The paleo diet is a diet method that adopts the human diet of the paleolithic era. That's why the paleo diet is also known as the caveman diet. Then, why the caveman diet is used as an example for dieting? Come on, see the full review below.
Before knowing how to grow crops, ancient humans who lived in caves had to find and collect food to survive. These foodstuffs consist of a variety of hunted animals, fish, fruit, vegetables, seeds, and nuts found in the wild.
Well, the paleo diet focuses on natural and organic food choices. This diet also limits foodstuffs produced by farming and raising livestock, such as dairy products, sugar, potatoes, salt, and palm oil. This dieter also abstains from eating packaged and canned food.
Paleo diet is believed to be beneficial in improving health, namely helping to lose weight, reduce acne, improve sleep quality, and reduce the risk of various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Types of Food in the Paleo Diet
Basically, the foods that are recommended for consumption according to the paleo diet are foods obtained by hunting, fishing, or found in the wild.
While it is not possible to fully imitate the diet of a caveman, there is a modified version of the paleo diet adapted to modern diets. One of the basics of this diet is gluten-free food.
In general, there are several food groups that qualify for the Paleo diet, including:
- Vegetables and fruits
- Tubers, nuts and seeds that are free of pesticides and fungicides
- Low-fat meat, especially grass-fed or foraging animals
- Omega-3-rich eggs and fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna
- Oils derived from seeds and nuts, such as olive oil and soybean oil
Meanwhile, foods that should be avoided on the paleo diet are generally processed foods, for example:
- Various dairy products, including cheese, yogurt and butter
- Lentils, peas and peanuts
- Processed grain products, such as oats and barley
- Sugar and salt
- Instant, packaged or canned food
In addition to food, those who are on the Paleo diet are also advised not to consume drinks other than water. However, there are also paleo diets that allow the consumption of coffee and tea, especially organic green tea.
Sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, and agave, can still be consumed, although in limited quantities.
It is important to remember that in order to maintain an ideal body weight, make the body more fit and fit, and maintain a healthy body, the paleo diet also needs to be combined with regular physical activity or exercise.
Who is Recommended to Go on the Paleo Diet?
Paleo diet is considered suitable for those who suffer from diabetes. The reason is, this diet prioritizes the intake of foods high in protein, good fats, fiber, and low in calories, sugar, and salt so that it can help control blood sugar levels and blood pressure, especially in diabetics.
Not only that, this paleo diet is also suitable for those who want to lose weight naturally, relatively safe, and healthy. However, this diet is not recommended for the long term.
Are There Things to Watch Out for on the Paleo Diet?
Just like other diets, the paleo diet that is carried out for too long or in an extreme way also risks causing the body to experience nutritional deficiencies (malnutrition), such as calcium, vitamins, B, and vitamin D. This diet is also not recommended for people with certain diseases, such as kidney failure. .
Also, this diet may not be right for everyone, as the natural and organic ingredients that the paleo diet is loaded with are generally not cheap. They may also not be widely available in certain areas, particularly remote or rural areas.
Therefore, if you want to go on a paleo diet, it's a good idea to consult with a nutritionist first, so that the doctor can suggest safer diet options and according to your health condition.
