Welcome to the Centurion Training blog, today I wanted to write a little bit about the Paleo Diet and what it takes to be considered a caveman! This is not an exhaustive Paleo guideline but should give you some idea what you need to do.
The Paleolithic diet, also known as the Paleo, Caveman, Stone Age and Hunter-Gatherer diet, dates back over 2 million years. This was the only diet considered by humans and was popular because it was the only diet available to man! This is contrary to the plethora of diets we face in today’s fitness and nutrition environment.
It wasn’t until 10,000 years ago when the agricultural world began to boom that humans began to stray from this type of eating. It returned as a nutritional diet in the 1970’s when Walter Voegtlin, a gastroenterologist, brought it’s health values to our attention.
Human genetics haven’t changed much over the past 10,000 years. It has been noted that humans were much healthier before new age agriculture. It has been argued that humans who follow the Paleolithic diet are much healthier and are free to many of the ailments that non Paleo eaters suffer.
You may be thinking, what makes the Paleo diet healthier than others? I have explained some of the components that answer this question below;
1) All of the food consumed should be as fresh as possible and had to be available to our ancestors, so that KFC Twister your eyeing up does not count! Any refined or processed foods should not be consumed as they are full of chemicals, preservatives and other nasties which cavemen would not have eaten.
2) All meat should be from animals that are either hunted or grass fed. All meat consumed should also be lean cuts and free of additives and preservatives. Organic food is always preferable in all food choices.
3) Fish and seafood may be caught or purchased as long as they stick to the guidelines for the above foods.
4) Eggs should be gathered straight from the chicken or bought when fresh and are organic.
5) Fruits, vegetables, nuts and herbs should also be as organic as possible and are perfect when you pick them directly from the garden.
6) Dairy products were rarely eaten many years ago so foods such as milk, cheese and butter are not included in this diet.
7) Oils that are processed are also not a part of the Paleolithic diet. In place of processed oils the diet allows low omega-6 and omega-3 oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil and grapeseed oil. These oils are derived from plants making them a healthier choice for this diet.
8) The Paleo diet encourages the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables. Fruits should be organic, free from preservatives and additives.
9) Nuts and seeds are welcomed on this diet. Both were easy to obtain millions of years ago although not as we know them today. Hazelnuts, macadamia, pecans, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds and pine nuts can all be used to liven up any dish or be used as a snack. However peanuts, beans and chickpeas are not allowed.
10) Grains are not allowed. End of!
11) Refined salt and sugar are not allowed. Sea salt is allowed in moderate quantity and use raw sugar or raw honey instead of refined sugar or sweeteners.
12) Drinks such as Coke and Diet coke are not allowed as are fruit juices that contain sugar.
13) Tea and coffee should be substituted for root or herbal teas.
Energy levels are boosted when on the Paleo diet even though you are consuming low amounts of carbohydrates you consume more than enough calories from the increased protein. The energy gained from your food will also be sustained due to the slow digesting nature of any foods you consume rather than the energy rollercoaster you experience when over indulging in sugary foods.
I hope this has given you some insight into the Paleo diet and it’s benefits however before cracking on with the diet you should do some more research of your own and come to an informed decision and possibly consult your doctor if you have any health issues.
I highly recommend this diet and believe that it is perfect for most people and can result in phenomenal gains in the gym and an increased quality of life free from ailments.
If you would like to see some of the suggested food lists please visit our online store and click on the nutrition page. Alternatively if you have an questions or comments please post them below.
Once again stay healthy and train hard!
Josh Mullin – Master Trainer
Comments