5 Common Misconceptions about the Paleo Diet
Even though the paleo diet has thousands of followers, seen a surge in popularity and has been around for a few years, there are many misconceptions about this diet. These misconceptions arise through false information, a bad image of paleo dieting and even marketing attempts by other fad diets to discredit the paleo way.
The paleo diet is also known as the ‘caveman’ diet. This is due to the fact that the diet somewhat resembles the way our early ancestors ate. This name has caused one of the biggest misconceptions about the paleo diet.
1. It is uncivilized and all about gorging yourself on meat
The paleo diet is about eating nutrient rich food that does not contain harmful substances and agrees with our body. It is not a re-enactment of how the actual cavemen ate. Paleo dieters do not go out hunting for boars or deer and roast the meat on a flame.
The diet is about eating the correct foods and excluding the bad ones. Grains, sugar, processed foods, etc. are not allowed. This is due to the fact that these foods are neither natural nor healthy. There are millions of people who have problems with grain based foods. So, the diet is not only about meat. Vegetables, healthy fats and fruit may be consumed too.
2. Paleo dieting is for fat loss
Fat loss is one of the benefits of a paleo diet but it is not the goal. Unlike the Atkins diet or other low carb diets, the paleo diet is not overly concerned about weight loss. The concept of the paleo diet is to consume wholesome, healthy food and stop eating detrimental food.
Once this is achieved, weight loss naturally follows. Obesity is a growing trend around the world and it is reaching epidemic proportions. That’s because of poor food choices. The paleo diet is a healthy way to eat and live. It is more than just fat loss.
3. The paleo diet is not practical
The paleo diet does require some effort and preparation. That does not make it impractical. You just need to find ways to make it easier for you. Cooking your food for a few days at a time, pre-packing them in containers for ease, etc. If you are truly dedicated, you will find a way.
4. The paleo diet is expensive
No, it’s not. You are encouraged to buy your meat and vegetables from farmers’ markets and other suppliers. Usually, you may receive discounts and other special rates. Since you will be doing your own cooking, you’ll be spending less on food. Furthermore, since you can’t consume junk food and processed food, you will not be spending on the usual comforts foods. So, the paleo diet could actually be cheaper.
5. The paleo diet is not for women
There are many arguments for this stating that women need more carbohydrates, etc. In cases like this, it would be wise to adapt the diet. For example, if the woman feels lethargic, she may consume more carbs in the form of vegetables. The paleo diet does not have to be rigid. Mix and match and see what suits you.
These are just a few misconceptions. There are many more but pay them no heed. The best way to know about anything is to try it out for yourself. Try out the paleo diet for 3 weeks or a month. If you start looking and feeling better, stay on. If not, you may go back to your previous way of eating. Chances are high that once you go paleo, you’ll never go back.
7 Benefits of Adopting the Paleo Diet
There are many benefits to adopting the paleo diet. This article will state seven but this list is by no means exhaustive. There are many more positive effects and gains to be achieved from switching to the paleo diet.
The paleo diet can quite simply be defined as a very wholesome diet which only allows the consumption of natural foods such as meat, vegetables and healthy fats such as coconut oils, macadamia oils, olive oils, etc. It forbids the consumption of grains, grain based food products, sugar and any kind of processed food.
Natural all the way. That is the key to the paleo diet. Of course, taste need not be sacrificed. Spices may be used and there are several excellent paleo recipe books on the market which will teach you to whip up healthy yet tasty dishes.
The first benefit to the paleo diet will be a reduced risk of disease. The current diet most people are used to is loaded with preservatives, harmful additives and other artificial ingredients that cause all kinds of health problems and obesity. Switching to the paleo diet will eliminate most of these problems.
The second benefit will be a loss of excess fat. The paleo diet aims to reduce the amount of carbohydrates you consume. This will keep your blood sugar levels stable and increase your insulin sensitivity. That means your body will be more responsive to burning off fat and staying lean.
The reduction of inflammation is the third benefit. Thousands of people all over the world complain of daily aches and pains. Their body hurts but they do not know why. The reason is inflammation due to the consumption of unhealthy foods. The cells are inflamed from the food they ate. By switching to the paleo diet, you will be consuming a very healthy diet. This will reduce all inflammation and increase your sense of well-being.
The fourth benefit is increased muscle mass. Since the paleo diet revolves around the consumption of copious amounts of meat, you will be getting a lot of protein. This will aid in muscle growth and recovery, if you engage in regular exercise. There will be much less muscle breakdown. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. This basically means that you will be lean, fit and healthy.
A healthier brain and organs are the fifth benefit. Our body needs omega-3 fatty acids to be healthy. However, the modern diet today has seen an overload of omega-6 fatty acids and a drastic reduction in the healthier omega-3 acids. By consuming healthy meats such as grass-fed meats, eggs and wild caught salmon, you will be giving your body a healthy dose of omega-3 acids.
The sixth benefit is reduced tendency to get allergies. Modern day foods contain ingredients that raise people’s sensitivity to allergens. By cutting out these foods, our ability to get allergies is greatly reduced.
The seventh benefit is increased energy. Initially, the diet may be a little difficult to follow and you will not feel so good because your body is ridding itself of toxins accumulated from past eating habits. The change in diet also can be challenging. However, once you get over this hump, it will be smooth sailing all the way. You will find yourself full of life and bursting with energy.
The above seven reasons should be good enough to persuade you to give the paleo diet a try. You may never look back and most people on the paleo diet say that it is one of the best things they ever did.
5 Paleo Diet Tips You Must Know
The paleo diet has become one of the latest fitness ‘crazes’ around. Those who have adopted it swear by its effectiveness and extol its life changing benefits. Others however, feel like it is better suited for feral cavemen.
So what is the paleo diet?
The paleo diet, also known as the caveman diet, is a nutritional plan similar to what our early ancestors who lived during the Paleolithic era followed. Basically, the consumption of natural foods such as fish, grass-fed pasture raised meats, fruit, fungi, eggs, vegetables, roots, and nuts. The diet excludes grains, legumes, dairy products, potatoes, refined salt, refined sugar, and processed oils.
Is it effective?
Definitely. It is an extremely healthy diet and the health benefits are many. This article will highlight 5 paleo diet tips you should be aware of to help you get the best out of this fantastic way of life.
1. Use spices effectively and wisely.
Since the paleo diet does not allow for sauces and other refined products, you will need to learn how to use spices effectively to season your food. One of the major causes for people giving up the paleo diet is due to the fact that the food tastes bland.
This is true if you do not use spices to flavor your food. The East Indians are very good at using spices to prepare their dishes. The food is aromatic, tasty and the spices have various medicinal properties too. So, learn how to flavor your food using spices.
2. Vary Your Veggies
Consume a wide variety of vegetables. It is common to just stick with one vegetable and go by a week eating only that. Since most people who adopt the paleo diet buy their food in bulk, it’s so much easier to just dump four large broccolis in the cart and walk to checkout. If you do that, you’ll be missing out the benefits that other veggies will bring you.
Consume different vegetables of different colors. Kale, spinach, cabbage, eggplant, carrots, etc. are all excellent choices. Do try them.
3. Pre-cook Your Food
The best way to stay focused on your paleo diet will be to pre-cook your food in batches and keep them in the refrigerator. It is advisable to cook for 3 or 4 days in advance. Preparing paleo meals is fast and easy. So, you can do this once or twice a week.
When your food is all prepared and ready, it is much easier to just take a pre-prepared meal to work. The idea of cooking daily is can be quite demoralizing. Being unprepared or if you’re suddenly short on time will lead to difficult decisions and you may even have to eat food you’re not supposed to.
4. Don’t Create Temptation
Do not keep junk food such as ice-cream, cakes, chocolates, etc. in your house. You will be tempted and that makes things much harder.
5. Learn To Make Paleo Smoothies and Other Treats
The paleo diet is not a boring one. It is slightly restrictive but there are many recipes available online that will teach you how to make smoothies and even ice-cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Learn more and try more recipes out. Knowledge is power and with the knowledge, you will be able to make your paleo lifestyle fun, sustainable and rewarding in the long run.
5 Ways to Boost Your Health While On the Paleo Diet
The paleo diet is one of the most popular diets around. Unlike most other diets which are just fads, unsustainable in the long run or ineffective, the paleo diet is highly effective and a long term solution to a leaner and healthier body.
The paleo diet is low on sodium and sugar but high in protein and moderate with the carb intake. This is exactly why it is so effective in weight loss and keeping other health issues in check.
Obesity is a growing problem in the US and around the world. The paleo diet, if strictly followed, will definitely ameliorate this problem. Nothing but good can come from giving up processed and refined foods in favor of wholesome, healthy, natural foods. Your blood sugar levels will be stable and you will be much healthier.
Of course, the paleo diet is not a be all and end all to good health. There are a few other factors to consider that will ensure all round good health when combined with the paleo diet.
1. Sufficient sleep
All too often people sacrifice precious sleep to squeeze in more living into their day. The problem is, in most cases, sleep is sacrificed for the television, surfing the internet, late night partying, etc.
Over time, this will take a toll on one’s health. Burning the candle at both ends is never a good idea and sooner or later, your body will suffer the ill effects of sleep deprivation. Always ensure that you get enough sleep.
2. Engage in resistance training
Men and women alike will benefit from resistance training. Stronger muscles are always a good thing. Weight training has multiple benefits from stronger ligaments, increased metabolism and even slows down the aging process. It is not a man’s thing. Women too should train with weights.
3. Do at least 3 sessions of cardio a week
Cardio activity is crucial to good health. Your cardiovascular system requires constant training. Any activity that raises your heart rate for 20 minutes continuously can be considered a cardio activity. Find one that you like and do it thrice a week for about 20 to 30 minutes. It could be walking, running, cycling, rowing, skipping, anything that you like.
4. Cook for yourself
It is understandable that cooking can be a hassle in today’s fast paced world. There just does not seem to be enough time. It is highly recommended that you cook in large amounts. For example, you could cook on Sunday for the whole week or just for the next 3 days. It’s up to you. If you cook for yourself, you will know exactly what goes into your food and if it’s nutritious. You’ll also save money in the long run.
5. Learn more paleo recipes
The paleo diet, though slightly restrictive, does not have to be bland. There are many excellent cookbooks on the market dedicated to paleo recipes. Grab a book and try out the recipes. Your food will taste better and you’ll have variety. This will go a long way in making sure you stick with the paleo diet.
These are just a few methods you can use to improve your health and see faster results while on the paleo diet. You will lose weight faster, look better and feel great if you use the above tips while on the paleo diet.