If you’re wondering what the Paleo diet is, you are not alone. Many people who follow this diet have lost weight and improved their health. The diet emphasizes the importance of eating a balanced diet and drinking water. It may help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight, but there is no scientific research to show how well it works over the long term. The benefits may be similar to those of a balanced diet and sufficient exercise.
A paleo diet is a dietary plan based on foods similar to what might have been eaten during the Paleolithic era, which dates from approximately 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. A paleo diet typically includes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds foods that in the past could be obtained by hunting and gathering. A paleo diet limits foods that became common when farming emerged about 10,000 years ago. These foods include dairy products, legumes and grains.
Processed foods
Unless you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’re probably aware of the fact that processed foods are part of the Paleo diet. These products are full of refined sugars, salt, and vegetable oils. These are all unhealthy, and can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. Additionally, processed foods lack the necessary nutrients and fiber.
Artificial sweeteners
There are plenty of natural sweeteners that are Paleo friendly, but you’ll want to make sure that you choose the highest quality possible. Some great choices include honey, molasses, maple syrup, and mashed fruit. These sweeteners have a high nutritional value and provide a satisfying sugar substitute that won’t wreck your diet.
Grass-fed meat
There are a few key points to remember if you’re a newbie to the paleo diet. This plan requires eating a wide variety of fresh, seasonal foods. It doesn’t include grains, legumes, or sugar. These are all part of the legume family, which has high levels of phytic acid and lectins.
Vegetable oils
If you’re trying to stick to a Paleo diet, you should use unrefined, cold-pressed vegetable oils whenever you can. The refining process makes them bland, and it’s important to choose unrefined varieties.
Fermented foods
Fermented foods are part of the paleo diet because they can help you digest food more easily. The fermentation process releases beneficial enzymes and probiotics which will improve your bowel movements and boost your immunity. The bacteria present in fermented foods also regulate the absorption of dietary fats and increase your body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients.
Fruits and vegetables
The paleo diet is based on the premise that humans consumed a similar diet as their ancestors long before the introduction of farming. While it may be a healthy diet for the general population, it may be harmful for people who have underlying health problems or nutrient deficiencies. However, the diet has been shown to be beneficial in some cases, including in losing weight.
In the end, the science is what matters. The goal of a paleo diet is to eliminate foods that are harmful for your health and to encourage you to eat foods that can improve your health in measurable ways. Today, when we have access to grocery stores full of food and a world full of books on nutrition, it’s time to turn back the clock a few thousand years and take stock of our lives and our health once again.