The term "Pegan" was coined by Dr. Mark Hyman back in 2014 in this article: https://drhyman.com/blog/2014/11/07/pegan-paleo-vegan/. Although I'm not really a strict proponent of this or any other diet plan, I do eat according to almost all of his "rules."
The Pegan diet takes the idea of veganism, which everyone thinks is healthy but in actual fact can kill you, and improves it by adding meat, eggs, fish, and animal fats. Are you laughing right now? Because this does sound like a joke! You might very well ask how this diet is any different from the Paleo diet. And the answer would be: it's really not different at all.
The vegan aspect of the Pegan diet basically means relying on plants--vegetables and fruits--for the bulk of one's diet. Certainly if you want to lose weight, sticking with mostly (even up to 75%) veggies is a great plan. Veggies are low calorie, for the most part. Dark green leafy veggies like kale and collards are some of the most nutritious foods we can eat. However, going with ONLY veggies is a recipe for nutrient deficiency, illness, and yes, even death.
In my opinion, the Pegan diet is a wonderful improvement on veganism, but not really an improvement on the Paleo diet. Those who are Paleo are probably eating loads of veggies already. If they aren't, they aren't doing it right! Sure, Paleo cookbooks include recipes for grain-free cakes and cookies, but those are not supposed to make up the bulk of one's diet.
One thing I agree with is that the animal foods we eat should come from the highest quality sources possible. This means grassfed beef and lamb, pastured chicken and eggs, organic dairy, and wild caught fish and game. Eating better quality meats is better for us, better for the animals, and better for the planet.
Are you struggling to figure out the best way to eat? Are you looking for support when it comes to losing weight, choosing the right diet, or just getting healthier? I am available for one-on-one coaching and/or holistic personal training. Leave me a message!
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