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Is the Pegan Diet Actually Good For You?

pegan diet

Is the Pegan Diet Actually Good For You?

I’m sure many of you have already heard of a paleo and vegan diet. But, have you heard of the pegan diet? The pegan diet has been a huge interest to those who have completed veganism and are ready for the next big thing. So, what exactly is this diet? Well, let’s start with the first half – the paleo diet was originally supposed to see your daily calorie intake consist of 55% seafood and lean meat and 15% each of fruits, vegetables, and nuts and seeds. You eliminate sugar, grain, cereal, dairy and legumes, as well as processed foods. Veganism involves abstaining from animals and people have chosen this lifestyle in hopes of it having less of an impact on Mother Earth, as well as it being a healthy diet.

Is the Paleo Diet Healthy?

The paleo diet is low on starch and refined on carbohydrates, which is good for your blood sugar by making blood levels even. Paleolithic humans definitely got some eating habits right. In general, they consumed three times more produce than the typical American; more fiber; more protein; more omega-3 fatty acids; more unsaturated fat; more vitamins and minerals; and much less saturated fat and sodium. Just remember, if you do exclude something like dairy or grains from your diet, then you need to replace it with something nutritionally equivalent.

Is the Vegan Diet Healthy?

Veganism, the plant-based diet which shuns meat and dairy has been linked to many health benefits. But it’s important that you have an understanding of how to eat a plant-based diets that will provide you with the right levels of macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates and fats. For those who have pursued a diet rich in meat and dairy for most of their lives, embarking on a vegan diet can lead to significant changes within the body. You will also need to take supplements to substitute the micronutrients you’ll be missing out on with a vegan diet. The first thing you may notice on this diet is an energy boost, as well as a boosts in your vitamin, mineral and fiber levels.

Creating the Pegan Diet

The pegan diet combines the paleo belief that processed food and products stemming from modern agriculture are harmful and not the best way to fuel our bodies. Paleo supporters argue that by eating a diet closely aligned with how early humans ate, the body functions at its optimal best by consuming foods as evolution and nature intended. Typical paleo meals will include grass-fed meat, nuts and seeds, seafood, fresh produce, eggs and non-refined oils.

People who follow a vegan diet abstain from consuming animal products. Vegans argue that animals are not in this Earth for humans to eat, wear, or exploit in any way. A pegan meal should be comprised of 75 percent plants. Some meat and animal products, except dairy which should be avoided altogether. You can consume lean, organic poultry and grass-fed and organic meat and organic eggs. A pegan diet would avoid sugar and flour; eat healthy fats; eliminate dairy and pile on greens and incorporate omega-3 rich seafood.

Risks with the Pegan Diet

Dairy contributes to obesity, diabetes and the risk of osteoporosis. All grains can increase your blood sugar and increase digestive problems. It’s important to eat a balanced, varied and healthy diet. If you decide to limit your intake of dairy, grains and beans, then make sure you replace it with something that still contributes the nutrients you’re missing out on. The pegan diet recommends that you eat sustainable meat and eggs on a weekly basis. If you find that you need more B12, which is typically found in animal foods, replace what you’ve cut out with supplements. A B12 deficiency can lead to a number of side-effects, such as tiredness, weakness and depression.

What to Remember…

You may find food that you can eat and enjoy, it can be easy to fall into a routine where you eat the same foods all the time. However, same foods might not meet your nutritional requirements, causing you to lack certain minerals and vitamins over time. Make sure your diet is varied so you get enough of the right minerals and vitamins.