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.
