WHAT IS A PALEO DIET?

HAVE YOU HEARD OF A PALEO DIET?

What is it? The definition of this particular diet is: A diet based on the types of foods presumed to have been eaten by early humans in the Paleolithic Era. You may hear it referred to as Stone Age diet, Neanderthal diet, or simply caveman diet.

OUR EARLY ANCESTORS ATE THIS WAY

Early humans knew nothing of modern agriculture. They hunted, fished, and gathered for foods such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Their food was not sprayed with chemicals nor was it processed. Farming has changed what people of today eat which includes dairy, grains, and legumes. It is believed that our bodies have not adapted from our origins enough to eat the food we have readily available today.

BENEFITS AND RISKS

The pros say you will benefit from the many vitamins and minerals that your body needs by eating vegetables and fruits. Others say it’s easy to follow as there are no processed foods allowed. And then there are those that say this type of diet leads to a healthier and happier life as well as preventing and treating arthritis, fibromyalgia, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, acne, and other ailments and diseases.

The cons say one of the risks could be the fat in the meats. It may not be the best diet for those with diabetes, nor those concerned with the health of their heart. They point out that there has not been any significant studies done.

However, Loren Cordain, PhD, who wrote The Paleo Diet, demonstrates how, by eating your fill of satisfying and delicious foods that we were genetically designed to eat – lean meats and fish, fresh fruits, snacks, and non-starchy vegetables, you can lose weight and prevent and treat heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, and many other illnesses. The Paleo diet is said to be the only diet proven by nature to fight disease, provide maximum energy, and keep you naturally thin, strong, and active.

FOODS ALLOWED

Lean meats, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

FOODS TO AVOID

All dairy, grains, legumes, refined salt, refined sugar, refined vegetable oils, syrups, artificial sweeteners, artificial coloring, artificial flavorings, preservatives, and processed foods.

NOT A FAD

The Paleo diet may seem like just another diet fad but maybe we’ve finally come around to what we’re supposed to nourish ourselves with – everything found in nature, nothing artificial. We can’t exactly replicate what early humans ate because the same exact food isn’t available for us but we can match it as best as we can.

MY THOUGHTS

I no longer eat fast food, junk food, anything with sugar, and I avoid salt. I’m not a big meat eater but can tolerate very small portions of some meat. I do enjoy fish and other seafood. I’m hoping the change in my diet will make my bones, joints, and muscles feel better as I have arthritis and fibromyalgia. There’s one thing for sure, this way of eating definitely challenges nutritionists and the food pyramid!

What are your thoughts? Do you or have you eaten this way? Id love to hear about it if you have.

*Note: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your physician before starting any particular diet, weight management, exercise program, and if you are taking medications, or if you have any health concerns.*

** DO YOU ATTEND BLOG PARTY LINKUPS?
We’d like to invite you to ours. See current link parties here!

Thanks for Sharing!