It is not uncommon to see people getting defensive about their food choices. The vegan vs carnivorous diet has been a topic of debate for decades now. 

In a short clip on Instagram shared by One 54 Africa, Bassem Youssef, a former heart surgeon and comedian, talked about his vegan diet and compared it to comedian and UFC commentator Joe Rogan’s diet.

“I know it is very controversial, because what my version of ‘eat better’ is, will be different from Joe Rogan’s, for example. Joe Rogan would eat a live cow.”

Rogan is well known for his fitness obsession and advocating a heavily meat-centric diet. He even talks at length about hunting and his strong scepticism towards vegan fads and diets. 

Bassem further talked about his version of a clean diet, saying

“I'm a huge advocate of plant-based diets, eating stuff from plants, and trying to get away from animal products, trying to get away from processed food as much as I can.”

He went on to talk about the seven blue zones around the world. These zones are said to have the highest life expectancy, and they are primarily plant-based.

“Move. Work out and eat plants,” is his advice for everyone.

How Bassem Youssef and Joe Rogan Approach Fasting

Although Youssef is habituated to fasting because of Ramadan, his reasons go beyond simple religion. 

He brings to light the importance of opting for a balanced diet rather than leaning towards modern fads. Though not a strict vegan, he leans heavily towards plant-based foods and fasts for several hours a day. 

"I try as much as I can… Everybody eats; your body is working.  So when you reduce the load on your body and you fast, you give your body more time."

As per Medium, Rogan has also talked about the benefits he has enjoyed during fasting. He has mentioned it on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, several times with guests like Dr. Andrew Weil, and Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

Ultimately, whether one follows a plant-based approach like Youssef or a carnivore-leaning diet like Rogan, both demonstrate that fasting can be a powerful tool for health when paired with mindful eating.

What are your thoughts on the contrasting diets between Joe Rogan and Bassem Youssef?

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi