PALEO REVIEW
by Johnny B
BSc; ISSA Nutritionist
To introduce the paleo diet we will consider the following questions:
1. WHAT IS IT?
2. DOES IT WORK?
3. WHO IS IT FOR?
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1. WHAT IS IT?
The Paleo diet seeks to simply recreate the nutritional lifestyle lived by our Palaeolithic ancestors. Thus it:
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excludes all forms of processed foods including wheat, grain and dairy products
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encourages reliance on natural meat products, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes
Importantly, it tends to result in the consumption of more animal products and less plant-based products than the official health authorities recommend. Thus, it will probably end up being of relatively high protein and fat intake and relatively less carb intake, though there is no specific macronutrient ratio to be aimed at.
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DOES IT WORK?
There are conflicting results regarding the effectiveness of the paleo diet to result in weight loss, health improvements, or even adherence.
Some studies show that the paleo diet can result in these positive effects, others indicate no effect.
For a full research review, click here.
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WHO IS IT FOR?
People who:
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Are ready to prepare most if not all own meals
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Are at least moderately physically active (mod-vig exercise 2-3 times a week)
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Have some kind of weight maintenance goals
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Reasons:
1. Being relatively high in the consumption of animal products, the paleo diet is relatively high in protein and saturated fat. Only someone who is at least moderately physically active needs all that protein.
2. The extra saturated fat might be a risk for heart health, as is sedentary behaviour, so exercise might act as a preventative measure against this potential risk.
3. The paleo diet emphasises natural foods, so it involves a lot of cooking.
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If that sounds like something you can work with, check out these great paleo resources...
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Continue reading...
2 things you have to do before you start any diet
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