So, you’re interested in learning more about the Paleo diet? Maybe you’ve heard about it and want to see how it works, or perhaps you’re interested in knowing where it came from and what benefits it offers.
In any case, we’ve got you covered. Today, we’ll take a brief look at the origins, modern adaptation, and potential benefits of Paleo. Let’s dive in.
Paleo Diet - Where Did it Come From?
It’s difficult to track the exact origins of the Paleo diet, but its premise is quite simple:
If a caveman didn’t eat it, neither should you. The goal of the Paleo diet is to consume only foods that were available to humans in the Paleolithic era.
The idea behind this diet is to take full advantage of our genetic potential and prevent ourselves from getting limited by our nutritional choices. The Paleolithic era has been the longest period in human history, and it’s only been in the last few thousand years that we’ve adopted agriculture.
So, while it may seem like humans have eaten grains and sugar for a long time, several thousand years are only a tiny part of human evolution. So, the idea is that our genes aren’t well-suited for such high-carb ways of eating that we enjoy today.
The Modern Paleo Diet Adaptation
The idea of Paleo dieting is to maintain a way of eating similar to that of cavemen thousands of years ago. Because of this, paleo doesn’t come with many bells and whistles, which is the entire point.
Following a Paleo diet today means consuming only whole foods a caveman would have had access to millennia ago. This means you get to enjoy meat, fish, veggies, nuts, seeds, and fruits.
The great thing about paleo is that you get to eat whole and nutrient-dense foods that keep you satiated and provide your body with the energy it needs to function normally. It’s not uncommon to lose a significant amount of weight on a Paleo diet, thanks to the natural caloric restriction from eliminating processed food.
Three Benefits of Following a Paleo Diet
Any diet that promotes whole food consumption and urges against processed varieties is bound to deliver many benefits. Paleo offers three huge benefits for people.
First, there is weight loss. As discussed above, paleo promotes whole foods and restricts processed ones like chips, cookies, and soda. As a result, you naturally reduce your caloric intake, which allows you to start losing weight.
Second, many people report feeling better on a paleo diet. They have more energy, which allows for greater work productivity and better workouts. One potential reason could be the naturally lower carb intake, which prevents the sudden spikes and drops in insulin and blood sugar levels. As a result, you get to maintain consistent and predictable energy levels.
And third, we can’t discount the potential health effects of paleo. Most notably, the diet shows promise in helping improve insulin sensitivity - the body’s ability to get by on less insulin. Paleo also appears to lower inflammation, which can prevent the development of many diseases.
Every week, we make sure to have a selection of paleo compliant recipes on our menu. If you’re looking to try this new diet lifestyle, do check out the current week’s Livefreshr menu.