Is the pegan diet a new way of eating or just a passing trend? According to the internet, it’s becoming more and more popular and has gained a large following!
Paleo and vegan
The word “pegan” is actually a combination of the names of two almost opposite diets, the first one being the paleo diet, which is based on what hunter-gatherers would have eaten. Meat, fish, berries, and vegetables are on the menu, whereas grains, legumes, and dairy products are omitted. On the other hand, the vegan diet is strictly plant based and does not include any animal products. It features fruit, vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes.
The origins of the pegan diet
The creator of the pegan diet is physician, nutritionist, and lecturer Mark Hyman. He combined what he believes to be the best of both regimens. He says that the pegan diet is the most beneficial for health and that it is also environmentally friendly!
The basics
Seventy-five percent of the pegan plate is made up of seasonal organic fruits and vegetables that are preferably grown locally. It also includes a generous portion of seeds and nuts, as well as small portions of lean meat or organic fish, gluten-free whole grains, and legumes. Highly processed foods such as sugar, gluten, soy, and dairy products are to be avoided.
What we think
The pegan diet is actually very high in fibre and antioxidants, as it is made up mainly of plants. Meat and fish feature more as “side dishes,” which is not so bad! It’s also a good thing to eliminate ultra-processed foods as they are often high in salt, sugar, and fat. But I think cutting out sugar completely is a bit extreme. Adding maple syrup to a vinaigrette can often balance the flavours and homemade desserts can be eaten in moderation without being “damaging” to your health. I also don’t believe we should be eating fewer legumes… quite the contrary! They are sustainable, versatile, inexpensive, and extremely healthy. In short, it’s important to consume lots of plants, have a multitude of colours and textures on your plate, and enjoy eating and cooking!
