The paleo diet is a diet designed to resemble what our human ancestors ate thousands of years ago. This diet follows the dietary habits of people during the Paleolithic period, which is about 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. The purpose of this diet is to restore human eating habits like humans in ancient times.
Although it is impossible to know exactly what human ancestors ate in different parts of the world, researchers believe that their diet consisted of whole foods.
By following a whole-foods-based diet and leading a physically active life, ancient human ancestors may have had much lower rates of lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
What are the types of food for the paleo diet?
Here are the foods to avoid when on the paleo diet:
- Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup: Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, table sugar, candy, pastries, ice cream, and more.
- Grains: Includes bread and pasta, wheat, etc.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and more.
- Dairy products: Low-fat dairy products (some paleo versions do allow full-fat dairy products such as butter and cheese).
- Some vegetable oils: Soybean oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, grapeseed oil, etc.
- Trans fat: Found in margarine and various processed foods.
- Artificial sweeteners: Aspartame, sucralose, cyclamate, saccharin, acesulfame potassium.
Foods to eat on the paleo diet
- Meats such as beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, pork, etc.
- Fish and seafood, especially fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna.
- Fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, pears, avocados, strawberries, etc.
- Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, etc.
- Egg
- Oils from fruit and nuts, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or walnut oil.
The Paleo diet was created to follow the diet of human ancestors in the past. While there isn't one specific way to follow the paleo diet, the basic idea is to avoid processed foods and focus on healthy, whole foods.
Foods for the paleo diet include meat, fish, eggs, whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, along with healthy fats and oils. Avoid processed foods, grains, and sugar.
Get more articles about health and diet tips on the Fitie app. You can also ask questions directly to the doctor via chat. Book appointments easily from home, download Fitie now!