Why the Hype Around Paleo Foods and Weight Loss?
Article by Jamie Cole
Weight Loss and Paleo Diet Foods
For some, losing weight is a constant battle, however with the Paleo eating plan, weight loss happens naturally.
I think I can safely assume that the majority of us have attempted at least 5 – 6 different diets in the hope of the desired amount of weight loss in the minimum of time and even with the minimum of effort. Sadly most of us are still striving for that miracle diet. At this stage I think it would be good to note that weight loss and Paleo Diet foods is a ‘lifestyle’ rather than a weight loss diet. Changing one’s lifestyle to that of the Paleo diet foods will result in considerable natural weight loss and the added bonus of good health, increased vitality and a general feeling of well being.
The majority of diets require a severely restricted eating plan, calorie/kilojoule counting and some of them substitute one or two meals a day with a meal of diet powder food.
If look at the Paleo food list you will see that it consists of approximately 60-70% protein with an extensive variety of fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds making up the balance. You may have noticed that no grain or dairy products were mentioned- no this is not an error, it is a fact, as no grain or dairy products or processed products containing either is allowed. The Paleo food list is grain and dairy FREE.
Research shows that there were no obese, overweight cavemen suffering from diabetes, hypertension or the like. The reason for this being firstly they foraged and hunted for their foods and therefore exercised regularly and secondly the food was totally natural/organic and wild. Totally contaminant free. It therefore stands to reason that the Paleo foods available to the caveman were foods purposely ‘created’ by mother nature for the maximum functionality of the human body to ensure human sustainability.
Initially when you change over to the Paleo diet there will be a substantial weight loss. It is of course advisable to do regular exercise as that is part of a healthy lifestyle On the Paleo eating plan you can be assured that it will be fat and not muscle that you are losing.
So often we delve into a fad weight loss plan that promises substantial weight loss in the minimum of time and yes surprisingly the pounds will fall off BUT is it fat or is it muscle tissue? At the time it is all exciting to have dropped a size or two and you may think well weight loss is weight loss. Losing muscle is NOT what is you want to lose, it is excess fat that is needing to be targeted. We need the muscle tissue not only for strength and body function but to ensure a balanced metabolism.
Yes to a degree portion sizes and calories should be watched after all if the intention is to lose weight and you are going to over indulge in fatty foods even if they are on the Paleo food list you are not going to lose weight. You will also be required to trim the fat from meats and skin removed from poultry. It is only natural that there will be times between meals that you may feel hunger pangs – no problem at all in between meal snacks are allowed just be sensible about it and choose foods from the Paleo foods list. Paleo foods are digested and metabolized efficiently as these are the foods first designed for the human body and considering that we are genetically still 99.9% the same as our caveman ancestors they are surely the foods we should still be eating should we wish to function at optimum efficiency.
You will be surprised that once you are on Paleo foods your cravings for stodgy, starch, sweet and fatty foods will disappear and you will feel content as your eating habits and cravings are being controlled naturally.
It is an added advantage to source and purchase as much of your food as possible from organic and wild suppliers. Fresh, natural products is what you really need to concentrate on.
On the Paleo food diet there is adequate allowed foods and you will soon realise your regular recipes simply need some minor tweaking. There are also numerous Paleo food recipes available from breakfast through to barbecues, celebratory meals and even desserts
About the Author
As an example of what the Paleo diet foods and Paleo foods in general have to offer See our 10 free recipes as proof of this. If maintained weight loss is your ultimate goal then go to my website the Paleo Diets Cave for your free books and recipes. Happy dieting
