If you’re overwhelmed by numerous diet plans and are looking for a simple, easy-to-follow set of rules to help improve your eating habits, then embracing the straight-forward principles found in the not-quite-paleo diet may be just what you need!
Based on seven rules formulated by investigative journalist and author, Michael Pollan, the not-quite-paleo diet incorporates many of the principles that paleo eaters use, without the strict regimen that many paleo advocates insist on. So without further ado, let’s delve into these seven guidelines!
1. Stick to food your grandparents would recognize
If your grandparents wouldn’t have known how or why to eat a particular food, it’s best to avoid it. This means steering clear of foods that come in tubes, glow in the dark, are sprayed from a can, or are concocted by food chemists.
2. Avoid foods with long and complex labels
When selecting items at the supermarket, take a moment to check the food label. If it contains more than five ingredients, or chemicals that you don’t recognize or have to look up, it’s best to put the item back on the shelf.
3. Shop the perimeter of the supermarket
To ensure you’re sticking to rule number one, focus on shopping the perimeter of the store where the real, whole foods – fruits, vegetables, and meats – are kept. Avoid the temptations lurking in the cereal, snack, and candy aisles by simply not going down them.
4. Choose foods with natural shelf lives
Opt for foods that will go bad in the foreseeable future as they are more likely to be fresh and less processed. While there are a few exceptions, such as honey, it’s generally best to steer clear of overly preserved foods that seem to last forever.
5. Don’t overeat during meals
Practice mindful eating by taking the time to really savor and enjoy each bite of your meal. If possible, stop eating before you feel completely full to avoid overeating and unnecessary discomfort.
6. Make mealtime a social occasion
Enjoy meals with friends and family whenever possible, engaging in conversation and savoring the food experience together. Keep distractions, such as smartphones or video screens, away from the dining table.
7. Avoid eating in the car
Although a significant portion of our food is consumed in automobiles, Michael Pollan advises against buying food at gas stations or eating meals while in the car. Instead, find a more pleasant location away from asphalt to enjoy your meal.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into Pollan’s nutritional findings, you can explore 64 additional rules he offers for a better diet. However, it’s worth remembering his final rule: Don’t forget to break the rules once in a while! Life is too short to miss out on the occasional indulgence, and the key to long-term healthy eating success is moderation and balance.
