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Oct 10
You may have heard of the “Caveman Diet” which refers to eating whole, clean foods that are in their most natural state possible. This would mean foods that you can grow, gather, hunt or fish.
Although the term “Caveman Diet” is catchy, the real terminology to describe eating this way is Paleolithic or “PALEO.”
To summarize the paleo style of eating (It’s not really a diet as much as a commitment to eating healthy,) ‘eating paleo’ means eating healthy foods, without the addition of sugar or grains. (Yes, I know that a lot of people think of grains as being healthy, but in fact they add to a lot of health conditions, food allergies, toxicity and autoimmune diseases. That’s a whole post in and of itself.)
So basically, eating paleo means eating meat, fish, vegetables and fruit. And, occasionally, some low fat dairy for variety or other healthy fats like nuts and seeds.
So why would one want to eat this way, and what good will it do you to make the change?
Top 10 Reasons to Go Paleo:
1. You’ll lose weight and reduce body fat.
2. Your blood sugar will be regulated
3. You’ll have more energy
4. You’ll have clearer, better skin
5. Your mental focus will improve
6. Less insulin production means less stored fat
7. You’ll be less hungry – you can eat more, without gaining weight
8. You’ll be less bloated
9. Reduced inflammation
10. You’ll feel better, look better, and have an overall feeling of well being.
As you can tell from the Top 10, there are a lot of strong reasons to consider Going Paleo. The main benefit is of course a healthier body and laser-like mental focus. (And the side benefit of weight loss doesn’t stink, either.)
More info on the Paleo diet to come next post.
Any thoughts on this type of eating? Anyone try this before? Any reservations? Talk to me!
My passion is teaching people how to work fitness into their daily lifestyle in order to improve their quality of life. Let’s work together to help you reach your fitness goals!
Hi, I have been eating Paleo for 2 weeks, and I am doing pretty good. Do not feel hungry, but sometimes i do have the odd craving. My biggest concern is my family has a history of heart disease/high cholesterol/hypertension (and they are lean people, not fat). Has there been any studies longterm on the dietary effects of eating paleo.
Lisa
For the most part, when I stay away from “grains” I do lose weight. But I must be doing something wrong as I seriously crave peanut butter sandwiche(s) – yes plural!!!
…so I guess I eat a mostly Paleo diet (didn’t know what to call it), but looking at the list above in your blog, Shawna, I guess that’s what it is, with the exception of 1/2 c. whole oats a day, I don’t eat bread or other grains because they seem to effect me negatively (bloating, severe cravings, IBS, etc.).
I do best on steak and broccoli, throw in a sweet potato plain…eggs and egg whites, meats, fish and vegetables, very low-carb type fruits and berries, and nuts. Needless to say I always carry my own food, and eat out at places I know serve what I can eat to feel good.
@Laura: Sounds like you’re on the right track, good for you!