The Paleo, Paleolithic or Caveman Diet is based on the food of the caveman. This kind of eating encourages a ‘back to basics’ way of food consumption. That is to include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit, seeds and nuts, fresh and dried herbs and spices, and to eliminate grains, sugar and dairy.
Over the years, our digestive system hasn’t changed much, however, our diet has. The modern diet, with the addition of processed foods, sugars, trans fats and processed oils, has paved the way for diseases such as obesity, metabolic X syndrome, high blood pressure, heart disease.
With all this in mind, it is easy to see that the food we eat, has a direct effect our health. Furthermore, a lot of the foods that are common in the grocery store, is completely alien to our digestive system and metabolism and has the potential to wreak havoc on our health and wellbeing.
Is the Paleo Diet for Everyone?
I really believe that the overall idea of the Paleo Diet is a great place to start if you are looking for a healthier way of living. There are many groups within society who will benefit from following the full paleo diet and other groups who will benefit from adhering only to bits of the diet.
- The athlete. They might need to include grains in order to fulfil their energy requirements. The grains would ideally be lesser of the wheat grains and more of the spelt, quinoa and rice alternatives.
- The vegetarian. Due to the paleo diet being heavy on the meat, this way of eating would obviously not be in keeping with the principles of the vegetarian.
- The legume enthusiast. I definitely feel there is a place for legumes. These provide us with a whole range of nutrients some being fibre and protein. For those who eat little or no meat, fish or poultry, legumes can be a great alternative, especially when combine with a grain as this combination provides the body with a full protein.
- The dairy enthusiast. When it comes to dairy, I do feel (although I am not a great devotee of cow’s milk, especially after the age of 2), I do feel there is a place some organic yoghurt or goat’s milk producst, or the odd slice or 2 of organic cheese.
I agree whole heartedly that sugar should be excluded/extremely limited from the diet. Sugar has a negative effect on our health.
For further information, you can contact your nutritionist or naturopath.
