Paleo Diet
Eating like our ancestors — whole foods that were available before agriculture and food processing.
What Is It?
The Paleolithic diet is based on foods presumed to have been available to humans during the Paleolithic era, before the agricultural revolution approximately 10,000 years ago. It emphasizes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds — foods that could be obtained by hunting and gathering.
How It Works
The premise is that human genetics haven't changed significantly since the Paleolithic era, and our bodies are best adapted to pre-agricultural foods. By eliminating grains, legumes, dairy, and processed foods, proponents believe we can reduce inflammation and improve metabolic health.
Benefits
- Eliminates processed foods by design
- High in protein and fiber
- May improve blood sugar control
- Often leads to weight loss
- Anti-inflammatory food choices
- Increased vegetable and fruit intake
✅ Foods to Eat
- •Grass-fed meats
- •Wild-caught fish and seafood
- •Eggs
- •Vegetables (all types)
- •Fruits (all types)
- •Nuts and seeds (except peanuts)
- •Healthy oils (olive, coconut, avocado)
- •Herbs and spices
🚫 Foods to Avoid
- •Grains (wheat, oats, rice, corn)
- •Legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts, soy)
- •Dairy products
- •Refined sugar
- •Processed foods
- •Vegetable oils (canola, soybean)
- •Salt (excessive amounts)
Sample Day
🔬 Scientific Evidence
Several small studies show that paleo diets can improve metabolic markers, including blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. However, the evolutionary premise has been criticized — humans have evolved since the Paleolithic era, and many traditional cultures thrive on grains and legumes. The diet's restriction of entire food groups (grains, legumes, dairy) limits nutritional diversity.