Diet & Nutrition

Everything you need to know about the paleo-vegan ‘pegan’ diet

Apparently the diet is a healthy hybrid of the two popular diets.
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If you want to lose weight but find the paleo diet too restrictive, you may consider the ‘pegan’ diet as an option instead.

Designed by Dr. Oz, the Pegan 365 diet has been touted as a way to eat healthy all year long without restricting as many carbs as you would on a paleo diet.

If you’ve been missing your beloved whole grains, you’ll be happy to know that they are more than welcome on a ‘pegan diet’ — as long as you follow the eating plan correctly.

What is the Pegan 365 diet?

According to Dr. Oz’s website, the Pegan 365 diet basically merges the best parts of the paleo diet with the best aspects of a vegan diet (hence the term “pegan”).

At first glance, this combination may seem a little strange. After all, the paleo diet is well known for its emphasis on healthy meat, while the vegan diet shuns all animal products completely.

But with Dr. Oz’s pegan diet, you get the chance to enjoy the key elements that both diets share: eating fresh, whole foods that are free of refined carbohydrates, processed ingredients, and dairy.

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Foods to eat on a Pegan Diet

We know what you’re wondering: What specific foods are you allowed to eat on the Pegan 365 diet?

You’ll be happy to know that you have much more freedom with your meals on a pegan diet than you would on a paleo diet or a vegan diet. Not only are you allowed that delightful bread, you also don’t need to give up meat.

“On this diet, just remember to eat 5+ cups of vegetables, 4 carbohydrates, 3 proteins, 2 healthy fats, and 1 dairy substitute every day to achieve your weight-loss goals,” writes Dr. Oz.

Like many healthy diets, the Pegan 365 diet includes plenty of produce, as well as a balance between other food groups.

For instance, you can choose daily whether you want to have vegan proteins — such as beans, tofu, tempeh, or seeds — or paleo proteins like eggs, lean poultry, fish, or meat.

You also have the option of choosing your carbs — such as grains, starchy veggies like sweet potatoes, or fruit.

The best part? You don’t need to deprive yourself of your favorite indulgences while you’re following this eating plan.

As long as you follow the rest of the diet as instructed, you can have two desserts and two alcoholic drinks per week.

Cheers to that!

Via our sister site First For Women.

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