The Paleo Diet, commonly referred to as the caveman diet, has been around since the mid 1970’s , although it has been only within the last few years that the popularity of the diet has soared. Based upon the diet of those during the Paleolithic era (or what we think was eaten based on archeological findings), the diet focuses on eating all natural foods that are found in nature. This includes fish, grains, nuts and roots, fruit and grass fed or free range meat.
Enjoying the Paleo Diet
The Paleo Diet is natural, a diet that is safe and effective for almost all individuals. Adhering to the eating plan found with the diet, as well as engaging in physical activity and making other lifestyle changes can provide significant benefit to your health. Among the benefits offered through use of the Paleo diet:
- Lose weight
- Gain more energy
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Improve or prevent diabetes
- Increased sex drive
- Eliminate acne, or improve the condition
- Better mental clarity
A Paleo diet consists of foods which meat the following criteria:
- Moderate to high protein intake: In the western diet, a total of 15% of the diet is constructed of protein.
- High Fiber intake: Fiber can be found in many fruits and veggies. It is the premise of good health. Fiber rich foods are filling, perfect for people who want to lose weight.
- Lower Carbohydrate Intake: Fruits and vegetables are accountable for 35% of your food intake while on the Paleo diet. They are low carb, high fiber and nutritious in every way.
- High Potassium: Potassium is one of the vitamins that our body depends upon for optimal health. Individuals in Paleolithic times limited their sodium intake by enjoying high potassium foods.
In addition to meeting the above criteria, the foods that are consumed should be high in antioxidants and minerals. Once you are on the Paleo diet there are many foods that need to be cut from the menu. This includes processed foods, dairy, legumes, refined sugar, refined vegetable oils and potatoes. Alcohol is also discouraged on the diet.
The Bottom Line: Paleo or No?
The Paleo diet is recommended by doctors, researchers and health experts from around the world. The diet has plenty of research standing behind it, and the fact remains that the health of individuals during Paleolithic time periods was far better than average today. We have listed the many benefits of the Paleo diet above, and many others are also in existence for people ready to improve their health and overall well-being.
But critics have noted a few disadvantages with the diet as well. One being the large amount of meat consumed on the diet. Today meats are not as lean and cut as what they were in Paleolithic era, the period of time on which the diet is based.) Thus, more fatty meats are likely to be consumed. The Paleo diet , while high in many of the essential nutrients the body needs, does lack in essential vitamins such as Vitamin D and calcium, both of which are needed to stay healthy.
Despite the few drawbacks, the Paleo diet is one that has helped thousands of men and women shed the weight and feel great. There are far more supporters than naysayers, and the benefits are certainly greater than anything else.
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