I haven’t had the Paleo diet all my life, but I started just recently about two years ago. My mom found out that she had gluten and lactose allergies years before, so she ate healthily but didn’t force my brothers and I to join. Two years ago, my parents did some research on the food that we have been eating and they found out how much preservatives and sugars and unnecessary products were used in the food we buy in stores. Soon after their research, they started to buy less processed foods and more organic and fresh foods and they began to cook from a Paleo cookbook. For those who do not know much about this diet, it is a diet that consists of eating only lean meat and no red meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, and no glutenous grains such as wheat and barley. Paleo dieters may even include the lactose-free side of the diet which means no dairy products such as milk and cheese. The dieters also consume more fiber, protein, unsaturated fat, more vitamins and minerals, and less saturated fat and sodium. Paleo dieters also eat all organic foods that have fewer pesticides used in the growing process, foods that are GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) - free, and the animals that are used for meat are not given growth hormones, given antibiotics, and are not fed animal byproducts.

Before I started this diet, I struggled with mild acne and oily skin and I was very self-conscious of it. I always tried using makeup to cover it up, but it only made my skin break out even more. When I decided to eat healthier, my skin started to clear up and I no longer struggle with mild acne. The organic food really helped my body out with balancing vitamins and minerals and the food that causes an allergic reaction may even lead on to acne. This clean diet also helps with the fluctuation of hormones that is affected by synthetic hormones and pesticides. I not only stopped eating greasy and fatty food, but I also started to use organic makeup products that really helped out with clearing my skin WHILE being able to wear makeup.

Because I started eating more nutritional foods, I started to become more energized. I ate more fruits and vegetables as snacks in place of the fatty, salty chips and artificial fruit snacks because organic food holds more nutritious value rather than the modified sugars and preservatives in the unhealthy snacks. I also started to eat lighter meals more frequently and more vegetables with my meals while I had less foods that are high in carbs and calories. I also cut out all sodas and artificial fruit juice and I began to drink 2 liters of water a day and more 100% fruit juice and smoothies. Because of this change, my body is now well fueled with better food and my body runs efficiently.

Eating healthy changes the way you think and that is a huge affect. I like having a clear, balanced mind because I am able to function and work harder than I would with a clouded mind. I am more aware of what I am doing and more “awake” mentally. Having this clean diet and exercising regularly helps with positivity and moods. Having a clear mind helps with your daily performance and it exudes positive energy when you are around others throughout your day.

This diet helped me stay healthier in the sense that I do not get sick, close to never. I do get the sniffles here and there, but having a healthy body that is well-maintained with exercise and a clean diet helps prevent illnesses. Not only does this diet prevent minor illnesses, but it also helps with heart diseases and obesity.

Because of today’s U.S. diet, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases have dramatically increased over the past 50 years. The perks of having a Paleo diet is that it would not increase your risk of having those deadly diseases if they are not hereditary. Also, in processed foods, there are artificial sugars, called free sugars, that cause tooth decay and organ diseases. Research shows that Omega-3 fats that are found in nuts, seeds, and avocados reduces obesity, cancer, and even cognitive and celiac diseases. Another great source of Omega-3 fats is salmon, which is an acceptable form of protein.

Eating a clean diet such as Paleo is very good for your mind and body. This change is major in ones life, which means it is also a lifestyle. It is a healthier way of eating and a healthier way of living.