DIETS

The Paleolithic Diet

Although humans have clearly evolved, (as evidenced by the glaring lack of wooden clubs in the hands of modern day Homo Sapiens) our genes have not. As a result, our bodies have not had enough time to adapt to our current lifestyle, leading to the increase in diseases such as diabetes and obesity. It is on this basis that Dr. Voegtlin suggested the Paleolithic (Paleo) Diet. This follows the hunter gatherer diet, eliminating grains, sugar, salt, processed oils and dairy products.

How does the Paleo Diet work?

It all comes down to carbohydrates (carbs). When we consume grains—which are composed of carbs, our bodies convert them into sugars in our system. The sugar is burned as energy or stored as fat, contributing to weight gain. The Paleo Diet almost completely eliminates sugars from our diet, along with grains and processed foods. These foods typically have a high calorific count, so cutting them out reduces your calorie intake and ultimately leads to weight loss.

What’s on the Paleo Diet food list?

While the Paleo Diet mirrors a caveman lifestyle, this doesn’t mean you have to go in search of Mammoths to hunt down as food. They’re extinct and they’d probably flatten you in a heartbeat anyway. So what’s on the modern-day caveman diet food list? While following the Paleo Diet you can eat meats such as chicken and lamb, eggs, vegetables, fruits, tubers, fats and oils. Water, green tea and coffee are all recommended drinks for washing down your food. In short, you should go for the least processed foods. This means you have to avoid grains and flour, legumes, dairy products, refined sugars, alcohol, and juices and sodas.

Is the Paleo Diet safe for everyone?

If you take insulin and other drugs such as sulphonylureas or glinides, you’ll need to consult with a doctor before adopting the Paleo Diet. Taking lower levels of carbs will require you to alter your dosages to prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), so you’ll need professional help to manage this.

What are the health benefits of the Paleo Diet?

Some health benefits associated with following the Paleo Diet are improved glucose tolerance and blood pressure, better appetite management, and weight loss.

Are there any side effects to the Paleo Diet?

As the body adjusts to the changes in your diet, you may experience some side effects such as hypoglycaemia, reduced energy, low-carb flu, changes in bowel habits, and bad breath.

A lot of the food you eat while on the Paleo Diet is incredibly filling, so you’re less likely to have cravings and it’ll be easier for you to stick to the diet until you achieve your weight loss goal. Within the first 3 weeks, you could lose approximately 5 pounds. True to its caveman-esque nature, the Paleo Diet is cheaper than modern diets, and meals are quick and easy to prepare. It even comes with snack options in case you feel hungry. Before you get excited and run to the nearest confectionery, this doesn’t mean you can sneak in a bunch of candy bars or a glass of wine. Paleo snacks are similar to the recommended food for a Paleo meal. Some examples are hard-boiled eggs, baby carrots, celery sticks and apple slices with almond butter. If, with the Paleo Diet, Blake Lively managed to get back in shape 8 months after having a baby and Channing Tatum worked his way to a body worthy of the role of an Olympic Wrestler, then it certainly can’t hurt for you to try it too.