Paleo diet is one of the most popular diets in the world and many people who follow it swear by its benefits. The Paleo Diet focuses on eating like a “caveman” from the Paleolithic period – hence the name.
Let’s go back in time… Some 2.6 mln years!
Let’s try to imagine what would a caveman’s day look like. He would probably be awakened by the sunlight, not an alarm clock. Or maybe a roar of a wild animal nearby making him scared for his life? His primary thought would surround gathering or hunting food and making sure his family survives another day and is safe and sound. He’d walk a lot, make tools, gather dry sticks for some fire, get water, build shelter and look for some roots, fruits, seeds and nuts to munch on. Of course, he would also go hunting (1) . The caveman probably wouldn’t bake doughnuts or spend time decorating his child’s birthday cake. He also wouldn’t mince freshly caught bison meat to put it in a bap with some pickles to make a burger for lunch. So what do we assume he had access to?
What foods are allowed and not allowed on Paleo diet
By now you probably guessed what is allowed on paleo diet, but here is a list to make it simpler (and it is quite a simple list really):
- vegetables,
- fruits,
- nuts,
- seeds,
- roots,
- grass fed meat (including organ meats and fatty bits),
- eggs,
- coconut oil (and avocado, olive, walnut, flaxseed and macadamia oils),
all of which varied depending on season and availability.
Foods to avoid:
- processed/junk foods,
- sugar,
- vegetable oils,
- legumes (including peanuts),
- beans,
- dairy,
- grains and cereals,
- white potatoes,
- coffee,
- tea, etc.
This is not the end of the story though. There are different types of paleo diets and each suit different individuals. Here are some of the most popular types:
Standard Paleo Diet: as above.
Autoimmune Paleo Diet (AIP).
This diet may be a good option for someone with autoimmune disease, as you cut out foods which may trigger inflammation and introduce them back to your diet to find out if you still have a reaction or if you are able to tolerate them.
Ketogenic Paleo.
You can eat healthy fats, animal proteins, and leafy greens. However, this diet requires that you drastically minimize carbohydrate intake, which means avoiding fruits and starchier vegetables. Basically, low carb paleo.
Pegan Diet.
It is a combination of Vegan and Paleo diets and focuses on plant-based whole foods while removing all animal products.
Primal Diet.
Includes foods in standard paleo diet, but also allows some raw, full fat dairy and some types of legumes and fermented soy products.
What do you think of a paleo diet? Would you try it or have you tried it and did it bring you any benefits?
80/20 Paleo.
You simply eat the paleo way 80% of the time and 20% of your diet is whatever else you want that isn’t on Paleo. In my opinion it shouldn’t be classified as type of Paleo diet.
Monika 😘
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