Interesting Facts – Why Paleo Diet Is Popular and How to Follow One
- Paleo diet, as mentioned earlier, is a prehistoric diet followed during Stone Age or the Paleolithic Era. It includes foods such as lean meats, fish, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Paleo diet doesn’t involve poultry, dairy, grains, or any kind of processed food.
- The diet basically relies on the fact that our food habits have changed over the years but unfortunately, our genes haven’t. Biologically, we still carry the genes of our ancestors and only the ancient diet can help us maintain a healthy life. The theory also suggests that what we call a balanced meal today isn’t actually balanced.
- Beans, legumes, leafy vegetables, and dairy foods have become our staples and it’s hard to skip the iron, protein, and calcium that we gain from them. On the other hand, Paleo dieticians suggest that the required nutrients can be gained from the ‘caveman diet’ itself and there is no need to bring in modern-day food habits.
- Studies have come up with a concept called ‘Discordance Hypothesis’ which means our new dietary practices don’t comply with our genes. This has subsequently led to a rise in obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes.
- An interesting fact about following a Paleo diet is that there is no prescribed calorie count you are supposed to follow. This is something fun because most diets work on sticking to a recommended calorie count.
- Paleo diet also means that you have to perform more physical work and drink enough water to keep the system stabilized.
Though there are a lot of contradictory facts surrounding the idea of Paleo diet, it is definitely beneficial if you are up for some serious weight loss.
Paleo Diet Rules
The Paleo diet, also known as the Paleolithic diet or caveman diet, is based on the idea of eating foods similar to what our ancestors consumed during the Paleolithic era. Here are the main rules and principles of the Paleo diet:
- Emphasize Whole Foods: The foundation of the Paleo diet is consuming whole, unprocessed foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.
- Exclude Processed Foods: Processed foods, such as refined grains, sugars, artificial additives, and hydrogenated oils, are avoided in the Paleo diet. This means eliminating items like processed snacks, sugary drinks, cereals, and most packaged foods.
- Prioritize Lean Proteins: Protein is a key component of the Paleo diet. Focus on consuming lean sources of protein, such as poultry, fish, lean meats, and eggs. Grass-fed and organic options are encouraged when available.
- Include Healthy Fats: The Paleo diet encourages the consumption of healthy fats, such as avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, and seeds. These fats provide essential nutrients and help promote satiety.
- Avoid Grains and Legumes: Grains (including wheat, rice, oats) and legumes (such as beans, lentils, peanuts) are typically excluded from the Paleo diet due to their higher carbohydrate content and potential anti-nutrients. This means avoiding bread, pasta, rice, and beans.
- Eliminate Dairy Products: Dairy products are not typically included in the Paleo diet due to the potential lactose intolerance and the belief that humans didn’t consume dairy during the Paleolithic era. This includes milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.
- Limit Sugar Intake: Refined sugars and sweeteners are generally avoided in the Paleo diet. This includes table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup can be used in moderation.
- Encourage Vegetable and Fruit Consumption: Non-starchy vegetables and fruits are encouraged in the Paleo diet. These provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Focus on a variety of colorful options.
- Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is important in any healthy eating plan. Water should be the primary beverage of choice in the Paleo diet.
It’s important to note that the Paleo diet is a lifestyle choice rather than a strict set of rules. Individual preferences and adaptations may vary.
