If you have heard some buzz about the Paleo diet — or the Hunter-Gather diet — but you aren’t sure what all the hype is about, then you need to educate yourself on the benefits of this way of eating.
The Paleo Diet, or Paleolithic Diet, is a way of eating that mimics the eating habits of the Paleolithic Man.
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This ancestor had to eat to fuel himself. His diet had to allow him to withstand harsh weather, permit him to outrun predators, and sustain him through his daily labors. His diet was limited to what was available in his environment. Thus, he did not consume many carbohydrates. His diet was high in protein.
Critics of the diet are quickly silenced by the research, as well as the realization that the Paleolithic Man did not suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or obesity.
The research reveals that our bodies are not designed to process many of the foods comprising our modern diet. As a result, we feel sluggish and fight off illness. Our bodies are not operating at their optimum levels because we are feeding them substandard fuel.
Studies conducted by Frassetto, Schloetter, Mietus-Snyder, and Sebastian showed that even when participants only stayed on the diet short-term, the improvements in glucose tolerance and blood pressure were significant. Gains in insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles were noteworthy as well. The studies included participants who only followed the Paleolithic diet. They did not exercise. So even in sedentary adults, the health benefits were immense.
Roasted Pork
A Paleolithic Diet is absent processed foods, including grains and sugar. In their place, you consume fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Your body will drink up the ample Vitamin C, fiber, iron, Calcium, and folate. You will have the necessary fatty acids your body craves. What you won’t have is too much salt and sugar, and you won’t have saturated fats in your system.
It was gastroenterologist, Voegtlin, who first brought the Paleo Diet to the attention of the world in 1975. So don’t be concerned that the Paleolithic way of eating is just another fad diet. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is a way of living. It is a new way of looking at food. Once you realize that only the best fuels can power your body appropriately, you will not only change your way of eating, but your entire life.
You will enjoy the increased energy, stamina, and overall health on the Paleo diet. Once you realize how good you are supposed to feel, you will never return to the lethargy you experience on a modern diet filled with processed foods.
The Paleo diet is the way we are supposed to eat. If you want to get started, begin with a list of allowed Paleo foods to help guide your new eating habits. And raise a fork to good health!
