Is the Paleo Diet Nonsense?

According to most of the media, the Paleo diet is nonsense.

See the latest example by clicking right here.

They make statements like “the low-carb interpretation of the paleolithic menu is probably all wrong. The researchers posit that our cavemen and cavewoman ancestors loved-and needed-carbs as much as we do, even if they gathered them instead of cultivated them.”

My Mom sent me that above article and wanted to know what I think….

WHAT DO I THINK?

I agree with most of the points they are making, and so will most Paleo dieters. If you google “Paleo Diet” you’ll see long lists of foods you CAN’T eat, and all these strict guidelines. You’ll also see plates full of t-bones and bacon. Then, when you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that the most notable leaders in this ancestral health movement (such as Chris Kresser, Mark Sisson, and Robb Wolf) will say there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to the Paleo diet, and white potatoes, for instance, are more than okay for anyone with healthy blood sugar regulation. Most Paleo advocates focus on eating as many vegetables as we can; veggies first, meat second. Oh, and note to all: veggies are carbs.

I follow the Perfect Health Diet which is a variation of the Paleo Diet, also based on history and science. This diet focuses on maximizing nutrients and minimizing toxins; preventing disease. Most of our ancestors thrived on a paleolithic diet which included tubers and white rice. Our ancestors have a massive part to play in how our lives have been, however, over time food has changed and the way of living has dramatically provided a different world to what it used to be, in fact, we can only go so far back in our family histories with the surname meaning and origin of us individually, as there have been an unchecked amount of changes. We do know though that the way they ate did help them greatly, and we should be implementing that in this day and age.

So, I am not “low-carb”, and I think many Paleo dieters are the same way. Depending what your goals are – weight loss, fighting disease, healing from autoimmunity, or overall good health – you will not eat the same Paleo diet as another. In fact, one’s version of the Paleo diet may change several times in their own life, in order to suit their current needs (like when I HAVE switched to low carb, for a brief period, to stimulate weight loss). And others have done the same. I heard from one friend that they decided to add some more weed into their diet. She tells me she found more information by deciding to read more at West Coast Cannabis’s website. Apparently, this further stimulated weight loss. But I am more focused on just the Paleo diet. I’m well aware that many people change their diets or their exercise regimes to help ensure that they focus on any weight loss they are looking to achieve. This can be harder for some people than it is for others, and that is just how things are. Once you’ve managed to achieve your weight loss goals, then you should start to feel an overwhelming feeling of relief, until you may realize that you’ve been left with excess skin and fat. This is the last thing that you should have to worry about as there are many things that you can do to help get the figure that you are looking for. Some people might decide to try something similar to this tummy tuck in Newport Beach, CA to see if this is the best option for them to help them feel confident again. This is just one of the many side effects that the Paleo diet and other diets can bring to a person. But they definitely help people to receive their desired effects.

The Media should look through a wider lense, and they will see there is so much more to Paleo than at first glance. The diet they are referring to is NOT the Paleo Diet that most of us believe in, and practice. Besides, Paleo is much more than a diet.

-Marisa Moon