Paleolithic, Mediterranean, And Lacto-Ovo Vegetarianism

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Compare and Contrast: Paleolithic, Mediterranean, and Lacto-ovo Vegetarianism

There are many diets and styles of eating that are beneficial to health and wellness. Though there are many differences in diet plans across the world, each one has an overall goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle for all of those involved. Today we will be looking at three diets in particular: the Mediterranean diet, the Paleolithic diet, and the Lacto-ovo Vegetarian diet. If you’re looking for a heart-healthy eating plan, the Mediterranean eating style may be the one for you. This style of eating was inspired by the cities and countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea where the individuals successfully implemented and utilized a healthy and nutritious lifestyle …show more content…

The diet has wide variability in the way the diet should be executed, however, it typically consists of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and meats. Since our ancestors were presumably hunter-gatherers, the paleo diet rightfully cuts processed foods out of the equation to keep consumption as natural as possible. Therefore, it is discouraged to utilize dairy, grains, sugar and salt, and hydrogenated oils. Unfortunately, this means it also cuts down on the vitamin and mineral rich whole grains, dairy, and legume products that is essential to be healthy and happy. Exercise is a vital part of this lifestyle, as it is one of the biggest philosophies of the paleo diet to use food as fuel for your body. Though the paleo diet can vary in macronutrient ranges, caloric intake percentages is approximately 35% carbohydrates, 35% fat, and 30% protein (Fetters, n.d.). Like other popular diets, eating paleo is promoted as a way of improving …show more content…

Many individuals often adopt this diet for ethical reasons or to simply reduce their dependence on meat products. Though this diet is considered vegetarian, Lacto-ovo vegetarians do consume some animal’s products like eggs and dairy. Typically, this diet relies on the dairy and egg products for their sources of animal protein and key vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron. Additionally, lacto-ovo vegetarianism on average has shown to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, cancers, and kidney disease. Since a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet can be challenging to follow, it is encouraged to plan meals ahead to time to ensure your meeting dietary needs as well as keeping cholesterol and carbohydrates levels in the appropriate ranges. Lacto-ovo vegetarianism can be difficult when beginning the lifestyle since you must learn ways to fit in your omega-3 fatty acids, your vitamin b2 and zinc. It can also be particularly to fit in your daily macronutrients ranges for carbohydrates, fat and protein of 45-65%, 20-35% and 10-35% respectively (Best, n.d.). However, when successfully executed, this diet can be beneficially long term and easy to follow.
Though these are three very separate diets, there are many similarities between them. Lacto-ovo vegetarianism, Paleolithic, and Mediterranean diets all emphasize the consumption of vegetables and plant

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