We all know that the food we see today isn’t the same as it was 10,000 years ago, during the paleolithic era. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t adopt a paleo diet in our modern times. The aim of the paleo diet is to recreate the health benefits of eating real, natural food our bodies were designed to consume.
Adjusting Your Diet
To adjust your diet for the paleo lifestyle, start by focusing on eating more organic fruits, vegetables, pasture-raised meat, wild-caught fish, seeds, and nuts. The reason behind this is that these foods are the closest to their original natural state and are therefore the most beneficial and easy for our bodies to process.
By avoiding processed snacks and fast-food options, you’ll be able to maintain a more natural diet, even if it’s not 100% identical to what our ancestors ate. You’ll soon notice the health benefits of consuming these whole foods.
Health Benefits of the Paleo Diet
Despite some skepticism from dietitians, many people are surprised by the positive changes they experience after starting the paleo diet. Benefits can include weight loss, increased energy levels, and overall greater satisfaction with meals.
The reason for these benefits is simple: the standard American diet is far removed from what our bodies were meant to consume. Most people eat a diet heavy in sugar, unhealthy fats, and empty calories, which can lead to a variety of health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
By making the switch to a more natural and nutritious paleo lifestyle, you’re providing your body with the nutrients it needs while cutting out the harmful components of a processed diet.
Paleo Food in Today’s World
It’s true that even organic, natural foods available today aren’t identical to the foods our ancestors ate, but that shouldn’t deter you from incorporating them into a paleo diet. The focus should be on providing your body with the nutrients it was designed to use effectively, and fruits and vegetables grown today are often very close to their ancient counterparts.
If you’re worried about genetically modified fruits and vegetables or pesticides, look for organic options grown as close to their natural state as possible. These options will be much better for your body than any heavily processed food products.
Make the Change to Real Food
The important thing to remember is that the paleo diet isn’t meant to be an exact recreation of the meals our ancestors ate but rather serves as a guideline for healthier eating. Aiming to consume real, natural foods is the first step to living a more nutritious and beneficial lifestyle.
By embracing the paleo diet, you’ll improve both your health and your understanding of how your body processes food. Rather than getting caught up in whether a particular food is exactly like its ancient counterpart, focus on choosing the best options available to you today.
As you adapt to the lifestyle, remember to keep an open mind and give your body time to adjust to the new nutritious foods you’re consuming. Very soon, you’ll notice the difference in how you feel, and you’ll be able to enjoy the health benefits of the paleo diet.
