As we grow more and more health conscious over time, it has led us to carefully analyze the food that goes into our bodies. Though keeping a watchful eye on what you consume is a good habit, more often than not we cross the bar and start obsessing with everything that we consume. The diet fads have increased the scrutiny that we put ourselves through while consuming any food. While Paleo and Vegan diet might be the most famous diet options, they are basically two different ends of a spectrum.
Food Ideologies And Lifestyle Changes
Many of our ancestors simply consumed foods items that were readily available to them. But now, the eating pattern has witnessed a major shift. Some are of the view that their conscious choices help them attain their desired fitness levels. Others argue that their chosen diet promotes ethical values and helps protect the environment. Either way, the choices we make are not merely food options but rather lifestyle changes that we have incorporated into our lives. These food choices vary considerably and it’s no longer weird to have a sibling or an aunty who is a strict vegetarian while you don’t mind relishing an omnivorous meal every now and then.
While a whole lot of factors define our food choices, the followers of a particular dietary creed seem to defend their diet plan with full enthusiasm. This brings us to the question, which one is actually a better choice for your health, Paleo or Vegan. Here is a comprehensive overview of the pros and cons of Paleo and Vegan diets.
Pros Of Paleo Diet
Paleo diet is ruled with the principle of eat what was available to your ancestors. It’s a dietary lifestyle that replicates, or at least tries to, the food habits of our ancestors in the Paleolithic era. It includes wholesome foods such as meat, vegetables, fruits and nuts and discards grains and legumes. Grains and legumes may constitute an integral part of a diet plan, yet they are not essentially beneficial for everyone. Paleo is a high protein diet which helps regulate blood sugar while offering low glycemic content.
Read about more about Paleo Diet and its health benefits.
Cons Of Paleo Diet
Paleo diet includes meat from various sources that is grass-fed. However, most people do not realize this especially in case of chicken which is often fed on hormones. Paleo diet lovers overload their diet with excessive meats which are not organic. This can lead to hormonal imbalances and inflammation.
Pros Of A Vegan Diet
The most significant benefit that the vegan diet has is that it involves almost all sorts of greens along with plenty of other brightly coloured vegetables to choose from. This helps you obtain fiber from your diet, while lowering the blood pressure.
Read about 5 ways that a Vegan Diet can help you lose weight here.
Cons Of A Vegan Diet
While restricting the intake of animal items, a strict vegan diet can lead to vitamin B12 and iron deficiency making you feel tired and cold most of the times. Since the diet leads to higher intake of carbohydrates, it may generate health problems for people with high blood sugar and weight issues. Usually vegan diet leads to a huge consumption of soy which isn’t ideal for health.
Paleo vs. Vegan for Athletes
Both diets generally promote protein consumption and include a high intake of whole foods, high in fruits and vegetables. However, for athletes, higher protein intake is recommended, regardless of the source. According to research, a vegan diet is better for building endurance and muscle mass.
Regardless of the particular diet followed, it is important for athletes to eat lean, unprocessed, whole foods to maximize performance.
What do Athletes prefer?
Athletes choose to follow vegetarian diets for health, environmental, ethical, philosophical, religious/spiritual and esthetic reasons, which can include the dislike of meat. Vegetarian athletes can meet their energy and nutrient requirements on the various types of vegetarian diets. At the same time, it lowers their risk for chronic diseases and increases their ability to perform better or recover from vigorous exercise. Some of the big names from different sports including Venus Williams (Tennis), David Haye (boxer), Barny du Plessis (bodybuilder), and Kendrick Farris (weightlifter) are the prominent names have opted for a vegan diet and have success in their respective fields.
