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The ketovore diet: A practical guide

Amanda Keefer
5 Min Read
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The ketovore diet is a mix of two popular low-carb diets: keto and carnivore. It’s great for people who want the benefits of ketosis while keeping their meals simple and satisfying with high-quality animal-based foods. Whether you’re new to low-carb eating or looking for a long-term plan, this diet is easy to follow and can fit into daily life.

What is the Ketovore Diet?

The ketovore diet combines the best parts of keto and carnivore. Like keto, it keeps carbs very low to encourage ketosis, but it focuses mainly on animal-based foods. Unlike strict carnivore, which allows only meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, ketovore offers some flexibility while keeping meals nutrient-dense.

This diet is good for those who like a high-protein approach but don’t want the strict limits of carnivore. It helps with fat-burning while reducing hunger. Eating whole, unprocessed animal foods can also prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, giving you steady energy throughout the day.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The ketovore diet is built on high-quality foods that fuel the body well. Keeping carbs low supports ketosis, while protein and fat keep you full and help maintain muscle.

  • Protein: The main source is meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  • Fats: Found in fatty cuts of meat, butter, ghee, and animal fats to keep ketosis going.
  • Carbohydrates: Kept very low so the body burns fat for energy.

Why Ketosis Matters

One big benefit of the ketovore diet is that it helps the body enter ketosis. In ketosis, the body switches from burning carbs to burning fat. Many people feel sharper, have steady energy, and experience fewer cravings when in ketosis.

Ketosis may also help with metabolic health. Studies suggest it can improve blood sugar control, increase insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation. Keeping carbs low helps prevent blood sugar spikes, making it easier to control appetite throughout the day.

Ketovore vs. Keto vs. Carnivore

The ketovore diet shares features with both keto and carnivore but has key differences.

  • Keto: A low-carb, high-fat diet that includes meats, dairy, and low-carb vegetables.
  • Carnivore: A strict animal-based diet with no plant foods, ideal for people with food sensitivities.
  • Ketovore: A balanced approach that keeps carbs very low while allowing some flexibility with protein and fat intake.

Foods to Eat on Ketovore

The main focus is on high-quality animal-based foods that provide essential nutrients while keeping carbs low. Choosing fresh, unprocessed foods ensures better nutrition and avoids unnecessary additives.

  • Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and game meats.
  • Fish and seafood: Salmon, sardines, tuna, and shrimp.
  • Eggs: A nutrient-rich and versatile food.
  • Dairy: Full-fat cheese, milk, butter, and heavy cream.
  • Healthy fats: Tallow, lard, ghee, butter, and coconut oil.
  • Low-carb additions: Avocados, olives, and fermented foods like sauerkraut.
  • Optional: Some people add small amounts of nuts, seeds, or low-carb vegetables like leafy greens and cucumbers.

Foods to Avoid

To stay in ketosis and avoid energy crashes, it’s important to limit high-carb foods. These foods can cause cravings and make it harder to stick to a low-carb lifestyle.

  • Grains and legumes: Rice, pasta, bread, beans, and lentils.
  • Sugary foods: Desserts, soda, candy, and anything with added sugar.
  • Processed foods: Packaged snacks, seed oils, and artificial additives.
  • High-carb fruits and vegetables: Starchy foods like bananas, potatoes, and corn.
Avocado halves filled with baked eggs, topped with crispy bacon pieces and chopped chives, make for a perfect ketovore diet delight, all served elegantly on a dark plate.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Transitioning to Ketovore

Switching to a ketovore diet can take time, especially if you’re used to eating more carbs. Some people go through an adjustment period as their bodies shift from using carbs to using fat for energy. This can cause temporary fatigue, cravings, or headaches, also known as the keto flu.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sustainable low-carb diet, ketovore offers structure without being too restrictive. With the right balance of protein and fats, it’s a simple way to stay full and energized.

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Amanda’s marketing, public relations and community outreach experience spans 20 years. She is the mom of two girls and two boxer dogs. You can hear her as the host of the Healthy Family Project podcast, find her cooking alongside her girls in videos on the Produce for Kids Instagram feed or spot her out volunteering with her family. When not in the office, Amanda can be found with her family on the tennis courts or at the dance studio.
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