What is the Paleo Diet
What is the Paleo Diet?
The paleo diet is a way of eating based on what our ancestors ate during the Paleolithic era 2.5 million years ago. It has also been called the “Hunter-Gather or Caveman Diet." Many hardcore paleo diet followers will say it’s the only way to eat to prevent disease. There may be some truth to that, but it’s not the only way to eat.
What foods are allowed on a Paleo Diet?
The Paleo enthusiasts believe that all the food consumed should from sustainably raised animals without hormones, grass-fed or wild meat like bison, deer eggs, turkey, wild-caught fish, organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats such as olive oil as wells as fats from meats, fish, nuts and seeds.
What foods are not permitted on the Paleo Diet?
Foods to avoid while following the Paleo Diet are most foods that have an extended shelf life and found primarily in the aisles of the grocery store. Dairy (ice cream, milk, yogurt, cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese), breads, rice, pasta, pastries, candy, soda, all grains such as wheat, oats, rice, barley, quinoa, all beans, peanuts, starchy foods, alcohol are on the Do Not eat list.
What are the benefits of the Paleo Diet?
The Paleo diet has had positive effects on the reduction of pain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, weight loss, autoimmune disorders, and reversal of many chronic inflammatory diseases. When you decrease inflammation you have less pain, look younger, sleep better, have nicer skin, and usually have more energy too.
What are the drawbacks of the Paleo Diet?
Some of the drawbacks of the Paleo Diet can be the rigidity of the diet, eating too much meat, and not eating enough vegetables. Paleo enthusiasts also miss out on some of the benefits of pasture-raised dairy products that can be beneficial for some people.
The Paleo diet is not the only diet for perfect health and avoiding animal products for short periods can also be beneficial, depending on the body's needs. The Paleo Diet is a great template to start with for adding/removing inflammatory foods and uncovering food sensitivities as well as starting your journey to a healthier lifestyle.
The Paleo diet has been very effective with blood sugar dysregulation, type 2 diabetes.
A Sample Paleo Eating Plan
Monday
Breakfast - Bacon, eggs, 1 cup strawberries
Lunch - chicken salad with olive or avocado oil, 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds
Dinner - steak fajitas and cauliflower rice
Tuesday
Breakfast - eggs with spinach, 1 cup blueberries
Lunch - sandwich in butter lettuce leaf, with meat, avocado and sprouts
Dinner - meatloaf and sweet potatoes
Wednesday
Breakfast - shake with coconut milk, collagen protein powder, berries, 1 T. of olive oil
Lunch - bun less burger with onions, tomatoes, pickles
Dinner - pork chops, salad with olive or avocado oil, stir fry veggies in coconut oil
Thursday
Breakfast - vegetables cooked in coconut oil with any leftover meat
Lunch - chicken salad with olive or avocado oil, 1/4 cup of walnuts
Dinner - salmon with stir fry vegetables
Friday
Breakfast - sweet potato hash with eggs
Lunch - sandwich wrapped in butter lettuce leaf
Dinner - meatballs with spaghetti squash, green salad with olive or avocado oil