5 Types of Ketogenic Diets: Which One Is Right for You?

Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD)

  • Macronutrient ratio: ~75% fat, 20% protein, 5% carbohydrates
  • Goals: Weight loss, metabolic health, inflammation reduction
  • Typical ketone range: 0.5–3.0 mmol/L
  • Sustainability: High—74% adherence rate (Virta Health study)
  • Best for: Beginners and long-term keto users seeking consistent energy and blood sugar control

Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet (TKD)

  • Macronutrient ratio: ~90% fat, 10% protein, <1% carbs
  • Purpose: Clinical use—epilepsy, neurological conditions
  • Target ketone range: >3.0 mmol/L
  • Requires: Medical supervision + blood ketone tracking
  • Best for: Patients with seizure disorders or under clinical care

Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD)

  • Structure: 3–5 days of strict keto + 1–2 days of carb refeeding
  • Use case: High-intensity anaerobic training or athletic performance
  • Benefits:
    • Maintains glycogen stores
    • Preserves power output
  • Best for: Athletes who need flexibility but want to retain metabolic benefits of keto

Targeted Ketogenic Diet (TKD)

  • Approach: SKD with 15–30g of carbs timed around workouts
  • Purpose: Support HIIT, CrossFit, or resistance training
  • Advantages:
    • Boosts pre-workout energy
    • Minimizes performance drops
  • Best for: Active individuals seeking a balance between strict keto and physical performance

Carnivore or Zero-Carb Diet

  • Macronutrient ratio: ~50% fat, 50% protein, 0% carbs
  • Composition: 100% animal products; excludes all plant foods
  • Focus: Eliminates dietary triggers (lectins, FODMAPs)
  • Reported benefits:
    • Reduced inflammation
    • Improved gut health
    • Enhanced mental clarity
  • Risks: Highly restrictive, may require supervised use
  • Best for: Individuals with autoimmune, GI issues, or extreme sensitivity to plant foods

Summary: Choose Your Keto Path Wisely

Each keto variation activates fat-burning, but the best fit depends on:
  • Your health status
  • Physical activity
  • Medical needs Stay consistent, observe your body, and tailor your strategy to support long-term metabolic balance and sustainability.

 FAQ

Q: Can I switch between different types of keto diets?
 A: Yes, especially between SKD, TKD, and CKD—just ensure you track your response and adjust gradually.
Q: Is the carnivore diet a type of keto?
A: It shares similar metabolic effects but differs in food variety and macronutrient ratio, often lower in ketones due to higher protein.
Q: How do I know which keto type is right for me?
A: Start with SKD, then adapt based on energy levels, training needs, or medical guidance.

 


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