Lately, it seems like everyone is on a regimented diet plan. The diets getting the most attention recently are the paleo diet and vegan, plant-based diets. Both of these plans are nothing new, but have recently picked up quite a bit of followers. For those of us constantly striving to be healthy and fit, it’s tempting to want to jump on board with little research and a few anecdotes from friends. Here we explore some facts from each of these options, to help you start to determine if one of these options might be right for you. Just a note: this is a factual look at two trending diets. Consult your nutritionist for information specific to you and your health.

The Paleo Diet

The paleo diet (also referred to as the caveman diet, the Paleolithic diet, etc.) works around the premise that during the Paleolithic era we were nourished mainly by animal foods, proteins and plants. This diet consists of eating animal derived foods including meats, poultry, shellfish, fish and eggs, as well as non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Missing from this eating plan are starches, grains, legumes, potatoes, dairy products, refined sugars and processed oils. Estimates state that about 1 million people in the US follow a paleo diet and/or lifestyle.

The science behind these strict eating habits, besides following the eating styles of our predecessors, are of the low carb variety. By “low carb” I mean foods high in animal fat and low in plant food, since only plants are able to synthesize carbs or sugars. The paleo diet instead focuses on animal derived foods with no carbs, high protein and high fat, while still including veggies. (only non starchy, orange, yellow and green ones to be exact.)

The paleo diet is believed to have many benefits. For one, some propose that this primal way of eating “unlocks” our ancestral DNA and bringing us back to our dietary roots. Other reported benefits may include weight loss,  blood sugar stabilization, lower cholesterol and also lower risk for coronary heart disease and diabetes. G.D. Foster, lead author for a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, states that a low carb diet will outpace the conventional low calorie, low fat, high carb diet, at least for the first six months. Because this diet is also casein and gluten free, there is also the benefit of an allergen avoidance.

Vegan, Plant-Based Diet

Now, on the seemingly opposite side of the spectrum we have the vegan diet. Going “vegan” consists of eating grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes and nuts, while excluding all animal derived products. One of the main issues most people have with going vegan is the lack of protein in the diet. However, there are protein sources available to vegans in forms other than meats. This includes protein supplements, tofu, quinoa or beans to help make up for the protein deficit created by restricting meats. Vegans may also be concerned about a calcium deficit, which can be easily corrected by consuming leafy greens, orange juice and grains.

According to a 2008 report in Vegetarian Times, 7.3 million American adults follow a vegertarian diet, while one million of them are vegan. Along with the eco-friendly benefits, the health benefits of a vegan diet are usually the most widely known. The reason for this diet being associated with so many health benefits, comes from the lower intake of cholesterol and saturated fat, and the higher intake of complex carbs, and fiber. A well balanced vegan diet, consisting of a substantial amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts,  also helps fight heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

It is important to note that while both of these diets can be used as a means of a healthier lifestyle, they can also be just as unhealthy as their counterparts if used incorrectly. Before starting any type of highly restrictive plan, it is important to gather all the necessary facts and consider enlisting the help of a trained nutritionist.

References:

Livestrong: Benefits of the Paleo Diet

The National: Change Your Life Vegan Diets

Forks Over Knives: The Paleo Diet is Uncivilized (and unhealthy and untrue)

Image Sources:

The Food Lovers Kitchen

Whole Foods Market Recipes

**


MyFitList brings together the latest information on hundreds of local fitness businesses in Austin. We’re your resource for inspiration and information for getting and staying fit. Search hundreds of Austin fitness groups and services like running, triathlon, bootcamps, yoga studios, gyms and more all in one place! Check us out at www.myfitlist.com