The Paleolithic, or Paleo diet, which was developed by Loren Cordain, models the eating habits of our ancestors who lived during the Paleolithic era. The Paleolithic era was the time period before the Industrial Revolution, during which modernized agriculture offered access to previously inedible foods, such as grains. The Paleo diet focuses on eating foods that hunter-gatherers were able to obtain, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and meats.
Diet Basics
The theory behind the Paleo diet is that our bodies and digestive system are best adapted for foods that come from the earth and are not changed by agriculture. Eating modern foods, such as processed foods, sugar, salt and grains, wreaks havoc on our system and, according to Cordain, leads to cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Focusing on the foods that were available in the absence of technology can keep our bodies functioning optimally.
Foods to Eat
Lean meats are a large part of the Paleo diet. While following the diet, you can eat sirloin steak, pork loin, chicken breast, turkey breast and a variety of game meats, including venison, bison, alligator, bear, elk and wild boar. You may also eat most types of fish and shellfish, as well as unlimited amounts of fruit and most vegetables. Eggs are permitted on the Paleo diet, but you must restrict intake to no more than six per week.
Foods to Avoid
All dairy foods are restricted from the Paleo diet. You may not eat butter, cheese, cream, ice cream, milk, yogurt or any processed foods that contain dairy products. All cereal grains, such as barley, corn, oats, rice, rye, wheat and millet, and foods that contain cereal grains are restricted from the diet as well. You cannot eat beans, legumes, peas, soybeans or nut butters, such as peanut butter. Starchy vegetables, such as white potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes and cassava root, are not allowed on the diet. You must also eliminate fatty meats, such as bacon, ground beef, lamb chops, chicken thighs and ribs, and foods that are high in salt, such as deli meats, salted nuts, sausages, hot dogs, ketchup and olives. Soft drinks and fruit juice are also restricted on the Paleo diet.
Considerations
While most foods are either permitted or completely restricted, some foods fall into a middle category. These foods are allowed in restricted amounts. You may consume 4 tablespoons of olive oil, walnut oil, avocado oil and canola oil per day. You may also consume alcohol in moderation. You are permitted two 4-ounce glasses of wine, one 12-ounce beer or 4 ounces of spirits per day. Diet soft drinks are also allowed occasionally, although the diet encourages you to drink water instead.
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