The Caveman's Diet

The Caveman Diet, also known as the Paleolithic Diet, is based on what humans ate during the Paleolithic period, prior to the invention of agriculture. Because our genes have not changed significantly since that period, advocates of the caveman diet claim that humans are still designed to eat that way to look and perform to their maximum potentials.

The Caveman Diet Principles

When following the Caveman Diet, you should eat the foods that the hunter-gatherers ate, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and seafood. Advocates of the diet note that these foods are high in beneficial nutrients and promote good health. On the Caveman Diet, you should avoid any new, processed or refined food. This includes most vegetable oils and margarines, especially those made from corn or soy oil. You should also avoid trans fats, which were introduced into our diets less than a century ago and are found in shortening or hydrogenated oils.

Low-Carb

The Caveman Diet tends to be lower in carbohydrates compared to the standard American diet. The main sources of carbohydrates in the American diet are products of agriculture such as grains and legumes as well as milk and yogurt. These foods are excluded on the Caveman Diet. Seasonal fruits and vegetables supply the bulk of the carbs on this diet.

Gluten-Free, Legume-Free, Dairy-Free and Sugar-Free

Food groups that diet advocates claim were rarely or never consumed by humans before the introduction of agriculture are typically excluded from the Caveman Diet. These foods include grains, especially gluten-containing grains such as wheat, as well as legumes such as beans and lentils, and dairy products. Additionally, all forms of sugar are eliminated on the caveman diet.

Moderate in Protein and High in Fat

Many foods are excluded on the Caveman Diet, but caveman dieters do not starve or suffer from hunger. To follow the Caveman Diet, base your meals with generous amounts of non-starchy vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes and green beans. Include an adequate amount of protein from fish, seafood, poultry, meat and eggs at each meal in addition to some healthy fats from olive oil, coconut oil and avocados.