The Paleo Diet Explained

The Paleo Diet, short for Paleolithic diet, is a natural foods based eating program  designed to mimic the healthier meal practices of our human ancestors. This diet,   also known as the caveman diet, stone age diet, or hunter-gatherer diet, is based on the habitually food consumption patterns of humans during the Paleolithic era. The  diet consisted only of that which could be hunted or gathered.

The Paleo plan was first popularized by Walter L. Voegtlin in the 1970s. Voegtlin, a gastroenterologist theorized that humans are genetically programmed to eat what was  available to their genetic forefathers, therefore the ideal human diet is not based 
on an agricultural lifestyle, but rather, a hunter-gatherer existence. In 1975 he   published the Book “ The Stone Age Diet: Based On In-Depth Studies of Human Ecology  and the Diet of Man” in which he argued that man was primarily a carnivore, and like other carnivorous animals, his body demanded a diet rich in proteins and animal  fats  and low in carbohydrates. 10 years later, in 1985, a group of doctors from  Emory University published a paper on the benefits of stone-age nutrition in the New England Journal of Medicine.

This pushed the diet into the main stream. Today it is respected by the medical  community as a sustainable and potentially beneficial diet option. Those who adhere  to this system eliminate anything from their diet which could not be hunted or  gathered. This means that they eat only fruits, vegetables, roots, nuts, seeds,  mushrooms, grass fed meats and fish. They avoid foods, like wheat and other grains  that are strictly agrarian. They also avoid processed foods which have dyes,  preservatives and other additives. They can have eggs, which might have been  gathered from turkeys and other wild birds, but avoid milk and other dairy products. 
Salts, oils, salted peanuts, and unnatural beverages are also restricted. Paleo  dieters are encouraged to drink predominately water, though tea is also allowed. All other beverages are restricted or denied.

There are a number of health benefits which go with this lifestyle. The diet  contains less contaminants and more omega-3s and essential nutrients than an average American diet. Adherents claim that they have significantly less acne while on the  Paleo diet and reduced abdominal bloating. They also eat less because the foods are  higher in protein and fiber, making them more filling and satisfying. They also  build muscle more rapidly.

The down side to paleo eating is that it can be hard to eat with others or at  restaurants and strictly adhere to the diet. Also, shopping for whole foods, allowed on the hunter-gatherer themed plan can be significantly more expensive than  traditional shopping for traditional American meals. Also, the human body needs  significant calcium stores to maintain healthy bone and dental structures. Those on  the Paleo program frequently need to supplement their diet with a calcium vitamin or choose to add dairy back into an otherwise paleolithic plan.

This diet is popular with athletes due to the high protein content which helps to  build muscle mass and strength. Not only does it help with muscles but you lose  weight on this diet as well. There are studies that show a lowering of blood  pressure, lower lipid counts and a lowering of the risk of diabetes and heart  disease.

Choosing to go on and stay on any diet is a commitment, and calls for major life  changes. This plan is no different. When going on the cave man diet, find a mentor  who has been on the diet for some time to advise you.

My name is Allan Stewart and I have several websites dedicated to health and well being for people and pets. Want to learn more about The Paleo Diet, go to: what is paleo diet Or visit my website at The Paleo Diet for more facts about the Paleo diet. Also see my other article on The Paleo Diet: What You Can And Can't Eat