Can the paleo diet help me lose weight?
The paleo diet guidelines
The paleo diet is designed to mimic the diet of our early human ancestors who lived in the Paleolithic era thousands of years ago. The diet involves limiting or eliminating foods that were not available to those hunter-gatherers, including grains, legumes, sugar, and dairy products. The paleo diet focuses on whole foods such as fish, poultry, seasonal vegetables and fruits, nuts, and seeds.
While it may seem daunting to say goodbye forever to milk and cheese as well as cakes, cookies, and pasta, there are plenty of absolutely delicious paleo recipes out there. Plus, paleo is meant to be a long term solution, so feel free to adjust it as you see fit. If, for example, you’re vegan, you may want or need to add quinoa or beans to your diet to get much needed protein. If you can’t live without dairy, choose grass-fed, organic options, and limit your intake to a few times a week rather than every day. Be patient, listen to your body, and give the process time.
How the paleo diet helps you lose weight and keep it off
By restricting or dropping certain “junk” foods and eating instead nutrient-rich whole foods, you are sure to lose weight, and there are studies to prove it. But what’s important to remember is this: the paleo diet is meant to guide you through your entire life. This way of eating is maintainable, meaning you can lose weight and keep it off. As with most diets, you will see the most change in the beginning due to an overall reduction in calories and omitting foods that cause water retention and inflammation. However, it is important to note that exercise is a key component to any healthy lifestyle and long term weight loss. Combining paleo with exercise is a surefire way to get and stay healthy.
