If you’re looking for a new diet to try, you may be interested in the pegan diet. This eating plan combines elements of the paleo and vegan diets, hence the name “pegan.” Here’s what you need to know about the pegan diet.

The Basics of the Pegan Diet

The pegan diet is largely plant-based, with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and nuts. However, unlike strict vegan diets, the pegan diet also allows for small amounts of meat, fish, and eggs.

This is similar to the paleo diet, which also includes these animal foods.

However, the pegan diet also excludes many of the foods that are allowed on a paleo diet. For example, legumes like beans and lentils are considered staples in a vegan diet, but are not allowed on paleo.

The pegan diet takes a middle ground approach and allows some legumes, but not all. Grains are also largely excluded from the pegan diet, with the exception of some pseudo-grains like quinoa and buckwheat.

The Benefits of the Pegan Diet

One of the benefits of the pegan diet is that it emphasizes fresh, whole foods. This can help you consume more nutrients and reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet.

The focus on fruits and vegetables is also a great way to increase your fiber intake.

The pegan diet may also be beneficial for those who struggle with blood sugar control. By focusing on low-glycemic foods like vegetables and nuts, the pegan diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The Challenges of the Pegan Diet

As with any diet, there are challenges when following the pegan diet. One of the biggest challenges is the potential for nutrient deficiencies.

While the emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and nuts is great for nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, it may be harder to get enough vitamin B12 without animal foods. Supplements can help with this, but it’s still important to pay attention to your nutrient intake.

The pegan diet may also be more expensive than other diets, as it emphasizes organic and free-range animal products. This can make it challenging for those on a budget.

The Bottom Line

The pegan diet is an interesting combination of the paleo and vegan diets. It can be a great way to increase your intake of whole, plant-based foods while still allowing for some animal products.

However, it’s important to pay attention to your nutrient intake and budget when following the pegan diet.