Healthwatch by Shyft

Understanding The Paleo Diet

Understanding The Paleo Diet
Content
Content

Have you ever wondered how the hunter-gatherers had so much energy to live in all extreme conditions and thrive? Do you want to experience the benefits of the diet they consumed before modern farming emerged? The paleo diet, as it is called in the nutrition zone, consists of foods that individuals could obtain by hunting and gathering in the past.

What is the Paleo Diet?

The Paleo diet is essentially a keto diet but packed with all the benefits that you can get from fruits and vegetables. Paleolithic, Stone Age, hunter-gatherer, and caveman diets are additional terms for the paleo diet.

This diet is based on the premise that modern farming products are not suited for consumption by the human body. Foods like grains and legumes became more widely accessible as a result of farming. It also included dairy products such as cheeses and milk. Additionally, farming altered the diets of the animals humans consumed. According to theorists, these dietary shifts have eclipsed the body’s capacity to adjust or adapt. Today’s problems with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are thought to be caused in part by these changes.

The Paleolithic Period starts at about 2.5 million and extends up to 10,000 years ago. An eating regimen called a “paleo diet” is based on foods that people may have consumed during the Paleolithic Age.

Fruits, vegetables, lean meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, and seeds are all part of a modern paleo diet.

It excludes items that rose in popularity as small-scale farming got underway some 10,000 years ago such as dairy products, cereals, and legumes.

What to EatWhat to Avoid
Fruits: apples, bananas, oranges,
Vegetables: broccoli, onions, carrots, tomatoes
Nuts and seeds
Eggs: whole eggs
Lean meats: lamb, chicken, turkey
Fish: salmon, mackerel and tuna
Oils: olive oil, walnut oil, avocado oil
Salt and spices: sea salt, garlic, turmeric, rosemary
Grains: wheat, oats, barley
Legumes: beans, lentils, peanuts
Dairy products: milk and cheese
Starchy vegetables: corn, jicama, peas and white potatoes
Highly processed foods: chips or cookies
Sugar: soft drinks, fruit juices, table sugar, candy, pastries, ice cream

Benefits of The Paleo Diet

A paleo diet generally has many characteristics of healthy meals. The paleo diet is characterised by its focus on fresh produce, lean meats, and minimal use of processed foods.

Preliminary research indicates that a paleo diet could assist with the Loss of weight

Management of blood pressure and Cholesterol.

Researchers discovered that reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease or heart disease were associated with the paleo diet. The reduced risk was primarily due to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and avoidance of highly processed foods like chips and candy.

The palaeolithic diet also involves getting in touch with your food. You will start to recognise and appreciate where your food is coming from and how is it reaching your table. It hence helps to improve your relationship with food and can help you to practise Mindful Eating which is a long-term sustainable habit to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Dangers of the Paleo Diet

The danger of following a paleo diet is that you might not get all the nutrients that are required.

The absence of whole grains and legumes in paleo diets is the primary cause for concern. These foods are regarded as excellent providers of protein, fibre, vitamins, and other nutrients.

Low-fat dairy products are also an excellent source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients which are not part of this diet.

Additionally, compared to foods like wildlife, nuts, and animals; whole grains, legumes, and dairy are typically cheaper and more accessible.

A paleo diet might be too expensive for some individuals or the price of some paleo foods might unintentionally result in receiving less of some crucial nutrients.

Take Away

The paleo diet is based on the eating habits that hunter-gatherers are thought to have had. The fundamental tenet of the paleo diet is to stay away from processed foods and place an emphasis on nutritious, whole foods. You might be able to maintain or drop weight on a paleo diet. It might also have additional beneficial health benefits. Make sure you take in all the fibre you can get from fruits and vegetables because although the paleo diet focuses on healthy food it does cut out certain nutrients that are very important.


Author:
Shyft Health

Shyft

linkedin
Shyft is your trusted source for health and wellness insights. We collaborate with a network of writers and health experts to curate evidence-based content. This content is further vetted and reviewed by our team of internal experts. Our platform is dedicated to providing you with reliable, accessible health information so you can make informed choices for a healthier life. read more

Over 20,000 customers have reduced their symptoms and improved their health by consulting Shyft's Clinical Nutritionists. When are you starting?

READ MORE ON :

Article By:

Read more

Continue to read on a range of topics related to Exercise, Nutrition, Mental Health and Sleep Health.

Veganism for weight loss

4 minutes

06 Apr 2023

Veganism for weight loss

Is the master diet that caters to celebrities like Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and even Queen Beyonce, good for you? Or is veganism another feather in the cap of Fad diets you should ignore? Let’s find out! Understanding the vegan diet First, all animal products are off limits on a vegan diet including meat, eggs, and even dairy! And secondly, it is much more than just a diet. The term "veganism" refers to a way of life that refuses to… Read more

Veganism for weight loss

Veganism for weight loss

Is the master diet that caters to celebrities like Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and even Queen Beyonce, good for you? Or is veganism another feather in the cap of Fad diets you should ignore? Let’s find out! Understanding the vegan diet First, all animal products are off limits on a vegan diet including meat, eggs, and even dairy! And secondly, it is much more than just a diet. The term "veganism" refers to a way of life that refuses to…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023

Understanding Metabolism

4 minutes

14 Aug 2023

Understanding Metabolism

The term metabolism is often used when talking about weight gain or weight loss. Many people blame weight gain or inability to lose weight on their body’s metabolism rate. Haven’t you looked at a fit person eating a hearty meal and praised their metabolism for being fast? Similarly, haven’t you blamed your slow metabolic rate when you’re not able to put off your weight? But what does metabolism mean? Can it be increased? In simple terms, metabolism refers to the… Read more

Featured

Understanding Metabolism

Understanding Metabolism

The term metabolism is often used when talking about weight gain or weight loss. Many people blame weight gain or inability to lose weight on their body’s metabolism rate. Haven’t you looked at a fit person eating a hearty meal and praised their metabolism for being fast? Similarly, haven’t you blamed your slow metabolic rate when you’re not able to put off your weight? But what does metabolism mean? Can it be increased? In simple terms, metabolism refers to the…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

14 Aug 2023

Featured

Healthy Dining Out: Tips and Tricks for Sticking to Your Diet

Sticking to a healthy diet can be challenging, especially when dining out. With the availability of delicious yet unhealthy options on restaurant menus, it can be tempting to indulge in your favourite dishes. However, with a little planning and mindfulness, it is possible to enjoy a nutritious meal while dining out. Here are some tips on how to stick to a healthy diet when eating out. Choose the Right Restaurant When it comes to dining out, choosing the right restaurant… Read more

Featured

Healthy Dining Out: Tips and Tricks for Sticking to Your Diet

Healthy Dining Out: Tips and Tricks for Sticking to Your Diet

Sticking to a healthy diet can be challenging, especially when dining out. With the availability of delicious yet unhealthy options on restaurant menus, it can be tempting to indulge in your favourite dishes. However, with a little planning and mindfulness, it is possible to enjoy a nutritious meal while dining out. Here are some tips on how to stick to a healthy diet when eating out. Choose the Right Restaurant When it comes to dining out, choosing the right restaurant…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

06 Aug 2023

Featured

Managing Holiday Weight Gain: Myths v/s Realities

December marks the height of the holiday season - with Christmas, end-of-year celebrations, weddings and general festive spirit. But it also brings in a challenge familiar to those of us who are trying to manage weight gain or stick to consistent nutrition routines: holiday weight gain. If you’re finding it difficult to keep on track of your health and fitness goals this time of year, you’re not alone. Is holiday weight gain real? Unfortunately, yes. Research has shown that most… Read more

Editor’s pick

Managing Holiday Weight Gain: Myths v/s Realities

Managing Holiday Weight Gain: Myths v/s Realities

December marks the height of the holiday season - with Christmas, end-of-year celebrations, weddings and general festive spirit. But it also brings in a challenge familiar to those of us who are trying to manage weight gain or stick to consistent nutrition routines: holiday weight gain. If you’re finding it difficult to keep on track of your health and fitness goals this time of year, you’re not alone. Is holiday weight gain real? Unfortunately, yes. Research has shown that most…

book

7 minutes

|

calendar

22 Dec 2023

Editor’s pick

Recipes to manage Weight Loss, approved by nutritionists

View all
Understanding Metabolism

Mushroom Matar

A delightful combination of tender mushrooms and green peas cooked in a flavorful blend of spices.

13 INGREDIENTS

|

60 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Stir Fry Mixed Vegetable

Sauteed vegetables smothered in a quick sweet and savory sauce - a delicious option perfect as a main course or side.

11 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

White Chicken Curry

A milder yet delicious version of the classic chicken curry.

3 INGREDIENTS

|

45 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Beetroot Paratha

A healthy and nutrient-dense red colored flatbread recipe made with beetroot puree. Perfect to be served with any choice of dry or gravy based curries.

8 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Thai Massaman Tofu Curry

An aromatic curry with tangy, luxurious taste made with a variety of whole spices.

20 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Berry Smoothie

A refreshing and healthy combination of fruit and yogurt with the goodness of coconut water.

5 INGREDIENTS

|

10 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Chicken Clear Soup

A light, hearty and delicious soup with a boost of iron.

7 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Drumstick Soup

A nutrient dense soup with the strong aroma & flavour of drumstick.

6 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Bajra Cauliflower Roti

A nutritious accompaniment for your meals!

7 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Hara Bhara Kebab

A quick starter and snack combinibg the power of spinach and peas

8 INGREDIENTS

|

60 MINS.

View all