Boosters of this diet believe that modern humans would be healthier if we ate a diet that would be familiar to our Paleolithic ancestors, consuming only fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, wild caught fish, free- range poultry and eggs, and lean, grass-fed meats.
The Paleo Diet’s rules are simple: if a food wasn’t available before the invention of agriculture, you can’t have it!
Because the Paleo Diet bans bread, butter, sugar, oils, and baked goods, as well as all processed foods, and grains, it’s easy to see why anyone who can stick to this plan might lose weight. That’s one reason the Paleo Diet has earned fans. But in this case, simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy. The Paleo Diet can be difficult for some people to follow, which makes it more likely that dieters will just give up, causing them to regain the lost weight, and often times add even more weight than their baseline for the diet. And while there are studies that support Paleo fans’ theory that certain grains are not easily digested, eliminating them completely can be for some, not only unnecessary but unhealthy. Being vegetarian or vegan on this diet will almost always lead to disaster in the way of nutrient deficiencies, in addition to caloric needs. And any diet that eliminates major food groups can have its downside. Fiber, many vitamins, and certain minerals will be harder to come by. If you’re interested in trying this diet, consult your dietitian first. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for fiber, and consider taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement on top of a daily multivitamin.
I tell my clients that the most successful “diet” involves small changes over time—like increasing your servings of fruits and vegetables daily to a final goal of 5-9 servings a day. By doing this, you will have less difficulty with maintaining a new habit, and ultimately, you can keep your new healthy habits up for life which should be the true goal.
Lastly, please remember be aware of your carbon footprint on this planet. The average American diet is filled with protein and in many cases, more than the body needs. Eating more of a vegetarian diet and less animal products will not only help you, but the planet as well!
