Paleo Dieting 101: A Beginner's Guide to the Caveman Diet

Curious about the paleo diet? Wondering why there's so much buzz around the "caveman diet"? You've come to the right place! Read all about the paleo diet, what it entails, what you can and can't eat on it, and so much more.

So, What is the Paleo Diet and How Does it Work?

By now, you’ve certainly heard of the “Stone Age Diet” or found yourself wondering, “what is the caveman diet?” Officially called the paleo diet, this way of eating is based on foods that our hunter-gatherer ancestors may have eaten during the Paleolithic era, a time that dates back 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago.

The idea behind the paleo diet is to focus on whole foods that were – and still are! – easily obtained in nature, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fish and lean meats, along with nuts and seeds. The theory is that these foods are more easily digested by our bodies and more nutrient dense. There are some significant Paleo health benefits, like an overall improvement in cardiovascular health, weight loss, and diabetes prevention. When you commit to a paleo lifestyle, you’ll have to say goodbye not only to processed foods like chips, baked goods, and candy, but also bid farewell to most dairy products.

Want to know more? Read on to find out why the paleo diet works and where to start.

Paleo History 101: Why the Caveman Diet Works

The basic principle behind the paleo diet is this: return to a way of eating that’s similar to what our early ancestors ate (and that’s why it is often called the “caveman diet”). Why? The theory is that modern farming drastically – and quickly – changed what humans ate. We went from fresh fruit and vegetables to a diet full of bread, legumes, and dairy. The human body is not meant to process these foods, especially in such large amounts, and this is why modern humans struggle with obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

By focusing on whole foods like our caveman ancestors, we can easily and effectively lose weight and improve our overall health.

Paleo Diet Food Lists: What Can You Eat on Paleo?

Let's Take a Look at an Example 1-Day Paleo Menu

As you can see, there are plenty of options! A paleo meal plan is easy to put together as long as you stay focused on fresh, seasonal options. Let's take a look:

Breakfast: 3-egg omelet with green peppers and mushrooms
Lunch: Broiled chicken atop a mix of romaine lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes, dressed with walnut oil and lemon juice
Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and a simple side salad
Dessert: Fresh strawberries
Snacks: Carrot sticks and a handful of almonds