Over millions of years the human diet has evolved; we began eating foods that existed in nature and transitioned to our current eating habits which is infused with unnatural, processed foods and substances. The Paleo diet, also called the caveman diet, is a hunter-gatherer based diet that can be traced back to the Paleolithic Era. During the Paleolithic Era, agricultural methods of farming were not available; therefore, humans ate what occurred in nature including some meats, fish, vegetables, wild fruits, nuts, and even mushrooms. Nonetheless, Paleo which is short for Paleolithic incorporates the Paleolithic eating habits, thus allowing this diet to bring eating back to its true roots.
What Can You Eat While On the Caveman Diet?
Processed oils are not passable. Only natural oils are satisfactory for consumption in the Paleo diet. Olive oil, avocado, coconut, and almond oils are good examples of natural fruit based oils. Ideally, wild game is a pertinent part of the Paleo diet; however, since this isn't the Paleolithic period where everything is wild, lean, grass fed animals are acceptable substitutes.
Water is the only acceptable drink in the Caveman diet. Anything other than water would be considered cheating. Although some dispute that agave nectar is a natural substance available in nature, others disagree and conclude that agave nectar is only an agave based high fructose syrup. The only adequate sweetener is honey. Additionally, seasoning agents like salt, meat rubs, or poultry seasoning are not passable in the Caveman diet.
Alcohol is debatable since alcohol occurs in the fermentation of fruits; however, most Caveman diet experts agree that it is best to completely exclude alcohol from the diet.
Benefits
Medical researchers and scientists believe that the Caveman diet is the healthiest diet available. They believe that the diet regulates insulin by improving glucose and lipid function. Additionally the Caveman diet also reduces the risk for heart disease. The diet is infused with fiber, which is essential in improving the digestive system and providing remediation for digestive and gastrointestinal problems like constipation and IBS.
Weight Loss
The Caveman diet is high in fiber, low in carbohydrates and exceptionally high in protein. With this combination, the end result is fast and healthy weight loss. Additionally when the Caveman diet is incorporated as a lifestyle change instead of a quick fix diet, residual weight loss is attained while overall health is drastically improved.
Who Should Not Begin The Paleo Diet
Pregnant, breastfeeding mothers and small children would not benefit from the Paleo diet. Due to metabolic changes during pregnancy, the liver cannot tolerate such high amounts of protein. Therefore, in order deter complications during pregnancy, pregnant women should not start or continue with the Paleo diet until after delivery and breast feeding. Infants and small children require iron that is not greatly available with the Paleo diet. Iron that is available in foods like processed cereals are prohibited in the Paleo diet, however these foods contain nutrients that children need. Therefore, the Paleo diet is not ideal for infants and small children.
