Eating Clean with a Paleo Lifestyle: What You Need to Know

Eating clean has been a popular topic for many years as people become more aware of the impact of their food choices on their health. The Paleo diet, also known as the caveman diet, has become a trendy way to eat clean with its focus on unprocessed, whole foods. If you’re interested in pursuing a Paleo lifestyle, here’s what you need to know.

The Basics: What is the Paleo Diet?

The Paleo diet promotes eating foods that were available to our ancestors during the Paleolithic Era, which ended over 10,000 years ago. This means consuming whole foods like grass-fed meats, fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

The Paleo diet also restricts the consumption of processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy products as these were not part of our ancestor’s diet. The idea is that by eating like our ancestors, we are providing our bodies with the foods it evolved to digest and assimilate, reducing inflammation and promoting optimal health.

Benefits of Eating Paleo

Following a Paleo diet has been linked to numerous health benefits, including weight loss, reduced inflammation, better blood sugar control, and improved gut health. Studies also suggest that the Paleo diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

How to Eat Clean on a Paleo Diet

Eating clean on a Paleo diet requires a bit of planning, but it’s relatively simple. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Focus on whole foods: Make sure to consume plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid processed and packaged foods as much as possible.

2. Eliminate grains, legumes, and dairy: These are not included in the Paleo diet, so eliminate them from your diet.

3. Choose high-quality animal products: Look for grass-fed and organic meats, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised eggs.

4. Use healthy fats: Healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados are key to the Paleo diet. Avoid processed vegetable oils like corn and soybean oil.

5. Meal prep: Planning and preparing your meals in advance will help you stay on track and avoid reaching for unhealthy snacks.

6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice.

In conclusion, eating clean on a Paleo diet involves consuming whole foods while avoiding processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy. The benefits of following a Paleo lifestyle include weight loss, reduced inflammation, better blood sugar control, and improved gut health. With a bit of planning and preparation, anyone can start eating clean on a Paleo diet.