What is the Paleo Diet?
Paleolithic Diet
Paleolithic diet is a diet based on the types of foods that were consumed by our hunter-gather ancestors, consisting mostly of meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, seafood and nuts, and excluding dairy or grain products and processed food. The overall goal is to avoid any food that comes in a box, jar or bag. If a caveman didn’t eat it, neither should you. You will not be required to count calories and you will not need to stick to a strict “three meals per day” plan. Rather, you will be focusing on eating the right foods instead.
EAT: |
DO NOT EAT: |
· Grass-fed meats
· Fish/seafood · Fresh fruits · Fresh vegetables · Eggs · Nuts · Seeds · Healthy oils (olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado, coconut) |
· Cereal grains · Legumes (including peanuts) · Diary · Refined Sugar · Potatoes · Processed foods · Refined Vegetable oils (Canola, Corn, etc) · Candy/junk/processed food · Soft drinks/ Processed juices |
Health Benefits of Paleo Diet
This diet, scientifically, lessens the body’s glycemic load, which has a healthy ratio of saturated-to-unsaturated fatty acids, increases vitamin and nutrient composition, and contains an optimal balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. This diet also focuses on the consumption of monounsaturated and Omega-3-fats which reduces the instances of obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and cognitive decline. When comparing Paleolithic diet versus Mediterranean diet for Type 2 Diabetes, studies show that Paleo diet reversed the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Also, this diet has proven to make you feel more energized without having to resort to coffee or energy drinks. The consumption of coconut oil and veggies provide the body with anti-inflammatory benefits. Even it has proven to decrease risk of allergies. It provides the body with a balance of weight loss and muscle growth while eating a paleo diet and keeping an active lifestyle.
Gender Specific Diet
Some females may worry that going on a diet that totally eliminates diary, legumes and is high in fat might not be beneficial for women. For women who are at a high risk for osteoporosis may think to consume their calcium from diary, but they can consume their necessary calcium intake by eating turnip greens, collard greens, broccoli, bones/bone broth, bone-in fish.
Reference:
https://robbwolf.com/what-is-the-paleo-diet/
https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/the-beginners-guide-to-the-paleo-diet/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/paleo-diet-meal-plan-and-menu#section2