Paleo Diet

The paleo diet, also known as the paleolithic diet because it is based on the consumption of foods used in the Stone Age, has become very popular in recent years and boasts, according to its supporters, weight loss properties and health benefits for those who practice it. Proponents of this return to origins emphasise that the use of foods that are not farmed, cultivated or processed but, simply gathered from nature or hunted, would have allowed the evolution of humans in the paleolithic era, keeping at bay typical age-related diseases such as arthritis, cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, since movement was also an integral part of life in the Paleolithic, supporters of the Paleo diet suggest making it even more effective by engaging in regular physical activity and, the most orthodox followers, to better simulate the life of Stone Age ancestors, recommend alternating food intake with periods of fasting.

Supporters of the Paleo diet suggest making it even more effective by engaging in regular physical activity

Nowadays, it would obviously be impossible to return purely and totally to these origins and, consequently, the current paleo diet is rather softened compared to that used by our ancestors. It is based, however, on a high consumption of proteins derived, for the most part, from animal sources such as meat, fish, or seafood. Eggs are also excellent, as well as any type of seeds, fruit, both fresh and dried, and vegetables. Among the many advantages of the paleo diet is also the convenience of not having to weigh foods and not having to adhere to a daily calorie count. The benefits of this dietary regime are not based, in fact, on quantities but on the intake of foods suitable for the body and the banning of harmful ones. Dairy products, various types of cereals, legumes, and tubers are strictly forbidden. Salt should not be brought to the table and, in general, any processed and refined food should be avoided. However, there are more permissive versions.

There is no need to weigh foods and count calories

While primarily based on a high consumption of proteins, the allowance of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods by the paleo diet is certainly a boon for the body, as are the reduced amounts of salt, sugar, and processed foods. In conclusion, therefore, the paleo diet is considered healthy. It is particularly useful for those with diabetic conditions and for those suffering from overweight issues due to the limitation of sugar and carbohydrates. By eliminating salt, blood pressure levels remain adequate, but care should be taken not to risk deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D.

The lack of salt and sugars can initially cause some problems such as fatigue, excessive tiredness, lethargy, headaches, irritability, tremors, bad breath, and gastrointestinal disturbances. It is necessary to give the body time to adjust to the new dietary regime, and within a few weeks, one should recover a good physical well-being. Strangely, the paleo diet allows, to avoid potential nutritional deficiencies, the use of dietary supplements which certainly did not fall within the dietary habits of paleolithic humans.

You can find all the products for this diet here