Health and Wellness With the Paleo Diet

  Alternative diets come and go, but the need to lose weight and maintain a healthy physique remains. The paleo diet, which stands for "paleolithic", is one long-term alternative that stands out among the flurry of fad diets. Composing of all the necessary food groups-from eggs, vegetables, fish, to meat-the paleo diet mimics the eating habits of our ancestors in the paleolithic age. The combination of these groups is high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates, limiting the body's intake to the animal food, fat, organs, fruits, eggs, etc. that our evolved physiology has developed.

  The paleo diet breaks away from the current food groups many consume today, such as legumes, sugar, dairy, and grain. Unfortunately our bodies have not evolved enough to adapt to these types of food, so we end up being more prone to diseases such as heart disease, obesity, osteoporosis, and hypertension. To avoid these conditions, the paleo diet follows a strict set of rules. Like any other diet, you must be disciplined enough to follow these. Unlike other fad diets, however, the rules are not as constricting and allow you to enjoy a variety of dishes.


  In terms of content, the meals you eat should generally be low in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and high in fat. However, you must limit the saturated fats consumed; only have lard or duck fat, and avoid butter and coconut oil. Fruits should be low to moderate servings, while vegetables should either be eaten raw or cooked. It is recommended to include vegetables such as sweet potatoes since they provide non-toxic carbohydrates. Do not use vegetable oils or hydrogenated oils such as peanut oil, canola oil, corn oil, margarines, or soybean oil. Sugar should also be removed from your intake, along with dairy products apart from butter.

  Unlike other diets, you can enjoy your food by picking from recipes published in a paleo recipe book. Paleo recipe books include a variety of delicious dishes, such as breakfast meals of omelet muffins, sausage stir-fry, and steak and eggs. There is no need to skip meals as the paleo diet requires you eat when you are hungry, so snacks such as paleo hummus, a green smoothie, and bacon wrapped dates can be made in your kitchen. For a full course meal, some paleo recipe books also include soups such as bison chili, gazpacho, and paleo beef stew.

  Other paleo recipe books also include a range of meaty dishes that cover beef, poultry, and other game meats. You definitely won't feel like you are on a diet as you bite into pork roast with Dijon glaze or have a few bun-less burgers in between breaks at work. Sides such as paleo pesto, roasted asparagus, basil spinach, and broccoli can complement these protein heavy dishes.

  Apart from appropriate weight loss and a better physique, the paleo diet also results in long-term health effects such as reduced allergies, better workouts, stable blood sugar, clear skin and teeth, and balanced energy. All these effects will definitely let you enjoy a long and healthy life.

  For more information on this amazing diet check out my Paleo Recipe Book Review. Also, check out my blog for information on other products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Baker