The Paleo Diet has taken over the world of healthy eating, and it’s no wonder why. With its promise of a natural and balanced nutrition plan streaked with the kind of meals our ancestors would have enjoyed, the Paleo Diet is a safe and sustainable way to get your body back in shape. Join us as we explore the wonders of ancient eating habits and discover how the modern-day Paleo Diet can help you gain amazing health benefits.
1. Unlocking the Power of the Paleo Diet
The paleo diet is quickly becoming one of the healthiest ways to eat. That’s because it focuses on real, whole foods and avoids processed and factory-farmed ingredients. And it could be just the health switch you need.
- 1. Start With Whole Foods: The paleo diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods including meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. All of these foods are naturally high in vitamins and minerals without artificial ingredients.
- 2. Avoid Factory-Farmed Foods: The paleo diet avoids processed foods, as well as factory-farmed animal products such as beef, pork, chicken, and dairy. These foods can be high in unhealthy saturated fats and contain hormones and antibiotics that are not healthy for the body.
- 3. Eat Well-Balanced Meals: Eating Paleo means focusing on balanced meals that combine high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates. A good meal might be grass-fed steak served with a side of steamed vegetables and a small serving of quinoa.
- 4. Include Healthy Fats: Healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and walnut oil should be included in the paleo diet. These fats can help the body absorb vitamins and minerals, while also providing energy and improving digestion.
- 5. Don’t Overindulge: Even though the paleo diet focuses on high-quality ingredients, it’s important to practice moderation and avoid overindulging. Healthy fats should only be consumed in moderation, while processed carbohydrates and sugar should be avoided altogether.
The paleo diet is a great option for individuals who want to improve their overall health and wellbeing without having to follow a strict dietary regimen. By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and avoiding processed foods and factory-farmed animal products, you can unlock the power of the paleo diet and really do your body a favor.
2. A Peek Into Our Paleolithic Roots
The Paleolithic period is a time in human history where our species first transitioned from relying entirely on hunting and gathering of food to the more structured, organized society we know today. Taking a closer look into our Paleolithic roots and the way humanity lived during this time, tells us a lot about our evolution and development as a species.
Nutrition
The Paleolithic diet was mainly based on game meat, like that of wild boar, deer, rabbits, and even scavenged donkey and horse meat as seen from archaeological evidence. They also relied on small insects and wild plants for nutrition like Alliums, Thistles, Groundnuts, and Mallows. Nuts such as hazelnuts, chestnuts, and pine cones, as well as acorns and walnuts were plentiful sources of food during this time.
Living Arrangements
Groups of hunter-gatherers tended to be nomadic, following the grazing and hunting opportunities of the seasonal pattern, although it’s possible that some chose to establish short-term living arrangements in certain areas. Tools and weapons were made out of stone, bone, antler, and wood, and included larger weapons such as axes, harpoons, and spears.
Cultural Customs
- Belief systems and spiritual rituals
- Symbolic expression through art, such as painting and engraving
- The use of fire for cooking, as well as for keeping warm
- Organization of group activities, such as rituals and feasts
Overall, the Paleolithic period was an incredibly productive time for humans, and it was during this period that we established many behaviors, habits and customs that still hold true today. From our diet to our art and living arrangements, it’s clear that modern Homo sapiens have a large debt to pay to our Paleolithic ancestors.
3. Harnessing the Nutritional Benefits of Ancient Eating
It’s no surprise that ancient methods of eating hold much nutritional value: after all, humans have depended on our ancestors’ diets for centuries, and in many cases, if not for their smart eating habits, we wouldn’t have made it as far as we have today. Whether you’re looking to make the switch to Paleo or just adding a few meals with dietary research from the past into your routine, here are three great ways to use ancient eating principles in your nutrition plan.
- Incorporate Superfoods – Ancient societies knew all about the power of superfoods like blueberries, goji berries, tumeric, and kale. These nutrient-packed produce items offer up a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Make sure to consider adding these ancient superfoods into your diet for the best possible nutrition.
- Eat Fermented Foods – While it may not seem like it, fermented foods – such as kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, and yogurt – were heavily used in traditional diets centuries ago. This type of “pre-digested” food improves your body’s ability to absorb crucial vitamins and minerals from other foods you consume.
- Include Whole Grains and Starches – Ancient grains and starches like quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat were incredibly popular long before the invention of gluten. These plant-based and highly nutritious grains are a great source of fiber, iron, calcium, and more.
You don’t have to go whole-hog into a Paleo diet to enjoy the power of ancient food sources. Combining principles and dishes from traditional diets of the past with modern-day meals can go a long way in helping you get the essential nutrients and fiber your body needs. For example, consider adding a 16-ounce portion of ancient grains or starchy vegetables like potatoes, turnips, and squash to each meal to more comprehensively fuel your body.
Remember, adding ancient cuisine into your diet doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite modern staples. Just be sure that you’re focusing on whole foods rather than processed, and also include a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats into your diet.
By taking the time to incorporate principles from our ancestors’ eating habits, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible nutrition for your body. Whether you’re switching to a completely Paleo lifestyle or simply spicing up your daily meals, take advantage of the nutritional benefits of ancient eating!
4. Modernizing the Paleo Diet for Maximum Health
The Paleo diet is a popular diet today that tries to mimic the types of food eaten by our hunter-gatherer ancestors. But just because our ancestors ate a certain way doesn’t mean that their diet is the healthiest option for us today. With some modern tweaks, the Paleo diet can be even healthier and more beneficial for us.
Focus on Quality
Instead of simply trying to eat what our ancestors ate, the modernized Paleo diet should prioritize the quality of food and how it was prepared. Look for organic and locally sourced foods that come from sustainable sources, whenever possible. Opt for grass-fed and pastured meats. Make sure to consume clean, healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil.
Go Veggie
Our ancestors didn’t have access to many vegetables, so adding them to your diet is key for modernizers of the Paleo diet. Leafy greens are full of antioxidants, and cruciferous vegetables are full of fiber and vitamins. A big part of the modern Paleo diet should be to add more vegetables to your plate.
Alcohol in Moderation
Alcohol wasn’t a huge part of primitive life, and so it shouldn’t be an integral part of today’s version of the Paleo diet. That said, the occasional glass of wine for relaxation and to accompany dinner can be enjoyed in moderation.
Make it Sustainable
A key element of the modernized Paleo diet is to make sure you’re working towards a sustainable lifestyle rather than trying to stick to rigid rules. Balance is important when it comes to eating an ancestral-inspired diet, and focusing on alternatives like grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish will help you reach a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. Achieving sustainability includes careful consideration of your food’s environmental impact and how it’s produced.
Include Variety
Finally, the modernized Paleo diet should aim to include some variety in your meals. Try to explore new recipes and ingredients, using a mix of herbs and spices to add flavor. Replace traditional grains with grain-free alternatives, such as almond and coconut flour. Make sure that your modernized diet includes a mix of whole unprocessed foods.
For millennia, our ancient ancestors have perfected the Paleo diet to ensure a steady stream of nutrition for a healthy, active life. Today, with The Paleo Diet: Ancient Eating for Modern Health, you can rework the wisdom of the past and enjoy all the benefits of living a Paleo lifestyle. Try it, and let us know how it works for you!
