Pal-ay-oh. Pale-ee-oh. Paleo. You have definitely heard of it, probably wondered how to pronounce it, and almost certainly asked yourself what the heck it’s all about.
What the heck is it?
The paleo diet gets is name from the paleolithic era – a time period somewhere between 2.5 million and 10,000 years ago. It is believed that around this time people typically ate a diet based on what they could hunt and gather; fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and seeds.
The diet is built on this same concept – largely excluding food groups like dairy, legumes and grains, and focusing a diet rich in vegetables, fish, fruit, seeds, meat and nuts.
Why the hype?
Proponents of the diet argue that the modern American diet is largely to blame for increased cases of autoimmune diseases and type 2 diabetes, and higher rates of obesity. The belief is that by eating more like our ancestors did; sticking to the foods our bodies respond best to, we can have healthier happier lives.
Purported benefits include:
Weight loss
Improved heart health
Reduced inflammation
As with any diet, there are some potential risks that come with the paleo diet. Over consumption of red meat, for example, can have a negative effect on heart health and cholesterol. The same goes for consumption of protein in general, which, if consumed excessively, could stress the kidneys and result in kidney failure.
The good news
Lifesum is launching a brand new Paleo meal plan to guide you through all the ins and outs of eating like a caveman. The meal plan helps you adjust to a paleo diet and makes sure that you get the key nutrients you need to stay healthy. Let Lifesum do the hard work of planning and calculating; all you have to do is follow the plan!
All of the content and media on Lifesum is created and published for information purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Users should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice. If you have or think you are at risk of developing an eating disorder, do not use the Lifesum app and seek immediate medical help.
