The Paleo Diet Advantages

Posted by: Tom Pisarski on February 8, 2012 Under: Slimming Articles |

In today’s world, many people are trying to live healthier by eating right and exercising. For those trying to lose weight, following a diet plan is usually a great way to get some guidelines for healthy eating. One slightly atypical diet plan is the Paleo diet. This diet plan actually stands for paleolithic diet, or the caveman diet. While, probably not appealing at first, there are some merits to this nutritional plan.

For those who are interested in being green and try to buy organic produce and meat, the Paleo diet is a great option. This Paleo diet plan focuses on basic foods, much like the ones that would have been eaten during the Paleolithic time period. The Paleo diet plan consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, roots, and nuts, as well as fish. Those on the Paleo diet are advised to avoid processed foods and oils, as well as grains, refined sugar, and dairy products. Believing that these foods do not add to a person’s well-being, they are excluded from the diet plan.

The Paleo diet was developed in the 1970s by a gastroenterologist and evolutionist Walter Voegtlin. He believed that human genetics today are very much the same as their ancestors and that because of similar genetics, the same foods should be eaten for optimal health. While he and many other health professionals have argued that the Paleolithic hunter-gatherers were largely free of diseases and accounts this to diet, others are not so convinced. Nutritionists and anthropologists have argued against these claims, stating that there is not enough evidence to make that claim conclusively.

However, even though not every medical professional agrees with the premise of the Paleo diet, most agree that it is a healthy plan to follow. By encouraging fresh fruits and vegetables daily instead of chips or other processed and other fatty foods, those who follow the paleo diet plan should get their daily requirements of vitamins and minerals along with all of the other required nutrients. In studies done where individuals were on the Paleo diet, they were found to have improved health over time and a decrease in body fat. Some dietitians have recommended the diet for those who have diabetes or cardiovascular disease since this plan is low in saturated fats and is a healthy source of carbohydrates.

Being on the paleo diet plan would take some getting used to. When making such a large change in food choices, most people recommend slowly changing the diet to help adjust to these new dietary items. Try switching out one or two breads or desserts a week for a fruit or vegetable instead. Over time, individuals or families can change completely to the Paleo diet, making it much easier than switching all at once.

The paleo diet plan is not just a way to lose weight, but is meant to provide a healthy lifestyle. For anyone who has a history of cardiovascular disease or other diet related concerns, consider the paleo diet. It may have an unusual name, but its results are surprisingly effective.