How ASSFACE Diet is Different from Other Diets Like Paleo, Keto, and Whole30

Real Health Isn’t Complicated — But Most Diets Are

If you’ve ever tried to eat healthy, you’ve probably found yourself overwhelmed by conflicting advice. Paleo, Keto, Whole30-- each with its rules, and each claiming to be the “best.” But here’s the truth: most people don’t fail at any of these diets because they’re weak — they fail because the diets are not built to accommodate their real lives.

That’s where the ASSFACE Diet® comes in.

ASSFACE stands for: Added. Sugar. Sucks, Fruits and veggies. Also contain. Carbs. Eat those.

It’s practical. It’s science-backed. And most of all? It’s sustainable.

Because we cut out added sugar and focus on whole foods, people often assume we’re just a spin-off of something like Paleo, Keto, or Whole30. But the ASSFACE Diet is different from other diets-- it isn’t just another restrictive trend. It’s a system built for real people — with real lives, real budgets, and real goals.

Let’s break down how.

A Quick Look at Paleo, Keto, and Whole30

Paleo Diet (aka “Caveman Eating”)

Here are the main ideas behind Paleo diets:

• Emphasizes meat, seafood, nuts, fruits, and vegetables

• Excludes grains, dairy, legumes, and processed foods

• The main principle is that we want to eat like our ancestors

• Challenge: Very restrictive, nutrient gaps possible

Keto Diet (Ketosis-Centered)

Here are the main ideas behind Keto diets:

• High-fat, very low-carb

• Puts body into ketosis for fat-burning

• Excludes most fruits, grains, legumes

• Challenge: Hard to maintain, socially isolating, high risk of rebound

Whole30 (30-Day Reset)

Here are the main ideas behind the Whole30 diet:

• Cuts sugar, grains, dairy, legumes, alcohol, and more for 30 days

• After 30 days, foods are slowly reintroduced

• Challenge: Rigid, all-or-nothing mindset, often leads to yo-yo cycles

What Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 Diets Get Right (And Where ASSFACE Agrees)

Despite the hype (and baggage), these diets do get some important things right:

• They emphasize real food over processed junk

• They encourage breaking sugar addiction

• They teach people to read ingredient labels

• They raise awareness about food sensitivities

The ASSFACE Diet agrees with all of this. We just believe you shouldn’t have to feel like a failure to eat well. We also believe wholly in the 80/20 rule, and that you don't need to eat perfectly to succeed.

Where We Feel These Diets Go Too Far

Over-Restriction = Burnout

• Cutting out entire food groups leads to deprivation and binge cycles

• People stop-- not because they’re weak, but because it’s not easily sustainable

Fear-Based Rules

• One “slip” and you feel like you ruined everything

• This promotes guilt, shame, and disordered thinking

Nutrient Gaps

• No dairy = low calcium

• No legumes = low fiber

• No flexibility = low adherence

Not Built for Real Life

• Whole30 is difficult to stick to with kids.

• Keto is tough while traveling.

• Paleo is hard to stick to on a budget.

Many people burn out. Or worse — blame themselves.

How the ASSFACE Diet Is Different from Other Diets (And Why It Works)

Here’s the full breakdown, by principle:

Sugar: We Cut the Right Kind

• Added sugar? Sucks. It’s out.

• Natural sugar in fruit? It stays.

• Unlike Keto, we don’t demonize fruit. You can enjoy bananas, apples, and berries — and still see results.

Dairy: Optional, Not Forbidden

• Paleo and Whole30 exclude it entirely.

• ASSFACE says: If your body tolerates it, go ahead.

• Greek yogurt, cheese, cream in your coffee — all can be part of a healthy diet.

Legumes: Eat Them

• We love beans, lentils, chickpeas.

• Paleo & Whole30 cut them. But they’re fiber-rich, nutrient-dense, affordable, and filling.

Flexibility > Perfection

• You can enjoy a square of chocolate.

• A slice of sprouted whole-grain toast won’t wreck you.

• You don’t need to restart the entire program if you have a treat.

Mental Health Comes First

• We don’t count macros or obsess over numbers.

• We focus on lifestyle and habits, not perfection.

Artificial Sweeteners: Allowed, in Moderation

• Stevia in your coffee? Sure.

• Sugar-free gum? Cool.

• We don’t fear modern conveniences — we use them smartly.

You Don’t Have to Start Over Every Monday

• This isn’t a 30-day sprint.

• It’s a framework you can adapt for real life.

• If you’re mostly eating real food and avoiding added sugar, you’re doing it right.

Why This Works: Real People, Real Results

I lost 115 pounds — from 260 pounds to a weight that supports my health, confidence, and life. I built the ASSFACE Diet out of necessity. I was tired of obsessing over numbers, cutting food groups, and feeling like a failure when life happened.

Today, the ASSFACE Diet has helped:

• Moms who need flexible, family-friendly meals

• Busy professionals who need clarity, not chaos

• Veterans and first responders rebuilding their health

• Everyday people who just want to feel good again

This diet is different. It’s not about becoming someone else — it’s about becoming your healthiest you.

Not a Fad. Not About Perfection. Just Real Health.

If you’re tired of starting over…

If you’re exhausted by food rules…

If you’re ready to stop eating like crap without overthinking it…

You’re in the right place.

• Read our blog

• Try a meal plan

• Join the [ASSFACE Fam Community]

Let AJ the Donkey show you that health doesn’t have to suck.

Ready to Try It?

•  Check out the “What You Can Eat” page

•  Follow on YouTube for more fun, tips, and donkey wisdom