The Paleo Diet: 8 Lessons You Can Learn

Lisa Franchi September 16, 2013

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The Paleo diet, taken from the term “Paleolithic” and popularly known as the “caveman diet” is a modern nutritional plan consisting of wild plants and animals that were habitually consumed by people during the Stone Age. This diet is primarily consists of grass-fed beef, lamb and chicken, fish, fruits and vegetables, and does not contain sugar, legumes, alcohol and dairy products. Most Paleolithic dieters stick to wild animals, which have less saturated fat.

A small study conducted by the University Of California San Francisco School Of Medicine found an association between the Paleo diet and better cholesterol levels, more balanced blood pressure, and enhanced insulin levels. But just like all other diet plans, the Paleo diet is not the magic bullet solution to all our health concerns. Due to the lack of large-scale, long-term studies, this diet has been a subject of vast criticisms. Nevertheless, the Paleo diet teaches us some lessons that could make profound changes in the quality of our life and health.

When it comes to fats, there are good choices.

Not all fats are bad, and the Paleo diet could prove that. Good fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that promote heart health. Among the best sources of healthy fats are avocados, flaxseed, and coconut and olive oil.

The best dish is one that’s made from scratch.

The Paleo diet also teaches us that the best meals are those that are made from scratch, using the freshest ingredients. When you go the Paleo way, most foods you eat will come from your kitchen. You will also learn how to use herbs and spices when cooking.

A healthy gut is a healthy body.

During the Palaeolithic era, there were no processed foods available. People ate whole foods that were freshly picked from trees and plants, and organic meat from grass-fed animals. These unprocessed foods contain lots of fibre that promote digestive health. Most of all, they do not contain chemicals, additives and man-made fats that destroy the balance in your gut flora.

Calories don’t matter.

Surely, the Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers didn’t count calories. First off, the foods they ate were generally low in calories. Of course calories do count, if you eat a lot of them. When it comes to any form of diet, moderation is the key.

Less salt is healthier.

Other than the table salt we directly add to the foods we eat, most processed products contain too much salt. By eliminating processed foods, you greatly reduce the amount of salt you consume on a daily basis.

Nutrition affects your energy levels.

Refined grains like white rice, bread and pasta are high in sugar, which in turn causes uptakes in your insulin levels. This in turn affects your mood and makes you less energetic. Whole foods, on the other hand, keep you satiated for longer periods and keep your energy levels stable.

Inflammation is the root cause of many diseases.

Vast studies suggest that inflammation may be a leading risk factor for many chronic health problems, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. By choosing unprocessed foods that are generally high in omega-3 fatty acids and other good fats, you lower your risk of disease-causing inflammation.

Diet without exercise is insufficient.

Numerous studies have shown that diet plus exercise is the best method to lose weight. These two lifestyle factors are also crucial to reducing the risk of chronic illnesses. Paleo dieters do not just focus on what they eat, but also to what they do. Many cross-fit trainers choose the Paleo diet as their eating plan.