When we think about going back to our roots, we rarely think 2.5 million years ago, but that is exactly what Paleo diet proponents suggest - eating like the hunter-gatherers of Paleolithic times.
Advocates of the Paleo diet follow a simple plan. Eat as the cavemen did. The Mayo Clinic defines this diet as consisting of meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Promoted as a healthy way to eat, it works in conjunction with human genetics, before the advent of agriculture and manufacturing.
One obvious benefit of adopting this diet is the elimination of processed and refined products that line most supermarket shelves. Products like white breads, deli meats, soda and convenience meals provide you with little nutrition, having stripped away most protein, fiber, and important vitamins. Take a good look at product labels and you'll find they sometimes contain few real food ingredients at all.
Here are the top three reasons why the Paleo diet might be right for you:
- Balanced Sugar Levels The elimination of refined sugar results in more balanced glucose levels throughout the day. No more sugar cravings and crashes. You'll quickly acclimate to enjoying the natural sugars in fruit.
- Weight Loss The Paleo diet is a winning weight loss plan because of the elimination of carbohydrates and sugars. You feel fuller longer. Plus, there's no weighing portions or counting carbs or points. You can eat as much as you want.
- Health Gains Research shows the Paleo diet lowers your risk for diabetes and heart disease. This is a drug-free way to impact your health.
Food for Thought
Starting out on the Paleo diet is a big change. Thankfully, there are resources on the web to help you begin, including many recipes that demonstrate how versatile and delicious going Paleo can be!
