Well, it's everything you see above!
But to be a little more specific it's a diet that our paleolithic ancestors (cavemen) consumed. A hunting and gathering lifestyle if you will. So whatever they could pick off of trees and bushes or catch in the wild, they ate. Our paleolithic ancestors were the healthiest, longest living ancestors throughout all of humanity. No heart disease, high blood pressure or autoimmune diseases and they were extremely fit. Here is what they ate:
But...what about bread? and rice???
Nope, none of that nonsense. The foods listed above are the essential food groups that you need to maintain your body's homeostasis, meaning regulation and stabilization of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, stress and the ability to fight off outside threats like viruses and bacteria.
Okay...That's fine and dandy. But why no bread and rice?
There is so much research looking at the composition of wheat and rice and the process it goes through in your digestive system, but I'll give you the gist of it.
-Grains are made of special proteins that are not able to be digested in the human body
-As they decompose they irritate the gut lining, causing inflammation, gas, indigestion and several gluten intolerace issues
-these proteins break down into sugars, and increase your insulin levels, basically giving you a sugar high when you eat them
-This also gives the same crash effect that sugar gives you, making you crave caffeine and fatty and sugary snacks throughout the day.
And if you don't believe me, here's a couple resources:
We have been raised to eat grains from day one, so of course it's going to be hard at first to eliminate and may even seem impossible. But once you have your mourning session, I PROMISE you will have no regrets.
But to be a little more specific it's a diet that our paleolithic ancestors (cavemen) consumed. A hunting and gathering lifestyle if you will. So whatever they could pick off of trees and bushes or catch in the wild, they ate. Our paleolithic ancestors were the healthiest, longest living ancestors throughout all of humanity. No heart disease, high blood pressure or autoimmune diseases and they were extremely fit. Here is what they ate:
- Meat
- Fish
- Fowl
- Eggs
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Nuts and seeds
But...what about bread? and rice???
Nope, none of that nonsense. The foods listed above are the essential food groups that you need to maintain your body's homeostasis, meaning regulation and stabilization of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, stress and the ability to fight off outside threats like viruses and bacteria.
Okay...That's fine and dandy. But why no bread and rice?
There is so much research looking at the composition of wheat and rice and the process it goes through in your digestive system, but I'll give you the gist of it.
-Grains are made of special proteins that are not able to be digested in the human body
-As they decompose they irritate the gut lining, causing inflammation, gas, indigestion and several gluten intolerace issues
-these proteins break down into sugars, and increase your insulin levels, basically giving you a sugar high when you eat them
-This also gives the same crash effect that sugar gives you, making you crave caffeine and fatty and sugary snacks throughout the day.
And if you don't believe me, here's a couple resources:
- http://nourishedkitchen.com/against-the-grain-10-reasons-to-give-up-grains/
- http://www.limitless365.com/2012/11/04/paleo-why-no-grains-dairy-and-legumes/
- http://seattletimes.com/html/living/2020448489_pacificpfit10a.html
- http://www.earth360.com/diet_paleodiet_balzer.html
We have been raised to eat grains from day one, so of course it's going to be hard at first to eliminate and may even seem impossible. But once you have your mourning session, I PROMISE you will have no regrets.
Okay are you done crying yet?...Good. Cause I have a little more bad news for you. No corn, no beans and no legumes.
So this means no:
Why?
Corn, beans and legumes contain a germ layer around them that work the same way gluten does. They cannot be digested by the body and contain inflammatory toxins called lectins that erode the gut lining giving you similar symptoms of eating grains.
http://www.paleoinfused.com/?p=1215
Until today I considered green beans, snap peas and green peas as non-paleo eats but as it turns out they're okay in moderation! They do contain some anti-nutrients but contain trace amounts of lectins and phytic acids. Just don't over do it!
You still with me? Okay good, cause I have a little more info for ya.
No dairy.
Dairy contains lactose and casein. You may have heard of lactose intolerance or intolerance to dairy products. Really, everyone is intolerant to dairy. Our bodies were not meant to consume dairy, and they can't.
Lactose can cause diarrhea, Irritable bowel syndrome and a leaky gut, as does gluten and legumes
Milk also contains hormones such as IGF, estrogen and other female hormones that can promote cancerous cell growth. Here is a link with more in depth information about the types of hormones associated with dairy.
WHHAAATTT???? No ice cream?? No yogurt?? No milk??? Torture right?
Relax.... There's alternatives!
You can find a substitute for every dairy product. Solution?
Almond milk and coconut milk
You can find everything from almond milk and coconut milk ice cream, yogurt, and even coconut cream to make whipped cream! And they taste oooooh so good :)
A couple of my favorites are the SO delicious coconut milk ice cream and the coconut bliss dark chocolate ice cream bars. Pure. Heaven.
Alright so now here's some info that you've heard before:
No refined sugar!
We all know sugar is bad for you, but here's just a few reasons why in case you don't know:
-makes you prone to cavities
-causes breakouts and acne
-spikes blood sugar
-causes cravings for more fatty and sugary foods
So stay away!
If you ABSOLUTELY need a little pick me up go for dark chocolate and try to find one with no dairy or soy. (Most chocolate contains soy lecithin as an emulsifier).
What about drinks?
Alcohol is not really paleo but hey everyone enjoys a drink after a long day right?
Here's the breakdown for ya
Yes- wine (preferably red), vodka, champagne, tequila, rum
All of these are gluten and wheat free
No- beer or whiskey (these are made from wheat and corn)
If you're a big beer drinker this may be hard to digest (no pun intended :p) but once you stop drinking it then reintroduce it again you'll notice a difference of how it makes you feel
Other paleo approved drinks- coconut water, kombucha (I'll explain what that is later) good ole regular water
Fruit juices are okay... but drink them sparingly. Most contain a lot of sugar, so make sure you are getting juice with no added sugars.
If you follow these rules I GUARANTEE you will feel better. Even if you eliminate one thing at a time, maybe eliminate breads one week, then milk, then rice, etc... You have to do what's best for you.
Well that's it. The Paleo Diet summed up by me. How are you feelin? Okay? I hope this has helped you understand what exactly paleo is and I hope you give it a try! That's my shpeal for you today! Happy Seahawk Sunday!
So this means no:
- yellow or white corn (includes popcorn)
- red beans
- pinto beans
- white beans
- black beans
- soybeans
- peanuts (yes peanuts are considered legumes)
- lentils
Why?
Corn, beans and legumes contain a germ layer around them that work the same way gluten does. They cannot be digested by the body and contain inflammatory toxins called lectins that erode the gut lining giving you similar symptoms of eating grains.
http://www.paleoinfused.com/?p=1215
Until today I considered green beans, snap peas and green peas as non-paleo eats but as it turns out they're okay in moderation! They do contain some anti-nutrients but contain trace amounts of lectins and phytic acids. Just don't over do it!
You still with me? Okay good, cause I have a little more info for ya.
No dairy.
Dairy contains lactose and casein. You may have heard of lactose intolerance or intolerance to dairy products. Really, everyone is intolerant to dairy. Our bodies were not meant to consume dairy, and they can't.
Lactose can cause diarrhea, Irritable bowel syndrome and a leaky gut, as does gluten and legumes
Milk also contains hormones such as IGF, estrogen and other female hormones that can promote cancerous cell growth. Here is a link with more in depth information about the types of hormones associated with dairy.
WHHAAATTT???? No ice cream?? No yogurt?? No milk??? Torture right?
Relax.... There's alternatives!
You can find a substitute for every dairy product. Solution?
Almond milk and coconut milk
You can find everything from almond milk and coconut milk ice cream, yogurt, and even coconut cream to make whipped cream! And they taste oooooh so good :)
A couple of my favorites are the SO delicious coconut milk ice cream and the coconut bliss dark chocolate ice cream bars. Pure. Heaven.
Alright so now here's some info that you've heard before:
No refined sugar!
We all know sugar is bad for you, but here's just a few reasons why in case you don't know:
-makes you prone to cavities
-causes breakouts and acne
-spikes blood sugar
-causes cravings for more fatty and sugary foods
So stay away!
If you ABSOLUTELY need a little pick me up go for dark chocolate and try to find one with no dairy or soy. (Most chocolate contains soy lecithin as an emulsifier).
What about drinks?
Alcohol is not really paleo but hey everyone enjoys a drink after a long day right?
Here's the breakdown for ya
Yes- wine (preferably red), vodka, champagne, tequila, rum
All of these are gluten and wheat free
No- beer or whiskey (these are made from wheat and corn)
If you're a big beer drinker this may be hard to digest (no pun intended :p) but once you stop drinking it then reintroduce it again you'll notice a difference of how it makes you feel
Other paleo approved drinks- coconut water, kombucha (I'll explain what that is later) good ole regular water
Fruit juices are okay... but drink them sparingly. Most contain a lot of sugar, so make sure you are getting juice with no added sugars.
If you follow these rules I GUARANTEE you will feel better. Even if you eliminate one thing at a time, maybe eliminate breads one week, then milk, then rice, etc... You have to do what's best for you.
Well that's it. The Paleo Diet summed up by me. How are you feelin? Okay? I hope this has helped you understand what exactly paleo is and I hope you give it a try! That's my shpeal for you today! Happy Seahawk Sunday!