Is Paleo Good For You?

Paleo is becoming more and more popular. So, What is Paleo?

Paleo is a protein-heavy, low(er)-carb way of eating. It includes more animal products, with no grains or processed foods. There is a very wide range of opinions and thoughts on what is right or wrong on Paleo, and I truly believe that if you find that it's something that may work for you, you need to remember exactly that - It's about what works best for YOU, so listen to your body (and don't worry so much about people thinking you're a terrible person if you put cheese on a burger with no bun). This is a middle of the ground outlook on Paleo.

If you are looking to lose weight, eating fresh produce and lean meats while eliminating processed foods from your diet makes complete sense. This can also help you to gain energy and feel amazing in general. Over the last, oh, two million years or so, we’ve replaced wholesome plant and animal foods with a high carbohydrate, low nutrient, high toxic chemical diet and we’ve gotten sick... and fat. We have more cancer, obesity and diabetes, heart disease, inflammation, skin problems (and the list goes on) then ever before. Eating diets such as Paleo has been shown to help some of these issues.

How does the Paleo Diet work?

Basically, if a cavemen didn’t eat it, you shouldn’t either. Say goodbye to refined sugar, dairy, legumes, and grains...and say hello to meat, fruits, and veggies. What you eat and how much depend on your goals or the specific fitness program you’re on, if you choose to follow one.

What can you eat on Paleo?

Meat and Fish (certified-organic and grass-fed)

Beef, Buffalo/Bison, Chicken, Lamb, Pork, Turkey, Wild Game, Bass, Clams, Halibut, Lobster, Mackerel, Salmon, Sardines, Shrimp, Swordfish, Tilapia, Trout, Tuna, Eggs

Veggies

Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collard Greens, Cucumber, Eggplant, Green Onions, Kale, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Onions, Parsley, Parsnip, Peppers, Pumpkin, Radish, Rhubarb, Romaine Lettuce, Rutabaga, Seaweed, Spinach, Squash, Swiss Chard, Sweet Potatoes, Tomato, Turnips, Watercress, Zucchini

(FYI - Many people on the Paleo diet will NOT allow foods that are in the nightshade family such as tomatoes or peppers)

Fruits (in moderation)

Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Banana, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cranberries, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew, Kiwi, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Orange, Papaya, Passion Fruit, Peaches, Pears, Pineapple, Plums, Pomegranate, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangerine, Watermelon

Oils/Fats

Avocado Oil, Butter (Grass-Fed), Coconut Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Olive Oil

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Macadamia Nuts, Pecans, Pine Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts

DON’T EAT:

Cereal grains

Legumes (including peanuts)

Dairy

Refined sugar

Potatoes (white)

Processed foods

Overly Salty Foods

Refined vegetable oils

Candy / junk / processed Food

What's good about paleo?

It's a healthy way to eat.. MUCH better than they way most people eat normally, as well as the regular low-fat diet that really has no emphasis on eating clean, whole foods. So many people have done at least a few diets throughout their life but don't really know how to properly eat to fuel their body in a healthy way for long-term results.

This plan does have long term sustainability. Eating healthy fats allows for flavor, plus it makes you feel full, so you don’t need to be constantly eating. Dense protein (meat) has a similar effect. A good amount of protein and fat together create balanced blood sugar levels so we don’t crash and burn. Low-fat diets tend to do the complete opposite, and make you want to binge eat.

When people start eating Paleo, they almost always lose weight, and also may feel less hungry with fewer cravings for sugar. Their skin may clear up, and they may have more energy. A ton of people, just look at the comments section of ANY paleo-related website, are feeling GREAT after they were normally sluggish, tired, and worn down from disease, or even just from always eating foods that were terrible for their body. All of these seem like great reasons to try it out!

Is there a chance Paleo might not be good for you?

I've often heard people say you should not do the Paleo diet because you're lacking nutrients when you cut out food groups. The truth is, nutrients can easily be found in alternate ways, so this really isn't an issue. People may wonder where you get calcium if you aren't drinking milk and eating cheese. Kale, almonds, and many types of fruits are just a few of the other ways that you get calcium in your diet.

I have also heard that excluding food groups can be hard and that it is impossible to sustain such an extreme way of eating. Yes, it is possible that not allowing yourself certain types of foods could make you feel deprived and just want that food more. But is it impossible? No. And a ton of people feel better on Paleo than ever before.

The truth is that all diets restrict something. They either restrict food groups or calories, and in some cases, both. There really is no ONE right way to do things, but there may be a one right way for YOU. Again, listen to your body, try different things if you need to, and see what works best for you. With self-control, wanting your health/fitness goals more than you want cookies, or just after you've been doing it for a while and noticing the benefits, you absolutely CAN stick to a diet such as Paleo, and it CAN be a lifestyle more than a 'diet'. But no matter what way of eating you decide on, taking SOME parts of Paleo with that is always a good idea. No processed foods or refined sugars really should be the basis of ANY diet.

The final thought: Is Paleo Good For You?

Tons and tons of people love the paleo diet and have found weight loss, increased energy, as well as other health benefits. I eat maybe 80% by the "Paleo Rules" and I think that they are incredible guidelines to a healthier lifestyle. I have personally found that I didn't want to fully give up my wraps, cheese, and occasional pasta so I can't call myself Paleo, but I always go whole-grain and eat clean. I have a ton of clients who SWEAR by the Paleo way of life, so I would say that it's definitely worth a try.

If you feel like it may work for you, give it a shot and see how your body feels after 4-6 weeks! Remember, If you are going to try it out, COMMIT and don't give up after your first 1-2 weeks... Your body may NOT feel good after you completely give up processed, unhealthy foods and refined sugars + white bread and you may think it's not working. BUT just give it a few weeks!

Need help with meal planning? All of my meal plans are 100% customized for you & your goals (clean eating, paleo, ect). Check out my Clean Eating Challenge Here or Send me a Message to talk about your goals!

#cleaneating #paleo #mealplans #nutrition