Paleo vs. vegan

While I am certainly not an expert, I do have an opinion or two. 

I personally have been delving into the Paleo plan for the last few months. I have felt beyond GREAT when I follow it closely (I rarely am 100%--mainly because I am lazy....); my energy levels stay way up, and my weight drops pretty steadily (something that I need). The levels of protein in the Paleo diet are quite adequate for building muscle, and the fat and carbs are ideal for energy production...

I am not as familiar with the vegan diet, but the one issue that I do hear is that even with a large amount of legumes, there is not enough protein available for an athlete. 

If I am wrong, please let me know, I only point it out because I have read it in numerous studies/books; but I am curious too, though I do enjoy meat WAY too much to give it up! I just try to eat humanely raised/fed animals.....

Yes, it seems like combining them may be the best.  I will look for the article you mentioned.  I have always been an athlete but triathlon has motivated me like nothing else.  I am training for my first HIM next month and want to make sure I take every advantage possible for a healthy body.

We have our own chickens and get a side of beef from some friends down the street so I know how the meat I am eating was raised. 

Is it possible that some people really need meat?  I went raw for 3 weeks a few years ago and felt like crap after 2 weeks.  Just don't feel satisfied.  On the other hand, whole grains seem like a good idea too.  Just so confused!  Maybe the thing to do is just get rid of refined foods (like Sun Chips).  I don't eat a lot of that but boy, after a long run or bike, I really want salt and there is nothing like a handful of Stacy's Naked Bagel Chips.   Does that craving ever go away if you do paleo?

It wouldn't be too hard to give up dairy.  I made a New Year's Resolution to start drinking milk and eating yogurt this year and can choke it down.  It wouldn't be a stretch to quit that though!

Thanks for the replies!  Looking forward to hearing more!

This is wildly false. There are an abundance of sources of protein out there that do not include animal products. Vegetarian and Vegan athletes (including professionals) have thrived on this diet without ill effects. Google "plant protein sources" for a world of options.

As for the two diets, I agree they both have amazing benefits. Athletes thrive on both. If I were you I'd pick one and experiment. See how you feel. Go from there.

I found the article online:

http://experiencelife.com/article/paleo-vs-vegan/

Okay, that's good to know---like I said, I had seen that in many sources, so I was thinking it was true--thanks for setting me straight!  I will definitely check it out. I am also curious as I am notoriously picky about different veggies (so many that I don't generally eat--its obvious that I NEED to broaden my horizons!

Yea, it's a bit confusing for sure.  I've read Loren Cordain's book as well, am about half way through "wheat belly".  Everything Cordain talks about makes very very good sense to me. 

I'm fairly certain that although it can be tough/frustrating at first, processed and/or refined foods should pretty much be avoided.  There are just too many things the "food scientists" do to that stuff, and yes, even the companies that market their stuff as all natural, etc.  Processed foods are big business and they are in the business of making money, period, they are not in the business of truly trying to nourish you.

I've had starts and stops before on the paleo diet, but am on day 20 right now and I really do notice a big difference in many regards.  I'm sleeping way, way better, my mental sharpness is noticeably different (see sleeping better), and I'm seeing improvements in my run splits even though it's hot and humid as hell.  It's very possible that eliminating the grains/gluten and dairy are what has fixed the sleep, and it may have nothing to do with the processed angle, but I'm not sure I care, cause you probably can't find anyone that says fruits/vegetables aren't flat out the most nutrient dense foods you can consume. 

I don't know, I like meat, we've been buying some grass fed beef from our local farmers market, have gotten some chickens in the past, and although I must admit I don't think much about the human treatment of animals, I really believe these local farmers treat their animals much better than "factory" animals are treated. 

You'll learn alot on here about nutrition, some people obviously will have some strong opinions rooted in their moral/ethical beliefs, some more scientific, etc. 

But definitely, in my humble opinion, vegan or paleo, ditch the processed stuff.

Cool--I definitely stand corrected! 

I know I won't be going vegan, but its just due to my overall picky-ness--but at least I know now that should I go that route, I can get all I need! Thanks!

Sorry to semi-hijack the thread...now back to the original poster's questions.....

I agree with others who say that whole foods are best, no matter what your diet.  I am 100% paleo.  I have been for the past year and in the past 30 days, I've been quite a bit more strict with it following the Whole30 extremely successfully.  I love, love, love eating this way for what it has done for my health, my body and my brain and I have zero plans to ever change it.  

BUT, I also know of many, many super healthy and happy athletes out there who are vegan or vegetarian....so paleo cannot be the answer for everyone (shhh, who said that?  I'm gonna be tossed out of the paleo community for typing these words!).

I also know people who mostly follow a vegetarian and almost vegan diet, chock full of vegetables and whole grains who look awful (and I don't mean overweight).  Sallow skin, health problems, clearly suffering from poor nutrition.  What is the difference?  The person.

I am really starting to believe that if you are eating WHOLE FOODS and mostly plants, the grains vs meat debate (which is really what separates a vegan from a paleo person) is entirely individual.  

Everyone is different, so to say that the 'healthiest' diet for everyone is the same seems a bit presumptuous to me.

Thank you all so much for the wonderful info!  I guess I have confirmation on my original thoughts to get rid of the processed food and focus on whole food instead.  I loved the article and that seemed to confirm this as well.  I guess too much of anything can be bad.  Also, I am finding there must be a difference in grains.  Wheat seems to be on a different level than say, wild rice.  I will read the book on wheat that someone suggested and may try to give that up for awhile and see what happens.  I know a man from run club that gave up wheat and boy, does he look different!!!  He lost so much weight and looks much healthier. 

BTW, those are some impressive vegan legs and I will make sure to pass that photo on to anyone who has the protein question again!  HA!

Thanks to everyone again!

I gotta say, this discussion really has some "meat" to it, haha.  Really though, in my novice opinion I'd have to agree with everyone that step #1 = whole, real foods, period.  step #2) fine tune as you wish. 

You'll probably find that when you focus on whole, real foods the wheat will probably just go away as a by-product, cause you simply don't find it in that many whole, real foods.

Don't give up on it.  I know you said you travel alot, etc., but get creative, be true to whatever you decide for a certain period of time, you won't regret it.  It's a processed world, so going with whole real foods is somewhat out of the norm, you'll be thinking, "ok, now wtf do I eat..........I'm going to turn into a carrot, banana, sweet potatoe, etc.) 

I was riding in the Hotter than Hell 100 this weekend and saw a bilboard with "The All-American Meal" on it, Huge double Burger, Fries and a Coke. I said to my buddy, thats the problem. All things in moderation. I am still debating the Bacon Diet vs Bourbon Diet.

exactly.  the whole "paleo" thing is a gimmick.  you should definitely cut out the processed crap though!

There's no need to go on any sort of diet. Clean and healthy eating is everything you need. If you REALLY want to take it a step further, like going paleo or vegan, you can do that, but it won't make you any better than just eating very clean and healthy food, with a lot of vegetables and fruits. 

Definitely get rid of the processed foods, and for carbs, stick to whole grains (swap the white bread for sour dough bread or similar and the white pasta for brown rice etc.).