PALEO – CUTTING THROUGH THE STIGMA

PALEO – CUTTING THROUGH THE STIGMA

Generally people get into Paleo for different reasons and experiences different results and changes to their bodies, mood and energy levels.  In spite of that, they all agree that eating the Paleo/Primal way makes you feel awesome. Following is a list of reported and known benefits (taken from multiple success stories, studies, books and articles).

You eat unprocessed, real food

Paleo and primal diets consist of real, whole foods – the exception is should you choose to buy some of the wonderful natural although bottled or packaged sauces, condiments or any of the other paleo based products available these days at many health food shops.  Consequently, you automatically eliminate a whole range of preservatives, hidden sugars, sodium, additives, colorings, artificial flavorings and other additives we are still to discover! As a result, you have the combined benefit of eliminating unnecessary toxins whilst consuming more nutrients.  The added bonus is once you start using real food you will find the food tastes so much better.

Paleo diet is rich in nutrients

One of the misconception about the Paleo diet is that it’s all about protein and fat. What many don’t realise is that by eliminating nutrient void processed carbs, also referred to as 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.

Sustained weight loss

Most people experience weight loss and muscle growth while eating a paleo diet and keeping an active lifestyle. Improved metabolic processes and gut health, better sleep, stress management, sufficient Vitamin D levels and a healthy ratio of Omega-3/6 fatty acids all aid in burning off stored body fat.

Reduced bloat (and gas)

Paleo diet provides lots of fibre, which together with adequate H2O intake and a smaller intake of sodium help to decrease the bloat many people experience on a Western diet. The Paleo diet helps to improve the gut flora which is essential in keeping a healthy digestion.

Say goodbye to Hangry

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. This allows the blood sugar levels to stay stable so you rarely experience energy drops; hunger develops gradually without the crazy mood swings.

It’s rich in healthy fats

The 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; and 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.

People following the Paleo/Primal diet experience many of the below benefits:

• Increased and more stable energy levels
• Improved sleep
• Clearer skin and healthier looking hair
• Mental clarity
• Improved mood and attitude providing benefits to 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 wellbeing
• 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

If you suffer from food allergies or other conditions that are triggered by your current dietary choices or food addictions, one of our Paleo Retreats may be ideal to help you reset your system. We can help you transition to a healthier diet and assist you to eliminate many of the common side effects of some of the known antagonistic food groups including wheat and dairy.