Paleo Diet Pro and Cons

The Paleo Diet Craze seems like it is here to stay.  While it was recommended back in the 70s by Loren Cordian PhD, it has managed to find a huge audience in 2014.  The general premise of the diet is that modern food has evolved faster than the human body’s digestive system.  Since our bodies are unable to digest “modern” food this leads to many choric disease. Dr. Cordian suggest that eating like a caveman will help to prevent these choric diseases. 178528154First here is a list of Paelo approved foods:

  • Grass-produced meats
  • Fish/seafood
  • Fresh fruits and veggies
  • Eggs
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Healthful oils (Olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado, coconut)

 

And a list of what you cannot eat:

  • Cereal grains
  • Legumes (including peanuts)
  • Dairy
  • Refined sugar
  • Potatoes
  • Processed foods
  • Salt
  • Refined vegetable oils

As you can see there is a very limited menu for this diet. While with any diet there are pros and cons and the Paleo Diet is no different.  Here are the biggest pros and cons to help you decide if this diet is right for you. (As always before starting any diet talk with your doctor)

PRO:

  • Rich in soluble fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, monosaturated fats, and low-glycemic carbohydrates
  • Naturally gluten free, low in added sugars, trans fats, and high-glycemic carbs.

 

CON:

  • Heavily reliant on meat, and most meat today is not as lean as it was thousands of years ago.
  • Lacking in many nutrients that have been proven to help avoid disease, namely calcium and Vitamin D.
  • This diet is also hard for vegetarian, as you are not allowed beans or tofu. So you food choices are even more limited.

As you can see your food choices are very limited.  That can be a pro or con depending on what type of food person you are, do you like to have more choices, or are you the type of person that can eat the same thing over and over.

If you don’t want to go full Paelo (sometimes you really just need some cheese) you can do a modified version by sticking with the fresh fruits and veggies, picking lean and grass fed meats, and wild seafood.  Then add in some low fat diary or diary substitute and staying away from processed foods.  As always make sure you keep your portions under control to overeating any one thing.

Whether you decide that a diet consumed by people who life expectancy was in their 20s is between you and your doctor, but one thing you need to remember is that cavemen and cavewomen were active.  They didn’t sit at desk and research new Paleo recipes on Pinterest they hunted and gathered their food. They moved around and they moved around a lot.

What that means for you is to get moving.  Sure going to the gym or for a run/bike is great, but make sure that you are moving around all day.  Get up from your desk on a regular basis and walk around.  Frequent movement and a healthy diet will help you live longer as well as help you to lose or maintain a healthy weight.

 

 

 

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