You know I’m all about finding a healthy and sustainable approach to wellness, and a big part of that is understanding how different diets can affect our weight loss journey. There’s a ton of info out there, and it can get confusing, so I’m going to break down some of the popular diets and share my thoughts.

Important Note: I’m not a registered dietitian or anything, so this is based on my own research and what I’ve learned. It’s always best to talk to a healthcare professional before making any major changes to your diet, okay?

The Keto Diet

Okay, let’s start with keto. This diet has become super popular, and it’s all about drastically reducing your carb intake and replacing it with fat. The goal is to get your body into a state called ketosis, where it starts burning fat for fuel instead of glucose.

• What you eat: Lots of meat, fish, eggs, cheese, healthy oils (like olive oil), nuts, and low-carb veggies.
• What you avoid: Grains, bread, pasta, sugary drinks, most fruits, and starchy vegetables (like potatoes).

My thoughts: Keto can lead to rapid weight loss, especially at the beginning, which can be motivating. And some people find it helps control their appetite. However, it’s a very restrictive diet, which can be hard to stick to long-term. Also, some people experience side effects like the “keto flu” (headaches, fatigue) and it can affect your gut health.

The Paleo Diet

The paleo diet is based on the idea of eating like our hunter-gatherer ancestors. It focuses on whole, unprocessed foods.

• What you eat: Meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts, and seeds.
• What you avoid: Grains, dairy, legumes (beans, lentils), processed foods, and added sugar.

My thoughts: Paleo encourages eating a lot of nutrient-dense foods, which is great. It can also lead to weight loss by reducing processed foods and added sugar. However, it can be restrictive, and some people miss things like dairy and legumes.

The Vegan Diet

A vegan diet eliminates all animal products. It focuses on plant-based foods.

• What you eat: Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and plant-based milks and cheeses.
• What you avoid: Meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey.

My thoughts: A well-planned vegan diet can be very healthy and can lead to weight loss due to its focus on whole, unprocessed foods. It’s also great for the environment! However, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough essential nutrients, like vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can sometimes be lacking in a vegan diet.

The Bottom Line

Honestly, there’s no one “best” diet for everyone. What works for one person might not work for another. Here are some things to consider:

• Sustainability: Can you stick to this diet long-term? If it feels like a punishment, it’s probably not the right fit.
• Your Lifestyle: Does the diet fit into your schedule and daily life?
• Your Preferences: Do you enjoy the foods you’re allowed to eat on the diet?
• Your Health: Do you have any underlying health conditions that might be affected by the diet?

For me, it’s all about finding a balanced approach that focuses on whole foods, listens to my body, and fits my lifestyle. That’s usually the approach. And that often includes some dairy, since you asked.

The most important thing is to prioritize your overall health and choose a diet that you can stick to long-term.