Low carb, keto, or intermittent fasting – which one is right for you?
Low carb, keto, or intermittent fasting? Learn how each diet works, compare benefits, and discover the best approach for your health and lifestyle.
31 March 2025
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Megha Bhola
With so many new nutrition trends, it can be difficult to decide which approach best fits your lifestyle. Whether your goal is weight loss, boosting your metabolism, or simply eating healthier, you’ve likely come across the terms low carb, keto, and intermittent fasting. But how do you know which of these approaches is right for you?
Below, we break down low-carbohydrate diets, the ketogenic diet, and intermittent fasting, compare their benefits, and help you make an informed decision.
A low-carbohydrate diet is exactly what it sounds like — reducing carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, and sugary snacks, and replacing them with foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. This type of diet can support weight loss, blood sugar control, and even heart health (Kirkpatrick et al., 2021).The good news? There are countless low-carb recipes that keep meals varied and enjoyable — from hearty low-carb dinners to quick snacks that still taste great. Whether you’re cooking for one person or an entire family, it’s possible to eat well while reducing carbohydrates.Benefits of a low-carb diet
Supports weight loss by preventing rapid insulin spikes
Promotes heart health by lowering “bad” cholesterol levels
Stabilizes energy levels and helps prevent cravings
Try low-carb recipes that fit your goals — from zucchini noodles with pesto to protein-rich snacks — without feeling restricted.Things to consider with a low-carb diet
Some people experience “low-carb flu” during the transition, including fatigue and headaches
It can take time to find the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats for your needs
The ketogenic diet (or keto diet) takes low-carb eating a step further. It is very low in carbohydrates (20–50 grams per day), moderate in protein, and high in fat. The goal is to shift your body into a state called ketosis, where it burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy.Keto recipes focus on rich, filling foods such as avocados, cheese, nuts, and meat. Typical keto dinners might include creamy chicken with spinach or cauliflower rice dishes. Keto can lead to rapid weight loss and may improve blood sugar control and energy levels (Sumithran & Proietto, 2022). However, because this diet is quite restrictive, it’s not suitable for everyone.Benefits of the keto diet
Rapid weight loss through enhanced fat metabolism
May improve mental clarity by fueling the brain with ketones
Can help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels
Things to consider with the keto diet
Strict carbohydrate limits make long-term adherence difficult
“Keto flu” — temporary fatigue and headaches — is common in the first weeks
Not recommended for certain medical conditions without medical supervision (Geidl-Flueck & Gerber, 2021)
Unlike low carb or keto, intermittent fasting (IF) focuses on when you eat rather than what you eat. It alternates between eating and fasting periods to support fat metabolism and blood sugar control (Stockman et al., 2021).Popular intermittent fasting methods
16:8 fasting: Fast for 16 hours, eat within an 8-hour window
5:2 fasting: Eat normally for 5 days, restrict calories on 2 days
Benefits of intermittent fasting
Boosts metabolism and promotes fat burning
May improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation
Naturally reduces calorie intake without eliminating food groups
Things to consider with intermittent fasting
Hunger, dizziness, or fatigue may occur at the beginning
Overeating during eating windows can reduce its benefits
Not recommended for people with a history of eating disorders (Gabel et al., 2022)
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your medical history, lifestyle, and goals determine whether a low-carb diet, ketogenic diet, or intermittent fasting approach is best for you.It’s recommended to discuss your individual situation with a doctor or dietitian to ensure a healthy and personalized approach.
Diet | Best for | Considerations |
Low Carb | Flexible weight loss, blood sugar control | Adjustment period; possible energy dips |
Keto | Rapid fat loss | Very restrictive; may not be sustainable |
Intermittent Fasting | Those who prefer time-restricted eating | Risk of overeating; not suitable for everyone |
If you enjoy savory, low-carb dinners, a low-carb diet may be ideal. If you prefer a structured plan, keto recipes can provide guidance. If you want to avoid food restrictions, intermittent fasting may be a suitable alternative.
Sources:
1. Kirkpatrick, C. F., et al. (2021). Review of current evidence and clinical recommendations on low-carbohydrate and very-low-carbohydrate diets for body weight and cardiometabolic risk management. *Journal of Clinical Lipidology*, 15(4), 593-605.
2. Sumithran, P., & Proietto, J. (2022). Ketogenic diets for weight loss: Principles, safety, and effectiveness. *Obesity Reviews*, 23(1), e13358.
3. Stockman, M. C., et al. (2021). Intermittent fasting: Is the wait worth the weight? *Current Obesity Reports*, 10(1), 30-39.
4. Gabel, K., et al. (2022). Time-restricted eating: A rising star in the weight loss world. *Obesity Science & Practice*, 8(2), 136-148.
5. Geidl-Flueck, B., & Gerber, P. A. (2021). Keto diet and its impact on insulin resistance and inflammation. *Nutrients*, 13(4), 1254.