If you read my last article, you know I have hopped onto the CrossFit train, but all these extra Cheez-Its and midnight runs to Sonic have not left me in tip-top shape. CrossFit is hardcore, so I figured I may look toward a dreaded diet to help me out a little.
So what the heck is this diet? Well, it turns out it's the diet of the cavemen. Ha! Take that Nutrisystem. Is your diet created around the diet of the first hunters? (T-Rex and Woolly Mammoth meat are not included in this diet.)
Besides the cool backstory behind it, what is so good about the Paleo diet? Well, like most diets, it suggests to avoid processed foods and take in less sugar, which is very mainstream when it comes to most diets. The diet is low carb and high protein, which is great for working out and makes you feel fuller quicker. However, it means that you have to cut out all the good foods in life. It's going to be the hardest thing in the world to give up Olive Garden breadsticks.
On this diet, dairy is a no-go. I have no problems there because I avoid milk like it's the plague. Cheese, however, is a bigger issue. I coat everything in cheese, and any kind of cheese is cool with me. I’m not biased. On this diet, there have been cases, listed here, where people have a little bit of calcium deficiency. I definitely suggest breaking the diet for the sake of your health if this becomes an issue.
I don't know if this is a great diet in the long run. I’m not one to deprive myself of the things I hold most dear, like Cheez-Its. The diet is great if you want to lose a few quick pounds for the summer (Don’t we all? *sigh*). I’m not one to back down from a challenge so I’ll give this diet a whirl for a month, and hopefully, I'll see the benefits.
Paleo Diet Guidelines:
EAT:
• Grass-produced meats
• Fish/seafood
• Fresh fruits and veggies
• Eggs
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthful oils (Olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado, coconut)
DON’T EAT:
• Cereal grains
• Legumes (including peanuts)
• Dairy (Certain grass fed dairy products are okay)
• Refined sugar
• Potatoes
• Processed foods
• Salt
• Refined vegetable oils
