What Is The Paleo Diet?
Known by many names – such as the Cavemen Diet, the Hunter-Gatherer Diet, Paleolithic Diet, and the Stone Age Diet – the Paleo Diet is one of the most well-studied dietary fads of all time and one of the most controversial, too. Its premise is brutally simple. If a caveman didn’t have access to the meal you’re staring at, then DON’T EAT IT! But why? What do our ancestors have to do with your current eating habits?
There is a simple analogy all Paleo gurus use to explain this. Imagine our history as a 100-meter race track. Now, for the first 99.5 meters, humans have been hunters and gatherers, which means our bodies are quite used to this eating habit. However, about 10,000 years ago, there came a turning point – we discovered farming and invented agriculture, which became the foundation of modern civilization.
What Counts As Paleo (And What Doesn’t)?
Well, this question can be a bit controversial, so we’ll boil it down to one single aspect – how strictly do you want to follow this lifestyle? To keep the guidelines simple, all of our examples below will take into account a strict Paleo Diet.
Paleo-Approved Food and Meals.
- Meat: Both livestock and wild game.
- Fish: All are approved (watch out for mercury levels, though).
- Fruits and Vegetables of all colors.
- Nuts and Tubers: Except for potatoes, which are not as healthy.
- Eggs and Oils: Remember, nothing farm-based. So, look for olive, coconut, and avocado oils.
- Fats: Animal fats are a green light. Vegetable fat, not so much.
- Beverages: Nothing processed, industrial, or with added sugar.
The Paleo Diet Banned List.
- Grains: Did it come from a farm? Then, sadly, NO.
- Dairy: Including milk, cheese, yogurt, and derivates.
- Legumes: Beans, peas, peanuts.
- Junk Food: Self-explanatory.
- Refined Sugar: Candies, chocolate, and bakery goods.
- Beverages: Industrial juices, sodas, and, unfortunately, beers of all kind.
Can I Lose Weight With The Paleo Diet?
The short answer is, yes. But in reality, weight loss while on the Paleo Diet is much more connected to the food you’re avoiding, rather than the meals you’re eating. Think about it. If you’re avoiding meals with a high glycemic index, or highly processed food, your body will have a more efficient energy consumption – ultimately, reducing waste to a minimum.
When paired with a healthy lifestyle and an active routine, the Paleo Diet WILL help you lose weight. Just remember not to go way over your head (and budget), and keep your diet simple and realistic.
Are There Any Concerns About The Paleo Diet?
Many counter-arguments are going on about the Paleo Diet, but there is not enough evidence to support those claims. You should, however, consider our advice on the following topics:
- No dairy means a low calcium input, which is vital for bone strengthening and a longer life-span. Consider taking supplements.
- No grains also imply a low-fiber diet. Several studies have shown that dietary fiber is an excellent way to feel satiated for longer, and they keep your gastrointestinal tract in check.
- A high protein input without an active physical lifestyle might push your body to work harder to burn that accumulated energy.
The Paleo Diet is consider by many to be an excellent way to cut down on those meals responsible for putting our health in danger and increasing obesity rates all around the globe. Remember to maintain a proper balance between your dietary needs, your budget, and your physical lifestyle.
