Paleo Diet 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Eating Like Our Ancestors

Paleo diet, a term derived from the Paleolithic era, is a modern-day diet plan that revolves around eating foods similar to those eaten by our hunter-gatherer ancestors. The basic principle is to consume real and whole foods that have been around for thousands of years instead of processed and refined foods. In this beginner’s guide, we will explain what the Paleo diet is, what you can eat, and its potential benefits.

What is Paleo Diet?

The Paleo diet focuses on eating foods that were available to our ancestors during the Paleolithic era, mainly meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The goal is to avoid processed and refined foods, added sugars, grains, and dairy products that can cause various health problems.

The theory behind the Paleo diet is that our ancestors were healthier, leaner, and didn’t suffer from modern chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease because they consumed whole, unprocessed foods from nature.

What can you eat in Paleo Diet?

The following foods are typically allowed on the Paleo diet:

– Grass-fed meats (beef, bison, lamb, etc.)
– Wild-caught fish and seafood
– Organic poultry and eggs
– Vegetables (including leafy greens, root vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables)
– Fruits (limited due to their high sugar content)
– Nuts and seeds (including almonds, macadamia nuts, and flax seeds)
– Healthy fats (avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil)
– Herbs and spices (including basil, oregano, and turmeric)

What should be avoided in Paleo Diet?

The following foods should be limited or avoided while following the Paleo diet:

– Processed foods
– Refined sugars and grains
– Dairy products
– Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas, etc.)
– Artificial sweeteners
– Trans fats (found in fast food, fried foods, and baked goods)
– Vegetable oils (canola, soybean, and corn oils)

Benefits of Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet has been shown to have a range of health benefits. Here are some of the potential advantages of following the diet:

1. Weight Loss: Paleo diet can help in losing weight by reducing processed and refined foods that are high in calories and unhealthy fats.

2. Reduced Inflammation: Many people experience a reduction in inflammation when following the Paleo diet. This could help improve symptoms of chronic diseases like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.

3. Improved Blood Sugar Levels: Eating whole, unprocessed foods can help regulate blood sugar levels, thus reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

4. Better Digestive Health: The Paleo diet eliminates processed foods that can cause bloating, constipation, and other digestive problems.

5. Increased Energy: The consumption of whole, nutrient-dense foods in the Paleo diet can help improve energy levels.

Conclusion

The Paleo diet is a natural way of eating that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods. It encourages the consumption of real and nutrient-dense foods and restricts processed and refined foods. The diet has been shown to have several health benefits, including weight loss, reduced inflammation, improved blood sugar levels, better digestive health, and increased energy. If you’re considering following the Paleo diet, consult with a healthcare professional first, and make sure to consume a variety of whole and nutrient-dense foods.