Weight Loss News

Lose weight with a Caveman nutrition plan!

Sound absurd? Well, followers of the Paleolithic weight loss plan would think you were absurd if you thought otherwise.

First popularized by nutritionist Loren Cordain in 2006, the Paleolithic diet is a nutrition program to lose weight that is based on the premise that all Western ailments (like acne, high cholesterol and obesity) are directly related to the modern food we eat. In his book, “The Paleo Diet,” Cordain argues that prior to the first Agricultural Revolution, the human race was not only healthier, but also physically fit.

Although our ancestors had to hunt and forage most of the time, Cordain maintains that the human body has not evolutionarily adapted to the highly-processed foods we currently consume. He believes that the best weight loss plan is one that focuses on caveman, unprocessed food. Now, before you start thinking the nutrition program will require you to munch on twigs and berries all day, the ancient weight loss plan has a rather broad list of approved Paleo foods.

So, what can you eat on the Paleo diet?

The foods you can eat on the Paleo diet include:

• Fresh vegetables
• Fresh fruits
• Nuts
• Chicken, turkey, fish and most other meats (preferably grass-fed)
• Healthy fats (flaxseed, coconut, and olive oil)

Foods to avoid on the Paleo diet are:

• All dairy products
• All sweets (sugar, baked goods, candy, ect)
• Cereal grains (like whole wheat, pasta, and rice)
• Legumes (such as beans, lentils, peas, cashews and peanuts)
• Starchy tubers (like potatoes)
• Fatty, canned meats/fish

While sweets and highly refined sugar are typically not recommended on any nutrition plan, you may be wondering why grains, legumes and starchy tubers are not allowed on the Paleo diet.

In short, the high concentrations of lectins (sugar-binding proteins) found in these foods can send your digestive and immune system into a tailspin when the food is not cooked properly. This, Cordain argues, ultimately results in weight gain and is one of the main reasons obesity exists.

Are there any Paleo diet success stories?

Paleo diet success stories of weight loss can be found in many forums and websites. Many claim that it has cured their acne, improved their work outs and helped them lose weight.

Although we haven’t seen much of her in the tabloids lately, 24-year-old actress Megan Fox was reported to have started the Paleo diet to get in shape for the 2008 blockbuster Transformers. Though Fox had a personal trainer and has a naturally petite figure, her success on the diet is the main reason she is still an avid follower. Megan Fox avoids grains and fuels her workout with eggs, healthy fats, fresh vegetables and fruits instead.

Does the Paleo diet work?

While the Paleo diet, along with exercise, worked for Megan Fox, it is important to understand that diets are not one-size-fits all. What may work wonders for one person, may not be feasible for others.

When starting any nutrition program, it is important to consult with a nutritionist or doctor first. Eliminating major food groups, like grains and starchy vegetables, from your diet could prove detrimental to both your waistline and your health. A diet that balances all food groups, coupled with exercise, is a much healthier option when trying to lose weight.