The Paleo diet originated 10000 years ago and resurfaced back in the 1970’s. It suggests that we eat like our ancient ancestors use to during the Paleolithic times. Unlike the name suggests, it doesn’t expect you to run around in a loin clothe hinting animals.
The basic concept of the diet is simple and it advocates eating lots of fruits and vegetables while reducing the intake of processed foods. Its creators claim that if you follow their diet, it will help to improve many symptoms of diseases like high blood pressure, osteoporosis and even asthma.
Another side affect they claim is to get rid of acne and that it increases your athletic performance and thus becoming naturally lean.
The creators encourage the increased intake of foods, which are high in soluble fiber antioxidants, omega3’s and monounsaturated fats that are found in many fresh fruits and vegetables. They are also quick to point out food groups they consider to contribute to weight gain, diabetes and heart disease.
Foods such as sugars, high fructose syrup, white flour, salt processed foods and yeast are all discouraged as a result. Most dairy and grains are also discouraged and should be replaced with more fruits and vegetables.
They also offer alternatives for discouraged food groups. Some examples are salt to be replaced with other spices or peppers, vinegar to be substituted with lemon or lime juice, sugar use various fruit purees flavored with lemon or even use Agave nectar and honey. Butter and Fat can be replaced with oils such as olive, canola or even avocado.
The Paleo diet is quite tough to follow given its eliminating entire food groups like grains and milk from your diet. Avoiding all flours and refined sugars can be quite a challenge. Its not the most practical diet to follow for long-term weight loss.
