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What You Need To Know About the “Paleo Diet”

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UW Stout chapter.

The “Paleo diet” is based on the notion that for optimal health, modern humans should go back to eating real, whole, unprocessed foods that are more helpful than harmful to our bodies.  This includes foods such as meats, fish, nonstarchy vegetables like leafy greens, starchy plants like sweet potatoes and nuts and seeds (and even dark chocolate!)  So here is what you need to know. 

1.)  It’s not a diet! Great news, the “Paleo diet” is not actually a diet but a holistic approach to eating (and living) in closer harmony with our evolutionary heritage.  It’s more sustainable than most weight loss diets because it features a wide variety of real foods that most people enjoy eating.

2.)  We aren’t replicating cavemen diets—there isn’t a one-size-fits-all “Paleo diet.”  Some Paleo eaters choose to go super-low-carb while others enjoy those potatoes and rice every now and then.  There are Paleo eaters who can’t imagine life without dairy and others that avoid it at all costs. 

 

 

 

 

3.)  No need to cut calories-weight loss is often achieved without restricting calories or limiting carbs or fats.  Because you are eating high-quality proteins and fats, veggies and even some carbohydrates you are more likely to eat less without effort. 

4.)  Oh, the health benefits-people who adopt a Paleo-like approach avoid foods that cause inflammation such as gluten, legumes and sugar and are reporting improvements in general health, better functioning immune systems, body compositions and energy levels.

5.)  Balance is key-Because paleo-eaters choose nutrient dense foods over processed foods it is guaranteed that they are getting the plenty of sources of vitamins and minerals. 

Sounds yummy-take a look at some of these paleo-friendly meals!

My name is Rachel Kolias and I am from St. Paul, Minnesota. I am a junior at UW- Stout studying Professional Communication and Emerging Media with a concentration in Applied Journalism. I am a dedicated tea drinker, yogi, Lindy Hopper, musician, blogger and dog lover.