What is Paleo?
You may have heard of the Paleo diet before. Maybe you are brand new to the concept and that’s why you’re here. The Paleo diet is based on our ancestor’s diet of the hunter-gather way. Taking the concepts of their lifestyle but balancing for the modern diet. This means no processed foods, proper meat, organic veggies and more. Being mindful of your thoughts as well as moving your body are also key points to the Paleo lifestyle.
There are many people who take a strict approach to the Paleo diet. That may work for them. You must find your balance to make it work. It is important to remember the key components, but the point is not to be so overly stressed that you cause damage to yourself. As with most dietary and lifestyle changes, remember to talk with your doctor first.
What can and can’t you eat with a Paleo diet?
The Paleo diet focuses on eating the way the cavemen did. What this means is eating a diet of grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, free-range poultry, organic/pesticide-free vegetables and fruits, eggs, nuts, and seeds. You can also eat sweet potatoes with no issue and healthy fats such as avocado and olive oil.
Notice there is no mention of dairy products, grains or legumes? This is because these products were not around until much later once farming started taking place. Many of these products are processed and our bodies struggle to process them appropriately. People have lactose issues and gluten sensitivities.
Another note on this is there is no portion control with the Paleo diet. Nor do you count calories. It is still important to remember you can overdo it with healthy foods! Just because something is good for you does not mean you need to overindulge in it.
What are the benefits of Paleo?
- Weight loss. Because you have cut out processed foods, increased your vegetable intake, and adding mindful movement to your routine, you will notice weight loss.
- Clean diet. You will be eating better foods for you with fewer chemicals, pesticides, and additives.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits. The consumption of plant nutrients aids in fighting inflammation within the body.
- Increased Vitamins. Because you are consuming many vegetables, you should be hitting your daily recommendations in vitamins.
Why I can’t commit to a strict Paleo diet
While I know there are many benefits to eating a high fat, low-carb diet, I do not feel this is the right fit for me and my journey. I am on a gut healing/gut health journey and focus mainly on those principles. I agree with a lot of the logic found on the Paleo diet and wholeheartedly support this lifestyle mentality to a degree.
Personally, I feel a well-balanced diet should include certain grains and dairy products if your body can support them. Ancient grains are less processed and good plant-based sources of protein. Beans are a great source of protein and should not be left off the table. I typically don’t drink regular cows milk, but I do consume other sources of dairy products. There are many benefits to them and unless you have an issue with them, dairy products are good to keep in your diet. A diet balanced with the benefits of the paleo lifestyle, filled with probiotic foods, bone broth, healthy fats, and plant-based proteins is where it’s at for me.
If the Paleo diet is what works for you, that is great! But don’t feel so restricted and grow to dislike what you eat because “that’s the way you’re supposed to do it”.
How do you find balance? Do you follow a strict Paleo lifestyle?
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