In our diet comparisons, we look at two different diets, the pros and cons of each and how meal kits can assist in sticking to your diet of choice. Today we are going to be looking at the pescatarian and Paleo diets. These are both increasingly popular diets and being embraced as both a dietary and lifestyle choice.
The Paleo diet takes its inspiration from the Palaeolithic era and is commonly referred to as the ‘caveman’ diet. The diet is based on the premise of getting back to the basics and eating like the caveman once did. Due to this premise, the diet aims to only include foods that were available to mankind during the Palaeolithic era. This means no processed foods, dairy products, grains, sugars, legumes, processed oils, salt, alcohol or coffee. Meat plays a big part in this diet as do vegetables, fruits, nuts, and roots.
The pescatarian diet is often compared to the Mediterranean diet and it has many similarities with the main protein source being fish and seafood. The pescatarian diet is basically a vegetarian diet that includes fish and seafood. This diet became popular in the 1990s and the word pescatarian comes from the Italian word for fish, ‘pesce’ and the word ‘vegetarian. When following a pescatarian diet you will consume fish and seafood, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. The pescatarian diet omits any other animal flesh though includes dairy products and eggs.
Main pros of the pescatarian diet:
- Linked to the reduction in many diseases such as heart disease, auto-immune disease, and cancer.
- Lower in saturated fat which has many health benefits.
- Reduced risk of obesity and weight problems.
- Kinder to the planet and better for the environment.
- Can assist with the reduction of the risk of developing diabetes.
Main pros of the Paleo diet:
- The Paleo diet is dairy, gluten, soy, and corn free so caters for many allergies.
- Due to the fact, this diet avoids processed foods, it is low in food additives, salt, and sugar.
- As alcohol is not included in this diet, it is good for liver function.
- It can be beneficial in terms of increased energy.
- Linked with successful weight loss.
Main cons of the pescatarian diet:
- Many types of fish can contain mercury, so it is important to monitor the type of fish you are consuming to avoid exposure to mercury.
- Fish and seafood can contain pollutants, so it is again important to monitor the type of fish and seafood you are consuming and ensure you are getting the nutrients you need
- Fresh fish and seafood can be expensive depending on your location and the season.
- Fish and seafood that is factory farmed can increase the risk of ingesting pollutants and chemicals, so it is important to check that your fish and seafood is responsibly sourced.
Main cons of the Paleo diet:
- The Paleo diet is a challenge for vegetarians and all but impossible to follow for vegans
- Can be time-consuming in terms of meal preparation as ready to eat and convenience meals do not fit within the Paleo diet.
- Can be very restrictive and difficult to maintain long-term
- Since many food groups are not included in the Paleo diet it may be necessary to look at vitamin supplementation
- Can affect energy levels since the Paleo diet does not include complex carbohydrates.
How can meal kits help to maintain your pescatarian and Paleo diets?
When embracing a new diet such as the pescatarian or Paleo diet you can find yourself spending more time on meal preparation and it can be challenging coming up with weekly menus that fit the guidelines of either diet. This can be a real stumbling block when starting a new diet and can lead to you reverting to your normal diet.
This is where meal kit services come in handy. They are specialists in catering for both the pescatarian and Paleo diets and have created weekly menus that are delicious, appealing and filled with the nutrients that you need.
Not only that, but they also do the meal planning, grocery shopping and in many cases, the meal preparation for you! The convenience that comes with meal kit services is ideal for when you are embracing a new diet. Especially one like the Paleo diet that can require substantial meal preparation, or the pescatarian diet, that has a significant seafood component.
To further read about the best meal kit services available for the Paleo diet please click here.
