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What Is Ketovore

What is the ketovore diet? It is a hybrid of two well-known low-carb eating approaches — keto and carnivore. It’s for you if you want the benefits of ketosis while keeping your meals simple and satisfying and it’s important to you to focus on high-quality animal-based nutrition.

Salmon steak on a wooden board is artfully surrounded by keto-friendly essentials like nuts, avocado, egg, blueberries, broccoli, and a small dish of oil—all showcased on a pristine white surface. This meal perfectly embodies what the ketovore diet encourages for optimal nourishment.
Photo credit: Canva Pro.

What is the ketovore diet?

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The ketovore diet merges the best of keto and carnivore. Like keto, it keeps carbohydrates at the lowest to encourage ketosis but leans heavily on animal-based foods. Unlike the pure carnivore diet, which eliminates everything but meat, fish, eggs and dairy, ketovore allows for some flexibility while keeping the focus on nutrient-dense options.

This diet works well for those who thrive on a protein-rich way of eating but don’t want the extreme restrictions of a pure carnivore diet. It provides a practical balance that keeps hunger in check. Focusing on whole, unprocessed animal foods can help eliminate the blood sugar rollercoaster that many high-carb meals cause. Also, you may find that it provides long-lasting energy.

One of the biggest benefits of the ketovore diet is its ability to help the body get in nutritional ketosis. In this state, the body shifts from burning carbohydrates to using fat as its primary energy source. Many people notice improved mental clarity, steady energy levels and fewer cravings when in ketosis.

Ketovore vs. keto vs. carnivore

The ketovore diet shares similarities with both keto and carnivore, but it has some key differences. These differences appeal to those who want structure without feeling overly restricted.

Keto

Keto is a diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in fats, featuring a range of foods. It includes meats, dairy, low-carb vegetables and some additional choices while focusing on keeping carbohydrate intake low enough to sustain ketosis.

Carnivore

The carnivore diet is a strict animal-based diet that eliminates all plant-based foods. It emphasizes meat, fish, eggs and animal fats while excluding most other options. Carnivore is a popular option for people with food sensitivities.

Ketovore

Ketovore is a balanced approach that emphasizes animal foods while allowing for some flexibility. It keeps carbohydrates very low while maintaining a balance between protein and fat intake. For many, this is a more manageable long-term way of eating.

Foods to eat on ketovore

The foundation of the ketovore diet is high-quality animal-based foods that provide essential nutrients while keeping carbs minimal. Remember: quality matters. Whenever possible choose fresh, unprocessed food.

  • Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, chicken and game meats.
  • Fish and seafood: Salmon, sardines, tuna and shrimp.
  • Eggs
  • 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 include small amounts of nuts, seeds or certain low-carb vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, asparagus and cucumbers.

Foods to avoid

When following a ketovore diet, there are certain foods, primarily carbs, that you should avoid. They may contribute to energy crashes and unwanted cravings. In the end, that will make it harder to stick to a low-carb lifestyle. Some of those foods to avoid include:

  • Grains and legumes: Rice, pasta, bread, beans and lentils. Even some of these carb friendly pasta alternatives may be off limits.
  • Sugary foods: Desserts, sodas, 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.

Final thoughts

For those looking for a sustainable low-carb approach, ketovore may provide structure without the strict limitations of carnivore. With the right balance of protein and fats, you may find it to be an easier way to stay satisfied.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.