WHY Do I Want to Eat Paleo?!

So, this is the section where I try to convince you to give Paleo diet and lifestyle a real go. Everyone gets into Paleo for different reasons and experiences different results and changes in their bodies, mood and energy levels. But pretty much everyone agrees that eating Paleo way makes you feel pretty damn awesome. Let’s go through a list of reported and known benefits.

-You’re eating REAL food.  Nothing processed.  No chemicals.  No preservatives. No GARBAGE.  When you do this, it allows your body to release all those toxins that have been building up in your system, probably for YEARS.  When you stop eating chemicals and start eating real food, you will be AMAZED at how good real food actually tastes!

-One of the misconception about the Paleo diet is that it’s all about protein and fat. What many don’t realize is that by eliminating nutrient-void processed carbs – I call them fillers – we supplement with loads of vegetables, healthy fats, nuts, seeds, berries and fruit, all of which are full of minerals and vitamins. Combine that with the improved gut health and increased nutrient absorption which happens through avoidance of irritating grains and legumes, and you get a very balanced diet. You’d be surprised that we can get pretty much all required nutrients from animal, seafood and plant based foods.

-Most people experience weight loss and muscle growth while eating Paleo.  Like we discussed WAY back on day 1, this is because the body is MEANT to get its fuel from fat, not carbohydrates.  And eating healthy sources of protein helps muscles to recover and grow when combined with a workout program.  

-Paleo diet provides lots of fiber, which together with adequate H2O intake and a smaller intake of sodium help to decrease the bloat many people experience on a Western diet. Plus, paleo diet helps to improve the gut flora which is essential in keeping a healthy digestion.  It also eliminates inflammatory foods that the body isn’t meant to digest such as dairy, grains, and legumes.

-Hangry is a combination of hungry+angry, which is a common symptom for many people suffering from acute or chronic hyperglycemia.  This also happens when the blood sugar drops and the person gets a rapid onset of hunger accompanied by irritability, fatigue, disorientation, and a foggy mind. Meals consisting of protein and fat are very satiating. The energy your body gets from fat, protein and some glucose from low GI carbs is released slowly and evenly throughout the day. As a result, the blood sugar levels stay stable and you rarely experience energy drops; hunger develops gradually without the crazy mood swings.

-Paleo diet promotes healthy saturated fat from grass fed meat, poultry, seafood, ghee, butter and coconuts; lots of monounsaturated fat from olive oil, nuts and seeds and a small amount of polyunsaturated fats; no trans fats; a healthy ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids.  The right types of fat are essential in maintaining healthy arteries, brain function, healthy skin, as well as decreasing systemic inflammation.

Many people report great improvement in the following:

Increased and more stable energy levels

Improved sleep

Clearer skin and healthier looking hair

Mental clarity

Improved mood and attitude

Improvements in those suffering depression or anxieties

Less or no bloating, decreased gas

Sustained weight loss

Muscle growth; increased fitness

Lowered risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer

Higher immune function and a general feeling of well being

Improved glucose tolerance; decreased insulin secretion and increased insulin sensitivity

Improved lipid profiles

Healthier gut flora

Better absorption of nutrients from food

Reduced allergies

Paleo diet is anti-inflammatory, most people experience reduction of pain associated with inflammation

Improvements in those with respiratory problems such as asthma

Do you see any conditions on that list that you suffer from and would be happy to get rid of?