Before you start any new diet program, it helps to understand the diet’s pros and cons. The Paleo diet has many benefits, but it may not be for everyone.
Read on to learn some of the best reasons to follow the Paleo diet and some things that might make you think twice.
What is the Paleo Diet?
Before we look at the pros and cons, let’s take a quick look at what this diet plan is. The Paleo diet is named after Paleolithic man.
The idea is that our ancient ancestors ate a diet free from dairy, grains, and other processed foods and that is what is best for our bodies.
Foods eaten with the Paleo diet include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, honey, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. It does not include grains, dairy (although some choose to eat grass-fed cultured dairy), sugar, legumes, or any artificial ingredient.
Pro: Increased Fruits and Vegetables
When you follow the Paleo diet you’ll undoubtedly eat a higher number of fruits and vegetables. This will give your body many of the vitamins and minerals you need for good health as well as increase fiber intake.
This alone is a huge improvement over what the average person eats in this day and age. You’ll also be getting lots of healthy fats and protein to fuel your daily activities.
Pro: Chronic Disease Prevention and Reversal
For some diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, the Paleo diet is very effective. While you eat some carbohydrates on this diet, you’ll eat far less than a diet that includes grains and dairy. This is very beneficial for someone with insulin resistance and blood sugar issues.
The healthy fats and high fiber of this diet also make it wonderful for lowering cholesterol and improving heart health. You may be able to prevent problems or even reverse chronic disease with this plan.
Con: Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency
Because dairy is omitted from the Paleo diet, you may not get enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet. This is especially important for women who are at higher risk for osteoporosis. If you choose the Paleo diet you’ll need to make sure you get other sources of calcium and maybe even add a supplement.
Con: Emphasis on Good and Bad Foods
Any diet that completely eliminates foods can be hard to follow. When you get used to the idea that some foods are “good” and some foods are “bad” it can lead to unhealthy thinking about food. If you do choose the Paleo diet you may need to remember that it’s not necessary for you to be perfect.
