The foundation of many Asian diets -- including Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Malaysian -- are starchy man-made foods such as tofu, rice and noodles. While tasty and nutritious, they have no place in the Paleo Diet --the term for a wide range of eating plans designed to take advantage of what we know about the diets of humans living in the Paleolithic era. Fortunately, there are a number of foods in Asian cuisine that fit into a Paleo lifestyle.
Background
The Paleolithic diet is more aligned with our genes and can maximize health and reduce the risk of chronic disease, according to the book "The Paleo Diet" by Colorado State University nutrition professor Loren Cordain, PhD. Foods allowed on the Paleo diet include meats, nuts, vegetables and fruits. However, the Paleo diet doesn't allow the consumption of modern-day foods such as grains, refined sweeteners and dairy products. According to research published in the August 2009 issue of the ""European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" adopting the Paleolithic diet can improve markers of health, such as insulin resistance and blood-pressure levels.
Grilled Meat
It doesn't get more Paleo than meat on a grill. Fortunately, many Asian cuisines are rife with grilled meat choices. Grilled meat commonly consumed in Asia include chicken, squid, beef and pork. However, some chefs use sugary and salty sauce, which is not allowed on a Paleo diet. Opt to avoid sauces and dips when eating grilled meat.
Fruits
Fruits are plentiful in Asian diets-- especially in temperate South-East Asian countries such as Cambodia, Laos and Burma. Commonly consumed fruits in Asia include mango, Dragon fruit, bananas and pineapple. Fortunately, fruits are acceptable in a Paleo diet. However, Cordain warns that early humans rarely ate carbohydrate-rich fruits. If you include fruit in your diet limit your intake to three or fewer servings per day, Cordain advises.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an important part of a Paleo diet. Asian cuisine tends to include a bounty of veggies, including broccoli, spinach, kale and carrots. However, many Asian dishes prepare vegetables by stir-frying --a cooking method not available to early humans -- Cordain notes. If you choose to eat Asian vegetables opt to consume them raw in fresh salads or baked in an oven.
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