I get this question a LOT! There is so much buzz about the Paleo Diet lately…but is it for you? Is it as good for you as it’s hyped up to be? Well, here is my opinion. And yes, this is my opinion. I am NOT a nutritionist, but I have been studying nutrition since I was 17….so whether or not you choose to listen to me is up to you =) So…should you go Paleo?
What is the Paleo Diet?
Essentially, it is the Cave Man Diet. It’s supposed to be what cave men ate long, long ago. Keep in mind that cave men didn’t live very long…so I’m not too sure why we would try to eat like them…
People following the Paleo Diet eat organic vegetables, fruits, meats, and fats. They cut out grains, legumes, processed foods, and dairy.
There are good things and bad things about the Paleo Diet.
The good:
- There is a big focus on organic foods that are in their natural state. Good!
- There is also a big emphasis on getting veggies in.
- I also like that dairy is cut out of the diet…if you’ve read the China Study or watched Forks Over Knives or Food Matters, you know that dairy is actually not so good for you.
The bad:
- Why no grains? Whole grains are high in fiber and nutrients. I understand cutting out grains if you have an allergy, but other than that I think there is no reason why grains should be eliminated from the diet.
- HUGE emphasis on eating meat. Yes, you need protein to survive, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to get protein in your diet…without eating meat. Eating too much meat (especially meats high in saturated fat) has been linked to cancer and other diseases.
- It’s EXPENSIVE! I avoid eating meat for several reasons, one of which is the cost. Organic meat is very pricey, and since you eat a lot of it on the Paleo Diet, you’ll spend a lot of money on groceries.
That being said…if you find that eating Paleo helps you eat a healthier, less processed diet, then by all means, eat Paleo. Everyone has a different body. Some people might thrive on this kind of diet, while others won’t. I don’t think that any ‘diet’ should be followed to a T…you’ve gotta live sometimes =)
What are your thoughts on the Paleo Diet? Have you tried it?
