The hunter diet, also known as the hunter-gatherer diet or the paleo diet, is an eating regimen that bases nutrition around what humans ate during the Paleolithic era. It consists primarily of meat, fish, fruits, nuts and root vegetables. Parmesan cheese, along with any other dairy product, is typically forbidden on the hunter diet.
Dairy on the Hunter Diet
In the Paleolithic era, humans did not have domesticated animals from which to harvest dairy. Wild animals were not an option and the only time humans consumed dairy was as infants through breastfeeding. The human body has since somewhat adapted to consuming dairy products. However, strict followers of the hunter diet believe the human body is healthier with dairy completely removed from the diet. Hunter dieters typically avoid all dairy products, including Parmesan cheese.
Modifying Your Hunter Diet
Many followers of the hunter diet “cheat” with select food items they do not wish to give up. The basic rules of the hunter diet are followed with a few meals that deviate slightly from the plan. Use moderation if you would like to include Parmesan cheese, or any dairy, in your hunter diet. For example, once weekly, incorporate a single serving of Parmesan cheese in your largest meal of the day. This allows your body to continue benefiting from the hunter diet without restricting yourself from Parmesan cheese entirely. For Parmesan cheese to best fit into a hunter diet, select a natural variety with no additives. If possible, purchase your Parmesan from a farm that raises its own grass-fed livestock and makes the cheese from fresh milk.
Parmesan Cheese Incorporation
A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese goes well on chicken and is complemented by the flavor of tomato. This is similar to the common Parmesan chicken dish often served with noodles and breadcrumbs, which is off-limits on a hunter diet. Parmesan cheese is also tasty melted over rich, oily fish such as salmon. Baked root vegetables, such as potatoes, mashed with a handful of Parmesan cheese become richer with a thicker consistency. Parmesan cheese has beneficial bacteria in each serving that die if you heat it above temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Always add cheese after the food is done cooking. If you truly love the flavor of Parmesan cheese, however, you might wish to savor a high quality portion with no other flavors to interfere. Over time, lessen the frequency of its incorporation in your eating regimen if you wish to follow a strict hunter diet.
Considerations
Before following a strict hunter diet, consult your physician. He can help you determine if you are healthy enough to make the required diet modifications. In addition, he might suggest supplements for you to take to ensure you receive adequate nutrition. All-natural supplements are suitable to take on a hunter diet and ensure your body has what it needs for proper function. Ask him exactly what meats, fish, fruits, nuts and root vegetables to consume daily to best fortify your body. After you begin following the hunter diet, check in with him periodically for general assessment. If your body has adverse reactions to the hunter diet, he can help you make adjustments to stay healthy. The lifestyle change required for the hunter diet is difficult for most; Parmesan cheese as a treat might help you stay committed.
References
- The Paleo Diet; Loren Cordain
- The Probiotics Revolution; Gary B. Huffnagle et al.
- The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods; Michael T. Murray et al.
- Creighton University: The Paleodiet
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