Burns - The Special Pegan Diet: The Creative Cookbook with Sumptuous Recipes

There are many benefits of the Pegan diet, with weight loss being the number one positive outcome. But there are others, too, and when these things work altogether, not only does that help drop the number on the scale, it aids in clearer thinking and helps lead to an overall healthier, happier life.

1. Aids Effortlessly Weight Loss: That last word is no joke. Science reports that sugar and carbohydrates immediately get stored as fat if theyre not used. On the flip side, healthy fatsa pillar of the Pegan dietdo not get stored as fat because they are not processed in your liver. In fact, the body prefers to use fat as an energy source over carbohydrates or simple sugars, at least for the long haul. So, unless youre running marathons or working out for hours a day, youre never going to burn off those stored calories from sugar and unhealthy carbs. On top of that, many people sit at a desk all day. However, eating the Pegan way is not just about calories in, calories out. Its more about what kind of calories and when. Its focusing on the quality of our food choices versus the quantity of our food choices. You heard it right: No calorie counting! And it really works. In the early days of putting this book together, when I took my own advice a little more closely, I lost the last few pounds I had wanted to get rid of for a while. And they have stayed off, too.

1. Keeps Cravings Under Control: Have you ever experienced out-of-control cravings for Ben & Jerrys ice cream, pizza at any time of the day, bagels, bready sandwiches, or chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate in any form? Admittedly, those were my crazy cravings before I shifted into a Paleo, then Pegan, lifestyle. Theres a reason why these high-protein, low-carb, low- or no-sugar diets work. Carbohydrates and any form of sugar, even in the form of an artificial sweetener, cause insulin levels to spike. If you eat carbs or sugars frequently throughout the day, even if its in the form of what is considered by some to be healthy, like orange juice, whole-wheat toast or gluten-free pasta, insulin remains high throughout the day, even at night. In incidences of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, this can lead to insulin resistance. Carb consumption has addiction-like characteristics; it leads to cravings for more and more carbs (so dont blame your lack of willpower). Like alcohol abuse, too much insulin can lead to a fatty liver. Double yikes.

1. Reduces Belly Fat and Maintains Lean Muscle: Heres the other kicker: eating too many processed foods and not enough whole, fresh foods, as we now know, can lead to chronic inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation not only lays the foundation for developing potentially harmful diseases, but it also causes cortisol levels to spike, which can put you in a state of constant stress. The unfortunate reaction to that hormone imbalance is stored visceral fat, the bad fat that collects around major organs and expands waistlines. By focusing on a colorful variety of fresh, whole foods in their purest form while also minimizing dairy, you can prevent these hormonal shifts from reducing belly fat. Andyou guessed itby shedding belly fat, you also shed the pounds. Adding even a minimal amount of strength training to your routine will help boost the powers of the Pegan lifestyle. You will notice more muscle definition. Compared to belly fat, lean muscle mass burns calories more efficiently throughout the day. This is imperative not just for weight loss but for weight maintenance once you reach your goal.

1. Regulates Appetite: Too much insulin also causes problems with appetite control by blocking leptin in the brain. Youll think youre hungry, even if your body has all the energy it needs. By not stressing over calories and simply focusing on choosing high-quality fresh, whole foods the majority of the time, youll see how much your body will naturally regulate your appetite every time you sit down to a meal or eat on the run. You will remember what it really feels like to be truly hungry and be able to give your body only what it needs. When your ability to perceive a sense of fullness improves, you will likely eat less in general, which, you guessed it, leads to more weight loss!