Keto (vegan)

The keto diet has become quite popular over the years, seeing as it can help with weight loss. However, the standard keto diet involves the consumption of plenty of animal fats, which is not good for your health, the health of animals and the health of the planet.

How about a plant-based keto diet, then? Does that offer more benefit than a simple plant-based diet? Here is a profession opinion by Michelle McMacken, MD:

 A vegan/plant-based version of a keto diet has some health advantages over a standard keto diet: it emphasizes plant sources of fats and protein, which are linked to lower rates of inflammation, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and premature death. A recent study of more than 400,000 people worldwide showed that people eating animal-based low-carb diets had a higher risk of dying over the course of the study compared with those eating plant-based low-carb diets and those eating more carbohydrates.

However, there is little if any long-term research on standard or vegan keto diets, and both diets limit some of the healthiest foods: fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Traditional plant-based diets, on the other hand, are supported by a vast amount of research and are enjoyed by some of the longest-lived people on the planet. A whole-foods, plant-based diet is low in processed grains and added sugars, and rich in healthy plant fibers, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients – a recipe for optimal gut bacterial balance, lower inflammation, improved metabolism, healthier body weight, chronic disease prevention, and longevity.

 If you choose to try a vegan keto diet, I would consider doing it only for the short term. In the long run, a diet based on a diversity of whole plant foods is your best bet for health and vitality."

 Michelle McMacken, MD

Below is a list of resources that explain the ins and outs of the vegan keto diet, personal experiences, tips & tricks and recipes.

BOOKS
VEGAN KETO: all-in-one book about vegan keto includes intermittent fasting, a 21-day body cleanse and meal plans. Author: John Paradox.

Many other vegan keto (cook)books can be found on Amazon.

RESOURCES
RECIPES