Paleo Diet 101: What is the Paleo Diet

Paleo diets are becoming increasingly popular in recent years because they are based on the idea that following our ancestral diet reflects our genetic makeup and improves our health. There are several names for this diet, including the caveman diet, the Stone Age diet, or the steak and bacon diet. A paleo diet restricts itself to foods available in prehistoric times, such as vegetables, fish, and meat.

Several theories have been proposed about why chronic diseases have risen in modern society following the agricultural revolution. Theorists suggest that consuming legumes, grains, and dairy products with meals may be linked to various ailments and chronic conditions, ranging from weight gain to allergies.

If you have concerns about Paleo, here are some facts about the paleo diet from registered dietitians.

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How does the paleo diet benefit you?

When it comes to eating a healthy diet, it is vital to choose a plan that includes a high intake of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants while having a low intake of simple carbohydrates, sodium, and sugars. 

Compared to other diets, Paleo emphasizes the consumption of locally sourced, non-GMO, organic foods and meats from grass-fed animals that are healthy and sustainable.

Similarly, it avoids highly processed foods and foods with colorants and additives.

Paleo diets high in fruits and vegetables can help you meet most of your nutritional needs. As a result, you can lose weight (at least temporarily) and improve your cholesterol and blood sugar values.

First, talk to a nutritionist if you’re trying to incorporate this diet into your lifestyle.

Additionally, you will need help in selecting suitable food options. For this, you can take advantage of paleo mealkitsdelivery.com, which delivers nutritionist-approved Paleo meals made from fresh, organic ingredients to your doorstep.

Is the paleo diet healthy?

The health effects of the paleo diet are not well-documented for long-term use. However, adopting a healthy eating lifestyle with this diet is possible. Paleo diets are generally based on naturally raised meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit (best if organic). In addition, it discourages the consumption of dairy and grains.

A diet like this can lead to calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, which are essential for bone health. Due to eating so much meat, you may also consume saturated fats and proteins much higher than recommended levels. As a result, you may be highly susceptible to kidney failure, heart disease, and certain cancers.

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How much meat did cave people eat?

The answer to this question is twofold: First, the term “paleo diet” does not describe a diet primarily based on protein. Secondly, people who lived in earlier times lived longer because, at that time, chronic diseases weren’t part of the global health concern.

“Cave people,” or those living in the Paleolithic period, consumed whatever the environment offered. They ate fish when they were surrounded by marine life. Those living in tropical habitats consumed various animal and plant foods as part of their diet.

Wouldn’t that be a good thing if Paleo restricts carbs and dairy?

Carbohydrates are essential for our health, particularly complex carbohydrates like peas, beans, vegetables, and whole grains. It is vital that you consume these for your brain and muscles to function correctly.

Most of us are inclined towards less refined carbs and consume more junk, sugary drinks, and desserts than we should. Each of these foods adds unnecessary calories and ingredients to the food without any benefit of minerals, protein, fiber, or vitamins. While these foods appear friendly on the label, they are incredibly unhealthy, high-processed items. Therefore, consuming complex carbs is necessary to nullify the effect. 

There is a common belief among Paleo diet proponents that dairy increases inflammation. However, that’s not true. According to some studies, low-fat dairy consumption decreases inflammatory blood markers. If you limit your dairy intake, you restrict the intake of calcium supplements and vitamin D in your body, which other calcium-rich foods cannot replace.

Are there any health risks associated with the paleo diet?

Generally, people have difficulty sticking to an overly restrictive diet in several food categories. That is why paleo diets aren’t effective for long-term weight loss.

Paleo diets rely heavily on animal protein, loaded with saturated fats. In the long run, those who follow the diet may notice an increase in their blood cholesterol, particularly in the types of cholesterol that are not as healthy. As a result, you may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, when you do not consume enough calcium, you are more likely to develop osteoporosis, rickets, and fractures of the bones. If you consume low carbohydrate foods for an extended period, you may develop ketosis, which is an excessive reliance on fat for energy. 

If you are interested in following the paleo diet, you should consult your physician or dietitian, especially if you suffer from heart, kidney, liver, or pancreatic disease. Contact your doctor or dietitian for more information about the very low-carb paleo diet.

What is the right way to follow a paleo diet?

The paleo diet can be the foundation for establishing a healthy eating regime. However, you can also add low-fat or nonfat dairy products and calcium-rich foods such as kale, spinach, tofu, soymilk, or almond milk to this diet. 

While beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good protein sources, prioritize quality over quantity when selecting lean protein sources.

Conclusion

The Paleo Diet, also known as the “caveman” diet, follows a diet similar to what humans consumed during the Paleolithic period, approximately 2.6 million years ago. Your diet will include foods your ancestors may have harvested, hunted, and foraged while avoiding uncommon foods before large-scale farming began. Additionally, you will stay hydrated and exercise every day.

According to paleo philosophy, highly processed foods today are unsuitable for humans, and eating them can cause chronic health problems, including diabetes and obesity. Therefore, eating a simpler diet eaten by early humans may be healthier. However, following a strict Paleo diet may also lead to certain medical conditions. So it’s best to follow a regime combining Paleo benefits and calcium and protein intake essential to human health.