The Best Plant-Based Diets Include Eggs
I have been thinking a lot lately on the best way to eat healthier and live more lightly on this Earth. So, I decided to do a bit more research and dig a bit deeper into the data. There has been so much hype on plant-based diets lately, however sometimes it’s confusing. There is Vegetarian, Vegan, Flexitarian, Nordic, Mediterranean, Asian and so many more. Basically, everyone agrees that we need to add more plant-based food such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains into our diets.
As I did my research, I found a comprehensive analysis of plant-based diets done by the US News and World Report. The analysis was based on the criteria of the diets ability to deliver weight loss, provide good nutrition and safety, and be relatively easy to follow.
What is a Plant-Based Diet
First if all, what is a plant-based diet? “Plant-based diets are good for the environment, your heart, your weight and your overall health. It emphasizes minimally processed foods from plants, with modest amounts of fish, eggs, lean meat and low-fat dairy, and red meat only sparingly”.
As I reviewed a US New and World Report analysis the common theme, I saw among the top 10 diets where they all included eggs. Hum … what is it about the humble egg. I know this one…
Top Reasons Eggs are included in a Plant-Based Diet
1. Nutritious 2. Low in calories 3. High in protein 4. Heart healthy 5. Lowest carbon footprint of all animal products 6. Lowest water footprint of all animal products and some legumes. So, no wonder the egg is included in all these diets. You can read my blog post on eggs and Water Footprint and Eggs and Carbon Footprint to learn more
So, here are the top 5 Plant-Based Diets
1. Mediterranean: With its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish and other healthy fare, the Mediterranean diet is eminently sensible.
2. Flexitarian : This is a marriage of two words: flexible and vegetarian. Lots of fruits and veggies. Proteins are eggs and dairy and occasional fish and meat. Note the word ” Flexible”
3. Nordic: The Nordic Way,” incorporates a carb-to-protein ratio based on a combination of low-glycemic index and moderately high-protein foods.
4. Ornish Diet: The diet is low in fat, refined carbohydrates and animal protein. It also emphasizes exercise, stress management and relationships
5. Vegetarian: Vegetarianism is strong in heart health and nutritional completeness, and is a complete, healthy diet overall. Most choose a lacto-ovo approach which includes eggs and dairy.
So, you choose which diet is best for you. But know that if you choose eggs in your diets, they are healthy and nutritious and best of all have a low carbon and water footprint.
Source: https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-plant-based-diets
