With all the crazy fads, pills, and detoxes out there it is nice to finally see a healthy diet plan rising in popularity. For those of you interested in jumping on the band wagon, here are the Paleo Diet Basics that will help explain the basis and origins of this eating plan. While not a diet like some, it is restrictive in ways. As always when changing your eating habits, it is best to consult with your physician to make sure you are receiving all the needed nutrients.
Paleo Diet Basics: An Introduction to the Paleo Diet
What is the Paleo Diet? The Paleo Diet is an eating regimen based on what we would have eaten at the beginning of human history. If a caveman wouldn’t have eaten it, then it typically isn’t on the plan. This eliminates all processed foods, most grains, and many of your typical foods.
What is against the rules on a Paleo Diet? Processed foods or foods that would have required refining aren’t included. That means no cookies, cakes, breads, or pasta off the shelf. It means following rules about what flours you could have easily ground and used on your own without tools or traditional kitchen implements.
What can I eat on a Paleo Diet? Chicken, fish, pork, beef, and seafood are all acceptable. If you could hunt and catch it, then you can eat it. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are all acceptable. That means that, while you can’t have processed peanut butter purchased in the store, it is okay to make your own homemade all natural organic nut butters.
What are the benefits? Immediately, the health benefits are huge with just the elimination of sugars and chemicals from your diet. While not all processed foods are bad, the bulk of them contain added sugars and fillers to help with flavor or preservation. Additional benefits will be lower blood sugar and no more gluten allergies. It is a great diet for those who struggle to process grains or have elevated sugar levels.
What are the drawbacks? It’s tough to give up your Twinkies and pasta. For those who are use to eating a lot of grains, breads, processed meals, or treats it can be a huge change in your diet as well as a time issue. Cooking all of your meals from scratch is a necessity with the Paleo Diet.
Overall the Paleo Diet is something that most people can adapt to fairly easily. While you may miss the ease of processed foods and your favorite sandwich, you are not without options. Utilizing other natural foods in your diet can become a fun way to play in the kitchen and experiment with new flavors.
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