Finding yourself confused by the seemingly endless promotion of weight-loss strategies and diet plans? In this series, we take a look at some popular diets—and review the research behind them. Paleo proponents state that because our genetics and anatomy have changed very little since the Stone Age, we should eat foods available during that time to promote good health. Our predecessors used simple stone tools that were not advanced enough to grow and cultivate plants, so they hunted, fished, and gathered wild plants for food. If they lived long enough, they were believed to experience less modern-day diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease because of a consistent diet of lean meats and plant foods along with a high level of physical activity from intensive hunting. However, the life expectancy of our predecessors was only a fraction of that of people today. The Paleo diet, also referred to as the caveman or Stone-Age diet, includes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Proponents of the diet emphasize choosing low-glycemic fruits and vegetables. There is debate about several aspects of the Paleo diet: what foods actually existed at the time, the variation in diets depending on region e. For example, although white potatoes were recorded as being available during the Paleolithic era, they are usually avoided on the Paleo diet because of their high glycemic index. Processed foods are also technically off limits due to an emphasis on fresh foods, but some Paleo diets allow frozen fruits and vegetables because the freezing process preserves most nutrients.
So make sure the majority of your diet is coming from these nutritionally dense wonders of nature! If you are committed, it will pass in time. I made the ridiculous assumption that the bar was going to be paleo, or at least close to it. Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Comment Name required Email will not be published required Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Latest Issue Past Issues. Using DNA from your saliva the test can analyze your genetic code to determine how your genes influence weight management, body composition, nutrient metabolism, cardiometabolic health, food intolerances, eating habits, fitness performance and injury risk. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that having a clean diet was not enough to fight off the cellulite that was threatening to take over my upper thighs or slow down the descent of my butt toward the back of my knees. Calorie counting and portion sizes are not emphasized. The rigorous physical demands of living outdoors, hunting, gathering and foraging for food surely contributed to the overall health of these people. Of course, you need the nuts and bolts — food lists, recipes, workouts — and know-how to get started with your paleo lifestyle. Or is it carbs?
There are various ways around the higher costs associated with being Paleo, but you certainly will have to work a little harder to save here and there. All this considered, is it really enough to pull the plug on such a healthy alternative lifestyle? Read the darn book! Especially when you are eliminating inflammatory foods like grains, dairy and soy, it is important to replace these calories with nutrient dense fats like egg yolks, ghee, avocado, coconut oil, etc. Why the heck was the opposite happening to me? Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The following is a summary of foods generally permitted on the diet: Allowed: Fresh lean meats, fish, shellfish, eggs, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, coconut oil, and small amounts of honey.