What is the Paleo Diet?
The Paleo Diet is also known as the caveman diet or the Paleolithic diet. The diet is rooted in the idea that humans ate in a healthier manner during ancient times. Think of the hunter-gathers and what they ate. Basically that is what is allowed on the Paleo diet. A diet rich in raw vegetation, fruit, nuts, and meat are on the menu for this Stone Age method of eating. The diet is high in fat with moderate amount of animal protein. Carbohydrates are kept to a minimum. From my understanding calorie counting is not encouraged.
- Lean meat: You can have all the meat you can eat as long as it is lean meat.
- Vegetables: Plenty of fresh vegetables. Frozen vegetables are acceptable. No potatoes, beans, or corn.
- Nuts and Seeds: No peanuts.
- Healthy fats: Examples are avocados, coconut oil, grape seed oil
- Fruit: Fresh and whole but no juice. Only 1-2 servings allowed a day.
Food Not Allowed
- No Alcohol: Not of any kind.
- No Dairy: Not of any kind.
- No Grains: This includes wheat, pasta, rice, oatmeal, bread, cereals, etc.
- No Sugar or Artificial Sweeteners: This includes honey and Splenda.
- No Junk: This includes candy, chocolate, chips, cake, ice cream, snack foods, etc.
- No Beans or Legumes: This includes Lima beans, black beans, etc.
The diet is very low in sugar and has minimal impact on your insulin levels. This is the key to its success. It is not a diet for everyone and most who engage in Paleo do so as a lifestyle. If you are using it for the sole purpose of weight loss you may want to reconsider. The best diet for you is one that fits your lifestyle.