What is the Paleo Diet?

Like all things ‘lame’, the famous Caveman’s diet or Paleo as is officially known, is fairly despised and mainly due to the misconceptions people have about it. Since I am not fond of arguments, I wouldn’t want to sugarcoat the facts and get the grilling of a lifetime. It is however prudent for me to clarify that the Paleo is not a weight-loss program but rather a healthy lifestyle. The diet is based on realism in terms of dining such that we only partake of foods that keep us from worrying about calories hence eat till we are full. 

Although its description makes it sound like a strange fad diet, Paleo is actually the most optimal of human diets. The human body has, over a very long time, thrived on whole foods that pack a healthy dose of the necessary nutrients. The emergence of agriculture and other new-age practices such as food manufacture has therefore been more of a downgrade rather than an advance in human diet. We would therefore be hard pressed to deny that this is the reason most modern diseases are associated with industrialized foods. Thus, paleo diet basically constitutes anything that can either be hunted or gathered (ancestral eating) rather than refined products. 

Just as a clarification: Paleo diet does not strictly aim to replicate Stone Age practices or eating habits. Even though some enthusiasts may commit to such an approach, the diet is not a fixed, one-size-fits-all kind of regime. This means that I may choose to enjoy a bowl of mash potatoes now and then while another person sticks to low-carb intake. The Paleo regime therefore accommodates eaters with special desires so long as the core values of the diet are upheld. 

All partakers of the diet have to eat whole, unprocessed, nutrient rich foods such as wild-caught seafood, pastured meats/eggs, vegetables, fruits and nuts. On the other hand, they are to avoid any pro-inflammatory or toxic foods like sugar, legumes and gluten-containing grains. Although this may be highly compromising to some of us, nutritionists and researchers in general are beginning to concur with the associated benefits including; 

-          Healthy cells

This is achieved through a healthy balanced of both saturated and unsaturated fats which boost immunity and stimuli. More so, omega 3 fatty acids derived from eggs and cold water fish like salmon are important for the development of the brain and are also good for the eyes and heart. 

-          Less fat and more muscle mass

Proteins derived from animal flesh is anabolic hence mainly used for building muscle mass and, with improved metabolism, the body builds them up at the expense of fat cells. 

-          Improved gut health

By avoiding man-made fats and other processed foods, we can steer clear of the intestinal problems such as leaky gut syndrome and inflammation. 

-          Better digestion and nutrient absorption

Since the diet constitutes foods that the body is well adapted to, the intake is much more tolerable and guarantees better absorption of vitamins and minerals.  

-           Weight loss

Since the diet is ideally low carb, those who stick to it as well as those who take their carbs around workout times, can be assured of reduced fat gain. 

Other promoted benefits include the reduced risk of contracting diseases and an improved circle of life by supporting nature. As much as you’d be tempted to get excited, the diet necessitates foodies to be principled. We are therefore mandated to stick to the Paleo roadmap as strictly as possible even though it is allowed to detour once in a while. All in all, the diet does not imply deprivation of any sort but actually just promotes simplicity and health.