Paleo, Caveman, Hunter and Gatherer—the ways people refer to the Paleo diet go on and on. Most of us have heard of this way of eating under at least one of these ways, yet many are still confused as to exactly what this diet is and why we should care about it.
With the recent attention and growing popularity of the Paleo diet, you may think that it is the newest diet trend. While the Paleo way of eating has gained a surge of popularity recently because of its dramatic and effective results, the Paleo approach to eating is not a new one. The science behind it has been proven by researchers for decade after decade.
What is Paleo?
More than a fad diet, it is a revolutionary (although its been around in one form or another for many years) way to eat for optimal health and weight management. It is inspired by the way our ancestors ate thousands of years ago (or at least 30 to 40 years ago before all of the junk food and processed ‘foods’ we eat). It calls for an emphasis on quality proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Followers of the dietary guidelines avoid grains, legumes, added sugars (naturally occurring fruit sugar is fine), and dairy.
Though different modifications of the diet exist, these are the most basic tenets of the diet.
Why Paleo?
Unlike many fad diets, Paleo guidelines are based on what is most healthy for our bodies. Many of the processed foods, refined grains, and sugars that have become mainstays in the American diet are doing us tremendous harm. Among other problems, the foods banned on the this diet cause insulin spikes, fat storage, and inflammatory reactions in the body. Not only do these problems make us feel bad in the short term, they are having long term impacts on our health and leading to chronic illnesses. Researchers believe these Paleo-banned foods play a major role in autoimmune diseases such as Type II Diabetes and other diseases, including Heart Disease.
By contrast, the foods that are allowed on the Paleo diet are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. Devotees to the diet often testify about how remarkable they feel after changing their diets. Losing weight and looking better is an added bonus. It is a result of adherence to the diet because our bodies are getting what they need, but not the primary purpose of the Paleo way of eating.
Converting to a Paleo diet initially takes hard work and determination. For many of us, changing to a Paleo way of eating will require a major overhaul of our current eating patterns. The hard work in the beginning is ultimately a small price to pay as you see how many benefits you will reap.
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