The Pegan diet is one of the latest trends to emerge on the health scene. This hybrid vegan-paleo diet plan promises rapid weight loss, better blood sugar control and reduced inflammation, with tons of Pegan diet reviews available online hailing its ease and effectiveness .
What is the Pegan Diet?
Simply put, the “P” stands for paleo and the “egan” stands for vegan. This can be confusing because, firstly, there are a lot of different opinions on what you can eat on the paleo diet (essentially pre-farming foods). Second, vegans do not consume anything that comes from animal products or by-products. The pegan diet is a mix of the two.
It may seem like a dichotomous way of eating, but there’s an underlying principle: eat real, whole foods. It’s not that far removed from other popular eating habits such as the Mediterranean diet or Whole30.
So… what to eat?
PLANT. It is suggested that at least half of your plate be made up of vegetables. If the words “plants” and “vegetables” are interchangeable… good luck finding a solid answer. That said, fruits and vegetables. It is very important to eat fruits and vegetables that you find tasty; don’t forget that for a habit to take hold, it must be made attractive!
Grass-fed and/or sustainably raised meat. Admittedly, it’s a more expensive choice, but in the long run, your body will absorb more pure food and consume less of it. Cheap is expensive.
Eggs. They are an amazing source of protein and they are very versatile. Fish. Aim for twice a week. Few sugar, flour and refined carbohydrates of all kinds.
What foods should be avoided?
Dairy products. Although you can still eat fat-free Greek yogurt. The cereals. If you eat grains, opt for gluten-free foods like brown rice, oats, and quinoa.
Beans. They are an excellent source of nutrition; however, due to the lectins they contain, beans can cause inflammation. Nevertheless, they present digestive problems. Some health professionals claim that moderate consumption is acceptable. If you must eat beans, make sure they’ve been soaked overnight, rinsed well, and pressure-cooked – this won’t eliminate all lectins, but will reduce them considerably.
Sugar. You don’t need it. But if you have a craving, find a way to satisfy it. The more you deprive yourself of it, the more likely you are to come back strong. Consider an occasional treat.
What are the advantages ?
- More fiber and micronutrients in your diet
- Helps stabilize blood sugar
- Mitigate negative impact on the environment by reducing meat consumption and encouraging sustainably farmed meat
- More balance and flexibility than other fad diets. Committing to eating in a state of flow is much easier and will lead to more mindfulness and intentionality.
- Encourages you to listen to your biology, rather than focusing on an ideology. Advocates customization so you can meet your unique needs.
What are its disadvantages?
- Although it is less restrictive than other diets, it is still full of rules. If you are unaccustomed to a program like paganism, you may find it difficult and frustrating to follow.
- Some research suggests that whole grains, dairy products, and legumes are beneficial for overall health.
- It’s more difficult in social situations such as gatherings or eating out. Frustration can potentially lead to burnout.
- If you decide to go to extremes, it can get expensive. High-end meat and groceries at the farmer’s market can get expensive.
What is the difference between the pegan diet and the flexitarian diet?
The pegan diet and the flexitarian diet have similar components, but the two differ in some key areas. The pegan diet combines aspects of the paleo and vegan diets. It emphasizes eating whole fruits and vegetables with a minimum of processed foods, as well as nuts, seeds, unrefined oils, and moderate amounts of grass-fed meat or dairy. .
The flexitarian diet is a type of semi-vegetarian diet that is more flexible than the vegan diet in terms of what it allows you to eat. It focuses on restricting animal products like red meat, poultry and fish, while allowing eggs and dairy products. Flexitarians still consume plant-based meals as their primary source of nutrition, while occasionally indulging in animal protein when desired.
Ultimately, although both diets promote healthier eating habits than a typical omnivorous diet by incorporating plenty of fresh produce and whole grains into your daily routine, the different approaches take contrasting paths to better nutrition.
