Diets have almost always been around. Even the most ancient civilizations had food that they would and wouldn’t eat. A lot of the time, if people use the word “diet,” they are referring to a certain type of calorie deficit in order to lose weight.
However, when it comes to the vegan and Mediterranean diets, these are usually forms of restricting certain foods as part of a healthy lifestyle. However, which is better? Take a look.
Vegan diet
The term “vegan” was first coined in 1944, but the idea of not consuming any animal products is centuries old.
Vegans, as a general rule, don’t eat meat, dairy, eggs, or honey and don’t use animal products like leather. There have been countless documentaries and studies over the past few years that have suggested that a vegan diet is very good for you but is this true?
Those on a vegan diet don’t eat meat and dairy, which have been thought to cause a number of avoidable health issues. For this reason, those who opt for a vegan diet may see health benefits from just the elimination of these foods alone. Having said that, though, there are some benefits to eating these foods, and vegans should be careful to make sure that they are getting this from elsewhere.
According to Bustle, Veganism promotes the idea that you should eat more fruits and vegetables, as they become more of a staple in their day-to-day eating.
Being vegan isn’t just good for you. It’s good for the planet. Many go vegan to reduce the carbon footprint of their food, and it has been proven to be one of the best ways to live a greener life.
Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet gets its name from the part of the world where it originates. Very similar to a vegan diet in many ways, the foundation of this diet is mainly plant-based. However, while processed meat is a big no, the Mediterranean diet includes things like seafood.
This means that those following a Mediterranean diet get a lot of the benefits found in veganism but are less limited in their options when shopping or eating out. Eating so many fruits and vegetables while still being able to visit a seafood market can leave you feeling much more balanced.
Conclusion
When looking at both of these diets, it’s clear that they have many benefits and are understandable, while many people follow them both very strictly. Veganism has many layers, from health and planet to animal welfare, meaning that it may align more with your beliefs.
However, for those that are just looking to eat a little better, the Mediterranean diet might be for them due to it being a healthier version of how many people already eat. Both diets include restrictions, but veganism certainly restricts you much more.
It’s admirable to want to eat healthier, and with both of these diets, you’ll likely find that you start eating better naturally. Whenever you decide to change your diet, you should always make sure you are meeting your needs.
