It has come up on our Facebook news feeds. We have seen pictures of it all over Pinterest, and perhaps have seen multiple Malibu models post collages of their tropical sanctuary blooming with fresh fruit, the darkest vegetables and ocean backyard of a thousand shades of blue. May we not forget the #Paleo typed at the bottom of each and every one of them.
Paleo foods are given their recognition from the Paleolithic diets of the early humans to walk this very Earth. It is a diet rich in meats, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, all the while excluding dairy, grains or starchy foods. As with any diet, please consult with your doctor before deciding if the Paleo diet is right for you to get expert advice and tips.
What to Eat
- Red meats
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Fish
Depending on the source, some say that green beans and peas are excluded from this diet bearing in mind that these are legumes. A helpful trick to remind you if the vegetable is Paleo or not, think can this be eaten raw? If so, then it’s a go!
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Peppers
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Kale
- Avocado
Unless your diet consists of a low sugar intake, daily consumption of fruits is a great way to boost vitamin and fibre intake. They can be eaten right away, or even juiced with your favourite vegetables.
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Mango
- Melon
- Pineapple
Oils are a very important and forgotten component of this diet. They are rich in Omegas and fatty acids if derived from fish, and contain healthy fats that are critical to our body’s optimum functionality.
- Fish oil
- Almond oil
- Olive oil
- Grapeseed oil
What to Avoid
- Refined sugars – maple syrup and honey are considered a treat; however, refined sugars are strictly forbidden.
- Dairy – at this point, animals were not domesticated and were not used for their dairy. A substitute for this could be almond milk.
- Grains – although it’s not bad for you, this diet was not very rich in grains, and the objective is to eat as similar to the Paleolithic diet as possible.
- Processed meats – those containing nitrites such as ham and turkey.
Maintaining an active lifestyle not only amplifies results, if you are looking to accomplish a weight loss goal, but also allows for a healthy cardiovascular system as well as works your flexibility and tests your vigilance. A healthy body is the first step to living with self-control; however, the outcomes are phenomenal if you allow it to become a lifestyle.