Should We Eat Like Our Caveman Ancestors?

The Paleo diet, popularly known as the caveman diet, has exploded in popularity. It advises eating like our Paleolithic hunter-gatherer forebears, 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. This includes avoiding grains, legumes (beans, lentils), dairy, processed foods, and refined sugar, and a menu heavy in lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

But is this a trend with an unreal and maybe unhealthy twist, or a formula for ideal health?

The Paleogram: Not Quite Explicit

Paleolithic theory holds that our genes have not caught up with our modern, processed meals. Proponents contend that our bodies are suited for the kinds of food our predecessors ate and that our dietary change results in chronic illnesses, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

This is true in some measure. Paleo stresses entire, unprocessed foods, and this is usually wise guidance. It also promotes more vegetables, something many people battle with.

Painting a one-sided picture of the Paleolithic diet, though, is dishonest. The food choices of our forebears were somewhat erratic depending on the season and place. They might have had lean times with little meat or vegetables after periods of plenty with lots of berries and fruits.

Archaeological data also points to early humans eating certain grains and tubers, thereby contradicting the rigorous no-grain theory of Paleo.

Modern Problems for a Stone Age Diet

Reversing a true Paleolithic diet in the modern environment is difficult. A basic need for our forefathers, wild game is sometimes rare and costly. Meat that we eat now is quite different from what early people hunted. Unlike the leaner wild game our ancestors would have obtained, our domesticated animals are grown for fat content.

Paleo also removes whole food groups that might be helpful. While dairy gives important calcium and vitamin D, legumes are a fantastic source of protein and fiber. Eliminating these groups without careful thought might cause nutritional deficits.

Beyond Paleo: Searching for a Harmonious Plate

Although the details of Paleo might be impractical, many dietary recommendations share the basic lesson of stressing complete, unadulterated foods. These are some lessons to give thought:

• Give fruits, veggies, and lean protein first priority since they offer vital minerals, vitamins, and fiber for best health.
• Limit processed foods, sugary beverages, and unhealthy fats; these raise the risk of chronic disease.
• Though portion control is important, consider healthful whole grains and legumes for their great fiber and nutritious value.
• One can have a good diet including dairy: Select low-fat or fat-free products and savor them sparingly.

The Balance Point

The best strategy is customized; there is no magic bullet diet. The Paleo diet emphasizes the need to focus on full, unprocessed meals, even if it might not be a perfect pattern for contemporary people. See a certified dietician, pay attention to your body, and design a sensible, balanced eating plan fit for you.