👀 Spoiler: They’re not the same — and one is way more flexible than the other.

Let’s clear something up: “low carb” and “keto” are often used as if they mean the same thing. But they’re not. Not even close. And if you’re trying to eat better, feel better, or lose weight, it really helps to understand the difference.

This post is for anyone who’s confused, overwhelmed by strict rules, or just wants a sustainable way to eat without obsessing over grams and macros.

Here’s how I break it down — in real life, not diet-culture talk.

What “Low Carb” Really Means

Low carb is flexible. It simply means reducing the amount of carbohydrates you eat — especially the refined ones.

👉🏾 how to stay low carb when you’re tired, busy or just not in the mood

You’re still eating:

  • Fruit 🍓 (in moderation)

  • Veggies 🥦

  • Protein 🥩

  • Healthy fats 🥑

  • Maybe even a slice of bread now and then (gasp!)

There are no strict numbers, and that’s the beauty of it. Some days you’re at 50g of carbs, others 100g — and that’s OK.

🧠 Low carb is a guideline, not a rulebook.

What the Keto Diet Actually Is

Keto is a strict low carb, high fat diet that forces your body into a state called ketosis — where you burn fat for fuel instead of carbs.

To get into ketosis, you usually need to stay under 20–30g of net carbs per day. That’s very low.

That means:

  • No fruit (except berries)

  • No grains

  • No starchy vegetables

  • Lots of fat (even butter in your coffee…)

For some people, keto works great. For others, it’s a recipe for burnout.

So Which One Should You Follow?

Here’s the honest answer:
👉🏾 If you want results and flexibility, low carb is a lot more sustainable.

Low carb lets you:

  • Eat out without stressing

  • Travel without a cooler bag

  • Live a real life

Keto might give you fast results, but it often comes with keto flu, social stress, and long-term frustration.

Unless you love strict tracking, low carb is usually the better fit.

Side-by-side low carb and keto meals: salmon, broccoli, and avocado vs scrambled eggs, bacon, nuts, and cheese portions

What They Both Have in Common

Despite their differences, keto and low carb do agree on a few things:

👉🏾 No sugar bombs
👉🏾 Focus on whole foods
👉🏾 Fat is not the enemy
👉🏾 Carbs aren’t evil — but they need to be chosen wisely

You don’t have to label yourself to eat well. You can just… eat smarter.

My Take (and What I Do)

I follow a moderate low carb lifestyle that works for my body and my life.

Some days it’s meat and veggies. Some days it’s Greek yogurt and fruit. Some days it’s chocolate with a smile.

👉🏾 real-life low carb meals I eat every week

And yes, I still lose weight, feel better, and stay consistent — because I’m not miserable.

This isn’t about extremes. It’s about progress that sticks.

Suzike enjoying a slice of homemade low carb pizza, showing real-life sustainable eating with confidence and joy

This is how I eat — and it works.

💬 Final Words

If you’re asking “low carb or keto?”, maybe the real question is:

“What can I do consistently and feel good about?”

If keto works for you — amazing.
If low carb works better — welcome to the club.

You don’t need a label. You need a way of eating that makes you feel strong, clear, and in control.

You’ve got this. Keep it simple. Keep it real. Keep going.

👉🏾 Want a flexible way to eat low carb? Start here.