The plant-forward way of eating is also known as the pegan diet. Mark Hyman, M.D. is attributed with originating the name which is a mash up of “paleo” and “vegan”.
The pegan diet is broadly described as a lifestyle focused on eating primarily sustainably raised fresh whole foods, mostly plants. It avoids all processed and refined foods and foods that contain chemicals, colorings, preservatives, additives, and artificial sweeteners. You can’t go wrong with choosing to eat natural, minimally processed foods, right?! Not everyone agrees.
There are critics of this lifestyle. Most focus on the foods that are limited such as dairy, starchy veggies, whole grains, and legumes. The concern is that these foods do have some health benefits. Other critics point to the lack of supporting scientific evidence.
So, what do I think as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition and also an Autoimmune Paleo Certified Coach? I support a plant-forward way of eating. I eat a pegan diet. BUT I do not believe that one-size-fits-all when it comes to determining a healthy diet. Is peganism a good place to start figuring out what works best for your unique body – YES! Should you eat as varied and diverse a diet as possible – ABSOLUTELY! Just know that it will look different from one person to the next. It may very well look different between close family members.
So how do you figure out what a healthy diet looks like for you? A short-term elimination diet is a powerful tool to figure out which foods serve you well and which do not. I use The RESTART® Program to support clients through this process. RESTART® is a 5-week online program that provides an organized approach that guides you through a 3-week elimination diet so you may start identifying foods that are healthy for your one-of-a-kind biochemical needs.
Over 5 weeks we discuss why it’s important to optimize your digestion, how protein, fat, and carbohydrates work in the body and how they impact blood sugar regulation, how we have been misled into thinking fat is the enemy, and prepare for the 3-week elimination period. Throughout the 3-weeks we will pay attention to how you feel while eliminating certain foods by considering questions like:
- Do you have more or less aches and pains?
- How have your energy levels changed?
- Do you think more clearly or experience brain fog?
- Is your digestion better or worse?
- Are you experiencing less or greater anxiety or depression?
- Have your skin-related symptoms improved or worsened?
- Has your autoimmune flare worsened or eased?
We will take this information and use it to identify YOUR healthy diet. Click here to learn more about The RESTART® Program.
Are you confused by all the propaganda surrounding what constitutes and healthy diet or have been let down by fad diets in the past? Join one of my January 2023 RESTART® classes! I will help you cut through the confusion and figure out which foods make you feel great and reclaim your vibrancy! Use code NEWYEARNEWYOU2023 to save 10% off the registration fee. Click here to reserve your spot today!
NOTE: The RESTART® Program is presented in partnership between Nutritious Endeavors, LLC and Peak Nutrition and Wellness, LLC on behalf of Evergreen Wellness Academy, LLC.
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