In the last couple of years, the notion of the original human diet, otherwise known as the Paleo diet, has exploded onto the nutritional healthcare scene. Until then, everything food oriented was linked to the bottom tier of the food pyramid and carbohydrate glory. In his book “the Paleo Solution,” by Robb Wolf, he explains the basis of the paleo diet, evidenced with hard, scientific facts, as well as his own health related issues while eating a vegetarian diet.
In a nutshell, the paleo diet consists of eating protein in the form of grass-fed, lean meats, lots and lots of veggies, some fruit, and nuts and seeds. What it does NOT consist of is beans, legumes (which includes peanuts), grain based carbohydrates, and dairy products. The science behind the diet is based on the evolutionary concept that as homosapiens, we are genetically programmed for survival in a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Scientists believe that genetics today are nearly identical to our ancestor genetics of yesteryear, nearly 120,000 years ago. They also believe that one of the worst things to happen in all of human history is the agricultural revolution. In other words, as humans, we are genetically wired for a hunter-gatherer way of life that does not exist now, and the health of society reflects that change. Where we once ate a protein-rich, nutrient-dense diet that was highly varied and changed with locality and seasons, humans now subsist on a diet dependent on a few, starchy crops, with wheat being the main attraction. This has led to a society that is fat and overfed, but malnourished and unhealthy. Robb Wolf and followers of the paleo diet conclude that by eating a diet rich in protein, vegetables, nuts, seeds and fruit, bodies become lean, nourished, healthy and disease-free. Included on the okay to eat list:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Lean Meats
- Seafood
- Nuts/Seeds
- Healthy fats
Included on the avoid list:
- Dairy
- Grains
- Processed foods/Sugars
- Legumes
- Starches
- Alcohol
Ultimately, what society eats is reflected in our obesity rates and the fact that the four leading causes of death today are lifestyle and nutritionally related. By following the Paleo diet, health can be improved, age can be reversed and mental wellness can be enhanced. Give it a try for 30 days and see what happens. For more information about the paleo diet, go to www.paleo.com
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