If you are even moderately plugged into the nutrition world then I am sure you know the Paleo Diet & Vegan Diet have pretty distinct features that often oppose each other.
In the most simple terms:
The Paleo Diet shuns beans & grains and is known for including a good deal of animal protein. This can end up being a lot of meat.
The Vegan Diet shuns animal products and is known for including a good of deal of grains and beans. This can end up being a lot of starch and carbohydrates.
Any diet, improperly balanced, can lead to complications.
For example, both can affect the digestive tract. I know paleo folks that deal with constipation from a low-fiber diet. I know vegans that deal with gas, bloating, or intestinal problems from larger amounts of starches.
Whether you are vegan, paleo, or simply wanting to improve the quality of your diet, consider the nutritional wisdom where these two theories meet that anyone can benefit from…
1.) Vegetables & Fruit
Specifically non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, onion, kale, brussel sprouts, spinach, etc..
2. ) Healthy fats
Like nuts, coconut oil, olive oil, nut butters, avocado, flax, chia, sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds
If you are not sure what to do with your diet, START THERE.
Bump up the amount of vegetables paired with fats you are eating. Not only will you be giving your body more fiber and nutrients, the added fat will increase nutrient absorption, make your food taste wonderful, satiate you, and nourish your nervous system.
Here are some simple examples that are relatively quick:
Roasted cauliflower with indian spices & EVOO
Delicata squash with drizzled tahini
Baba Ganoush with sliced vegetables
Steamed broccoli with avocado and lemon squeeze and sea salt
Vegetable soup with pesto
Roasted brussel sprouts w/walnuts
Vegetable Curry with coconut milk
Orange, avocado, basil salad drizzled with EVOO
Learn how to make vegetables you love. When all else fails, roast some vegetables in some healthy fat. It’s the season for it.
(For a pretty balanced take on the Vegan/Paleo debate, and what foods to watch out for, check out Mark Hyman’s “Pegan Diet”)
With love and respect,