The paleo or paleo diet is very popular in other European countries, less so in Italy. Let's find out how it works and its potential benefits.
The paleo diet, also known as the "caveman diet," is a dietary approach that seeks to mimic the eating habits of our Paleolithic ancestors. This is a diet where you basically avoid processed/processed foods.
Proponents of the paleo diet argue that this eating pattern can lead to weight loss, improved energy and other health benefits. I have several concerns about weight loss, as in any diet, weight loss is achieved with a calorie restriction so also in this case, regardless of what you eat, count how many calories you consume and how many you take in.
The paleo diet is basically a diet high in protein, healthy fats, and whole foods, and low in refined carbohydrates and processed foods. This diet is therefore centered around consuming foods that were available to our ancestors before the development of modern agriculture and food processing.
Foods allowed on the paleo diet include: Meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and game Poultry, such as chicken, turkey, and duck Fish and seafood Eggs Vegetables, including leafy greens, root vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables Fruits, including including berries, melons and citrus fruits Nuts and seeds Healthy fats, such as coconut oil, olive oil and avocado oil
Foods that are excluded from the paleo diet include: Grains, including wheat, rice, and corn Legumes, such as beans, lentils, and peanuts Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt Processed foods, such as snack bars, cookies, and breakfast cereals Sugar and artificial sweeteners
Main Benefits of the Paleo Diet
Weight Loss : The paleo diet can lead to weight loss but in an indirect way. In fact, by eliminating many processed foods with a high calorie content and giving preference to proteins, in some cases weight loss is observed but the calorie deficit is always the one that really leads to weight loss
Improved gut health : The paleo diet can improve gut health, as it eliminates many ingredients that some associate with gut disorders such as gluten, dairy and legumes, and emphasizes high-fiber fruits and vegetables.
Reducing Inflammation : The paleo diet can help reduce inflammation in the body, as it eliminates many pro-inflammatory foods such as sugar, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates.
More Energy : Some people report improved energy levels when following the paleo diet, as it cuts out many high-carb, low-nutrient foods that can lead to blood sugar spikes (and subsequent crashes)
Potential disadvantages of the paleo diet
Limited Food Options : The paleo diet can be challenging for some people, as it cuts out many common foods like grains, legumes, and dairy.
High in animal protein : The paleo diet can be high in animal protein, which can be a concern for people with certain health conditions, such as kidney disease.
Nutritional deficiencies : The paleo diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not well planned, as it cuts off many sources of important nutrients such as calcium (from dairy products) and fiber (from grains and legumes).
Is the paleo diet right for you?
The paleo diet can be useful for improving the quality of the foods we eat every day , even without following it to the letter but simply by making small changes to what we eat every day, perhaps by replacing normal flours with unrefined ones, avoiding processed foods or limiting them and preferring natural, unrefined sweeteners.
As with any diet, it's important to speak to a healthcare professional before starting and to make sure it is appropriate for your individual needs and goals. Especially if there are previous illnesses.
