The Ultimate Guide: All About Paleo, The Cavewoman's Diet Part 1
What is Paleo and why it might be what your body needs
I’m sure you’ve heard the term “Paleo” by now. Most people have heard of it, but many are not quite sure what it is. I’m here to tell you all about Paleo and why it is hands-down the ultimate way to eat and to live. Before I go any further, remember there is no one size fits all, PERFECT way to eat, workout etc. for everyone. You have to be your own detective and figure out exactly what works for you and what doesn’t; that is the key to optimal health, for YOU! So many, myself included, suffer from a whole host of food allergies and sensitivities that make certain parts of some plans difficult to follow. So make sure you adapt any nutrition plan to best fit you, and what your body needs!! Now, what the heck is Paleo?
To explain – picture yourself as a cavewoman millions of years ago. There was no such thing as cooking, let alone electricity to do it. So what would you eat? The answer is: anything that you can find.
Cavemen and women ate anything they could find in an effort to survive: fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and greens made up the majority of their diet. Eating certainly wasn’t a hobby such as what it has been made into today, but a means for survival – a means to nourish the body and thank it for all it does. I now you’ve heard the saying “Eat to live, don’t live to eat”. This, to me, sums up how we should approach every day!
Now, I’m totally not saying you can’t indulge from this day forward as long as you live; I don’t even think that is possible! But, once you are in tune with what your body needs and how it reacts to certain foods, you will be more aware more than ever of what foods actually do to your body. For instance, if you know you are going to a holiday party this weekend, stick to your guns all week long in the kitchen and gym, prepare your body so that when you do have that extra treat at the party your not sabotaging all your efforts up to this point.
You’re probably thinking – That’s a great history lesson you’re teaching, but what does that have to do with me? My answer is: It has a lot to do with you, especially if you’re looking for a way to eat healthier, get happier and live longer.
You can do a Google search for Paleo studies in your spare time and learn about the massive effects a Paleo lifestyle has on a person’s health, but I’ll give you the rundown: it kills depression, slows down or prevents diseases and autoimmune disorders, gives you a boatload of natural energy and provides your body with every nutrient it needs. And that’s not even all.
As a matter of fact, Paleo is so popular these days that millions of people follow it as a lifestyle, including Hollywood stars Jessica Biel and Megan Fox. But why?
Before I get into the benefits in part 2, let’s state the hard, cold reality of Paleo – there are NO grains allowed, NO sugar allowed, NO processed foods allowed and for the most part, NO dairy allowed.
Wait, what did she just say?
Yep, you heard it right. Your favorite grains – cereal, rice, oatmeal, crackers, quinoa, bread, pasta…oh for the love of pasta, etc., etc. – aren’t typically in a Paleo lifestyle, and there’s a very good reason for it. Neither are your sugary treats (yes, go ahead and put away those last lingering pieces of Halloween candy), prepackaged meats or yogurt.
Before you ditch this 3 part article series altogether and tell yourself there’s no way you can do that, listen up. Trust me, your health is in jeopardy if you don’t. Stay tuned, part 2 explains why the typical Paleo lifestyle excludes your favorite grains, sugar, processed foods and most dairy – this is going to be good!!
Have more specific questions or need advice on your health? Contact me at SandAWellnessDuo@gmail.com
