
The paleo diet is designed to resemble what human hunter-gatherer ancestors ate thousands of years ago. By following a whole food-based diet and leading physically active lives, hunter-gatherers presumably had much lower rates of lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In fact, several studies suggest that this diet can lead to significant weight loss without calorie counting and major improvements in health. This article is a basic introduction to the paleo diet, providing a simple meal plan and other essential information. Some ate a low-carb diet high in animal foods, while others followed a high-carb diet with lots of plants. Consider this as a general guideline, not something written in stone. You can adapt all of this to your own personal needs and preferences. Eat: Meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, healthy fats and oils. Avoid: Processed foods, sugar, soft drinks, grains, most dairy products, legumes, artificial sweeteners, vegetable oils, margarine and trans fats. Try to choose grass-fed, pasture-raised and organic if you can afford it. If not, just make sure to always go for the least-processed option.
Everyone has heard the phrase “processed foods” by now, but many people don’t really know what life would be like without them. Here’s a hint: Your health, mood, and appearance will improve—dramatically! Processed foods are chemical-laden, addictive foods usually sold in jars, boxes, and bags, and armies of well-paid food scientists make it their missions to come up with recipes that appeal to your taste buds, even if it means causing havoc to your health. What’s even scarier is that something called ” ultra-processed food ” exists, which is like the worst of the worst. According to a study published in BMJ Open, these kinds of products make up almost 60 percent of our daily calories and 90 percent of the added sugar we consume. Here’s the final kicker, though: When you put processed foods into your body, not only are you choosing to fuel your body with nasty chemicals, you’re depriving it of the nutrients it needs. Processed foods are often stripped or void of nutrients, so it’s not like you’re eating an apple slice that’s been dipped in gasoline; you’re not even getting the fiber from the apple anymore. From weight loss to migraine relief, you can reap some serious health benefits if you ditch processed foods. While you may blame your chatty office or rowdy kiddos for your headaches, poor eating habits may be the real culprits. Every time you break for a snack or sit down to a meal, it’s an opportunity to fuel and nourish your body. Processed foods are often lacking in fiber and nutrients that help fill you up, which can lead to overeating later. Opt for whole foods as often as possible to fuel yourself more efficiently.
When I was a kid, my parents were extremely strict about my eating habits. I looked forward to sleepovers at friends’ houses as not just a chance to play truth or dare, but also to have a rare bowl of Lucky Charms or Cocoa Puffs the following morning. It was even common knowledge at school that white bread was banned at my house. It took several years, but as an adult, I realized that my parents were onto something. The more I learn about processed food, the more I become concerned about what I consume. Research shows that what we eat affects every aspect of our health, so it’s getting harder to bury our heads in the sand. Chemical- and additive-filled foods have come under fire, and for good reason. Not only does the book discuss the health benefits, it highlights how the American food system fails to protect consumers. My plan was to go two weeks without eating processed food.
