The Paleo Diet: A Brief Overview
Have you heard about the “Paleo Diet” but are not sure what it means exactly? In this post, I will give an overview of Paleo. I will explain what it means and how it came about. I will also discuss what foods are included and not included. (When we say “diet” it is meant in the sense of “way of eating”.)
The Paleo Diet Primarily Consists of Plants and Animals
After the Great Flood, God told Noah:
(Genesis 9:3)
“Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant.”
What Does Paleo Mean?
The word “paleo” means “older or ancient.” Thus, the Paleo Diet got its name from the idea we should be eating the way our ancestors ate. The Paleo Diet focuses on eating a certain way because our bodies “evolved” based on what our ancestors (i.e. hunter-gatherers) ate before the advent of agriculture.
The archaeological evidence does show that hunter-gatherer peoples tended to be healthier than agriculturalists. Their bones do not show evidence of the same level of diseases found in the remains of agricultural people. This is compelling evidence that points us in the right direction. Yet, I do not believe it provides full justification for “paleolithic eating”. In fact, there is evidence the stronger bones are the result of more exercise in early life.
Regardless, what interests me more is the scientific evidence and studies this way of eating leads to improved health. Not to mention my own personal experience which has been very positive. I prefer to see it as eating the way our bodies were “created” by God to be fueled. I focus on that instead of focusing on evolution. The underlying rationale is the same. Determining how our bodies are best and efficiently fueled is the goal.
Food is a Drug
Think of food as a drug that we are putting into our bodies multiple times a day. Many illnesses plague our society. These are known as “diseases of civilization”. Examples include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. With that in mind, we should eat foods that heal our body. They should support our immune, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems. These foods also need to enhance our brain activity and major organs. The “Paleo Diet” (as in template or way of eating) does just that.
Instead of focusing on what we should NOT eat I prefer to focus on what we SHOULD eat:
What Foods are Included in the Paleo Diet?
High quality sources of protein like meat, fowl and seafood;
Colorful vegetables and fruits
Healthy fats like nuts, avocado, grass-fed beef tallow, butter/ghee from grass-fed cattle, olive oil and coconut
How Will You Feel Eating a Paleo Diet?
Meals high in protein and good fats tend to lead to a feeling of satiety for much longer. This is in contrast to eating the government recommended “low fat, high carb” diet. Thus, you will stay fuller longer and consume fewer calories overall as a result. My personal experience has been that I am simply not hungry eating this way. You may have a similar epiphany realizing you do not have to go around hungry to be fit and lean.
What Types of Foods are Not Part of the Paleo Way of Eating?
We do need to discuss the foods that should be eliminated when eating Paleo. The Paleo Diet advocates the removal of grains (including corn) and legumes (including soy and peanuts). It also suggests cutting out dairy, processed sugar, and trans, hydrogenated, and other highly processed oils. Future posts will get into more detail about why these foods should be avoided. But for now suffice it to say eating protein, veggies, fruits and good fats simply provides much more nutrient density.
What is Wrong with the Standard American Diet?
The U.S. government advocates 6-11 servings per day of grains. But grains, especially grains containing gluten like wheat, barley and rye, are gut irritants. Gut lining irritation keeps us from properly digesting our food and can lead to inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation is the root cause of many of our “diseases of civilization.” Processed foods alter our hormone levels in harmful ways. Eating grains and sugars causes insulin levels to spike which, over time, can lead to diabetes. When you eat processed foods, you increase your risk for autoimmune diseases. You also raise the likelihood of cancer and similar conditions.
Try Eating Paleo for Thirty Days
(Check out the Strictly Paleo Plan for help) It is not as difficult as you think. There are lots of good resources for recipes that exist in cookbooks and online. (Check out a few of my recipes here) Try eating strictly paleo for thirty days. See how you feel and then reassess. Read about continuing with the “Paleo Template.” This gets into foods to add back in after your first 30 days.
You can check my personal experience eating this way. I discuss the difference it has made in my health and well-being.
