The Paleo Diet – everything you need to know
What exactly is the Paleolithic diet?
It’s also known as the “caveman” diet. When you follow this plan, you are attempting to consume what humans consumed during the Paleolithic era, which began approximately 2.6 million years ago.
You’ll eat foods that our forefathers might have hunted, fished, and gathered, and you’ll avoid foods that weren’t common before farming. You will also drink plenty of water and strive to be physically active every day.
Foods You Can Eat On The Paleo Diet
It has been observed that what people ate during the Paleolithic era depended on where they lived, there is no single detailed meal plan you will follow.
In general, you can eat the following foods;
● Locally grown fruits
● Vegetables
● Nuts
● Seeds
● Fish
This results in a diet that is high in protein and fibre, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates.
Foods You Should Avoid On The Paleo Diet
You should avoid dairy products as well as cereal grains such as wheat and oats. But that isn’t all. You must avoid potatoes and legumes such as beans, peanuts, and peas. Refined sugar, salt, and highly processed foods are also prohibited.
What Is The Paleo Diet Meal Plan
There is no one “right” way to eat for everyone, and paleolithic humans thrived on a variety of diets based on what was available at the time and where they lived in the world.
Some ate a low-carb diet rich in animal foods, while others ate a high-carb diet rich in plant foods.
Consider this a general guideline rather than a rule of thumb. All of this can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
What Should You Drink?
When it comes to hydration, water should always be your first choice. The drinks listed below aren’t exactly paleo, but most people drink them anyway:
● Tea – Green Tea is a very healthy beverage that is high in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. This tea is preferred while following the paleo diet.
Paleo Snacks You Can Munch on!
There is no need to eat more than three meals per day, but if you get hungry, here are some simple and easily portable paleo snacks:
● Carrots – Carrots are crunchy, nutrient-dense, and inexpensive: they make excellent snacks but can also be dressed up for a fancy side dish.
● Eggs (hard-boiled) – Eggs are permitted because they contain a lot of protein, B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also inexpensive and simple to prepare. Buy “organic” and “cage-free” eggs to get more omega-3s than eggs from cage-raised chickens.
● Fruits & Vegetables – The health benefits of fruits and vegetables are widely acknowledged. They’re high in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. The only caveat for paleo dieters is that some vegetables (e.g., potatoes) are starchy, and some fruits are higher in sugar (e.g., bananas).
● Nuts – Nuts and seeds are high in good fats, fibre, and protein. They also foraged in prehistoric times, so you can fill your cart with them. Remember that peanuts are not paleo because they are technically legumes.
Takeaway
Diets of Paleolithic humans varied according to availability and location. The paleo diet is based on the principle of eating whole foods and avoiding processed foods. You don’t have to be all-or-nothing with your approach if you’re interested in the paleo diet.
Consider adopting some paleo eating patterns and avoiding those that don’t work for you. For example, try eating more fruits and vegetables and reducing your intake of added sugars. If you’re unsure about grains or dairy, consult Dr. Kanupriya Khanna to find out what’s best for your body.
