Veganism has taken off over the last few years as a lifestyle and a dietary trend popular among the health and environmentally conscious. At the same time, many fitness enthusiasts have embraced the keto diet as a way to lose weight and increase energy. Both diets offer their fair share of benefits and challenges, but is it possible to do both at the same time, and, more importantly, should you? If you’re following one diet and considering adopting the other, keep reading to find out.
The Differences
Veganism is a lifestyle that involves following a plant-based diet free of meat, dairy, and other animal products. The keto diet, on the other hand, calls for the restriction of carbohydrate-heavy foods in favor of options that are high in fat to bring the body into a fat burning state known as ketosis.
The Problem
Followers of the keto diet typically limit or outright eliminate foods such as grains, certain fruits, and starchy vegetables and instead lean heavily on meat, eggs, and dairy products. As a result, combining both can be a challenge due to all of the foods that end up being eliminated between the two. That said, it is possible with the right knowledge and careful planning.
Following Both
There are plenty of protein sources including soy, seeds, and seitan that make great plant-based alternatives for animal protein, while nuts, avocado, and coconut oil can provide much-needed healthy fats. Non-starchy vegetables are crucial, of course, and for nutrients like B12 and Omega-3s, talk to your doctor about a supplement routine.
