
On the other hand, the Keto diet gave me balance. Once I got past the “keto flu” (yep, it’s a thing), my energy came back stronger—and more importantly, stayed consistent. I could lift, walk, run errands, and think clearly without feeling depleted. That steady, fat-fueled energy? A total game changer.
Recommendations – Which One Might Be Right for You?
Thinking about trying one? Here’s what I’d say:
- Go Carnivore if you want a strict reset, need simple meals, or struggle with food intolerances. It’s great short-term—but you’ll need to monitor for nutrient gaps.
- Go Keto if you’re looking for long-term fat loss, better focus, and a diet that fits into real life (hello, dinner parties and date nights!).
Just make sure to chat with your doctor or a registered nutritionist before diving into either. These diets are powerful—but not one-size-fits-all.
Sources: the best diet is the one you can actually stick with and that supports your unique body.
Final Thoughts – Reflecting on the Journey
Trying both Keto vs Carnivore taught me a lot—not just about food, but about myself. I learned how much carbs were impacting my mood. I learned what real satiety feels like. And I learned that flexibility (at least for me) beats rigidity in the long run.
At the end of the day, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding a way of eating that makes you feel strong, clear-headed, and in control.
Because whether you’re Team Ribeye or Team Avocado, you deserve a lifestyle that works with you, not against you.