It was funny that once someone posted about the Paleo diet plan I became bombarded by clients and friends with questions/comments about it! So, what is this eating style?

Well, first of all, it surely is not a “new” diet fad…especially when you consider its framework: eat like a caveman! SMILE! It appears as though (through various sites I have looked upon) that the Paleo diet began sometime in the mid 1970’s.

While following a Paleo diet plan

It is ok to eat fruits, veggies, lean meats, seafood, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats. It is not ok to eat dairy, grains, processed foods and sugars, legumes, starches and alcohol. Bottom line; it reduces calories, essentially leading to a reduction in weight.

Really, that may be a tough act to follow for the average person! I have known for quite some years now (before and after my education) that cutting anything out of your diet is not typically the best option (especially if the food item being cut out is whole grain!)

The Paleo diet does have some great claims

  • Stable blood sugar
  • Burn off stored fat
  • Reduce allergies
  • Experience more efficient workouts
  • Clear skin and better teeth
  • Improvements in sleep patterns
  • Balanced energy throughout the day
  • Here are some other aspects that I LOVED seeing, regarding the Paleo diet:
  • Clean out the pantry!! –yeah, even I am human, and if it is in the house, it will be eaten!
  • Get plenty of sleep( –a component of this eating plan/style that I would honestly have a hard time with)
  • Black out your room
  • Throw out the scale

There are even great medical institutions (such as The Mayo Clinic and the American College of Cardiology) who have found this eating plan to show the health benefits as stated above!

“Specific studies linked a Paleo diet to health improvement related to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Others found significant improvements in weight loss relative to other diet regimens.” From Paleo Diet System

What about CrossFit and how does it relate to this diet plan? CrossFit has found this plan to be suitable for its participants by giving them ample calories for energy and proper recovery. CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program that incorporates functional movements into a high intensity workout. Read more about CrossFit here! I am currently not a CrossFit member, and have yet to learn about it…but, if you are working out at the capacity of what this type of training claims, you should find a local registered dietitian to better advise you regarding the Paleo diet plan.

So what do I feel about this diet? It sounds like a great foundation, especially since it calls for an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption! My biggest concern lies within the thoughts of taking whole grains, legumes and dairy out of our diets completely, so it is surely a diet that I will be reading about more in depth for a while! In essence, if you are looking at a drastic, all new way of eating, it is best to check with your physician and/or local registered dietitian first!

Some amazing websites to check out for more information! Plus, be sure that all you are reading has some kind of scientific evidence.