5 Types of Ketogenic Diets: Which One Is Right for You?
Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD)
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Macronutrient ratio: ~75% fat, 20% protein, 5% carbohydrates
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Goals: Weight loss, metabolic health, inflammation reduction
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Typical ketone range: 0.5–3.0 mmol/L
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Sustainability: High—74% adherence rate (Virta Health study)
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Best for: Beginners and long-term keto users seeking consistent energy and blood sugar control
Therapeutic Ketogenic Diet (TKD)
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Macronutrient ratio: ~90% fat, 10% protein, <1% carbs
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Purpose: Clinical use—epilepsy, neurological conditions
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Target ketone range: >3.0 mmol/L
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Requires: Medical supervision + blood ketone tracking
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Best for: Patients with seizure disorders or under clinical care
Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD)
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Structure: 3–5 days of strict keto + 1–2 days of carb refeeding
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Use case: High-intensity anaerobic training or athletic performance
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Benefits:
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Maintains glycogen stores
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Preserves power output
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Best for: Athletes who need flexibility but want to retain metabolic benefits of keto
Targeted Ketogenic Diet (TKD)
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Approach: SKD with 15–30g of carbs timed around workouts
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Purpose: Support HIIT, CrossFit, or resistance training
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Advantages:
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Boosts pre-workout energy
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Minimizes performance drops
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Best for: Active individuals seeking a balance between strict keto and physical performance
Carnivore or Zero-Carb Diet
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Macronutrient ratio: ~50% fat, 50% protein, 0% carbs
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Composition: 100% animal products; excludes all plant foods
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Focus: Eliminates dietary triggers (lectins, FODMAPs)
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Reported benefits:
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Reduced inflammation
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Improved gut health
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Enhanced mental clarity
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Risks: Highly restrictive, may require supervised use
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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:
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Your health status
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Physical activity
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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.