By Katie Lewin
Paleo proponents think that when it comes to diet, our prehistoric ancestors had the right idea. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Eating like a hunter-gatherer means anything that can be picked and caught is (literally!) fair game. This includes meat, fish, nuts, berries and vegetables. But any source of nutrition brought about by modern agricultural advances aren’t allowed, so grains, legumes, and sometimes dairy products are no-gos.
The Theory: Paleo diet founder Loren Cordain, PhD, researched the basic guidelines of Neanderthal nibbles. Among them he lists “higher protein, fiber, potassium, and mineral intake, paired with lowered carbohydrate and sodium consumption,” on his official website. His theory relies on the idea that modern nutritional gains are far outweighed by the perils of processed foods.
Pros: A lot of the Paleo platitudes, like emphasis on vegetables and lean meat, have merit. And the diet’s promotion of grass-fed, pastured and ‘wild’ meat is not only healthy but also environmentally friendly. And the cutbacks on sugar and processed food are a nice plus.
Cons: Shunning modern agriculture is a double-edged sword. While processed foods are forbidden, so are healthy whole grains, legumes, and some fruits. And this fat-heavy diet might make more sense for a long day of hunting mammoths than it does for our comparatively sedentary lifestyles.
Bottom Line: Not a bread-loving carbaholic? This diet might be worth a try. And if there aren’t any woolly mammoths in the vicinity, at least hit the gym occasionally, to balance out your fat intake.
Published January 5, 2015.
Katie Lewin is a Bay Area-based health and lifestyle writer.
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