Determining if Paleo is Right for You

You've heard of it before. You've seen it's results. You've got a basic understanding of its over all benefit. Let's dig deeper to find out if Paleo is the right choice for you.

Determining if Paleo is Right for You

Society puts a lot of pressure on us in regards to what we should look like. While the images we see in the media can be difficult to attain, the truth is that we all have a fit body lying within. It just takes hard work and dedication to allow it to shine. With so many diets out there, however, it can be difficult to determine which will provide you the best chances of success. The Paleo diet offers a variety of benefits and is well worth considering.

What is the Paleo Diet?

Put simply, the Paleo diet consists of the types of foods presumed to have been consumed by early humans. Considering that a large percentage of modern diets are heavy in processed and refined foods, trans fats, and sugars, the Paleo diet is one of the healthiest ways to eat. That's because it delivers what the body needs to remain healthy and energetic. Among the foods that will be included for those wishing to pursue this fresh approach include:

Lean proteins which promote healthy bones, muscles and immune functioning

Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients

Healthy fats commonly found in olive oil, avocados, fish oil, and grass-fed animals

Just as you must know the types of foods you will be eating on the Paleo diet, it's equally important to know what to stay away from. Some of the common foods likely in your diet that you'll need to take measures to eliminate include:

Artificial foods that contain ingredients such as aspartame, calcium sorbate, potassium bromate, Monosodium glutamate, nitrates, sorbic acid, and artificial colors and sweeteners:

Soda

Partially hydrogenated oils

Fast food

Grains

Dairy

Legumes

Potatoes

It can be tricky to determine what foods to avoid the next time you go to the grocery store. A good rule of thumb is to avoid shopping down the aisles and stay on the outside perimeter as much as possible.

Health Benefits of Paleo Diet

Since you'll be consuming the foods you actually need, you can expect to take advantage of a variety of exciting benefits. Aside from burning off stored fats, you can also expect to benefit from:

Improved blood sugar levels

Increased energy during your workouts

Sufficient energy throughout the day

Reduced allergy symptoms

Clearer skin

Improved sleep

Reduced pain from autoimmunity

The Sacrifices

As with any diet, there will be certain things you'll need to give up when adopting the Paleo diet. For starters, social events are often all about food. From birthday parties to backyard get-togethers and more, you'll have to be disciplined. If this could prove too difficult, you may need to avoid these scenarios until you're further involved in the diet and more prepared to stick with it.

You will also have to make certain sacrifices when it comes to your pre-workout routine. Since you'll now be receiving the nutrition you need through your food, you'll need to make some changes when it comes to supplements. Instead of quickly receiving nutrients through shakes and vitamins, you'll need to adopt other ways to conveniently receive this type of nutrition. Some of the supplements you'll need to eliminate include:

Whey protein

Multivitamins

Omega-3

Probiotics

Vitamin D

Magnesium

Selenium

Iodine

Instead of supplements, consider preparing meals in bulk at the beginning of the week. You can freeze the leftovers and have them ready to go when you need a pick-me-up during the day. You can also consider taking nutritious fruits and vegetables with you to work. Many stores include the vitamin and nutrient content of fruits and vegetables, so you can ensure you get a wide range of beneficial content.

Downfalls of Paleo

There have been negative side effects reported when engaging in the Paleo diet. As mentioned, foods are lacking in certain nutrients today as a result of an increased exposure to toxins and destructive agricultural practices. Some other downfalls to be aware of include:

When supplements are not used, you could rob your body of certain essential nutrients.

The foods you must buy can be more expensive.

Certain people such as breastfeeding mothers need certain nutrients that may not be provided.

Everybody is unique, and it's a good idea to have your doctor monitor your Paleo diet to ensure it's working for you.

Success Rate

While there are downfalls, the fact remains that there are thousands of success stories when it comes to the consistent implementation of the Paleo diet. It has been estimated that approximately one million Americans are currently engaging in this type of eating style, and results have been widely positive. Aside from weight loss, active participants report that, overall, they feel better. Best of all, to offset the increased costs of Paleo foods, medical expenses have been reported to be lower once the diet is adopted.

Workout Tips

The tip to working out on the Paleo diet is to keep it at a slow pace. This typically involves keeping your heart rate below 80 percent of its maximum. Some examples of low-level cardio exercises you could consider include:

Brisk walking

Hiking

Canoeing

Bike riding

You could also incorporate lifting heavy weights or other objects. While cardio is a type of exercise that should typically be avoided on this type of diet, it's still recommended to engage in occasional sprints.

The Body You've Always Dreamed Of

While it takes work to maintain the Paleo diet, when successful, you can take advantage of many benefits far beyond aesthetic. While it can take some dedication in the beginning, many find it easy once they begin to make the changes in their diet and exercise. By understanding what's expected, you can be on your way to achieving the body you've always dreamed of.