The most important paleo diet information you ever need to know is foods containing preservatives are vetoed. This diet of many names - hunter-gatherer, stone age, caveman, paleo centers on foods that were eaten in the Paleolithic era. In essence, the modern dieter models the caveman's diet, as closely as possible.
Researchers have long sought answers to questions about typical paleolithic menus, by intensive studies of paintings found in caves, fossilized food remains, cooking artifacts and hunting implements. They have also analyzed bones and teeth of early humans. It is conservatively estimated that cavemen ate about three times more fruits and vegetables and much more meat and fish than modern people. Our ancestors ate more greens and fewer grains than we do today.
Paleo diet information was conceived, based on the theory that humans would be freer of disease, by eating in the manner our bodies were designed to eat, prior to the beginning of agriculture.
Caveman Food
It is reasonable to suspect that our cavemen ancestors lived with a constant fear of where their next meal would come from. The only sustenance available was wild animals, fish and whatever edible weeds or berries they could forage.
It's not reasonable to expect modern people to eat precisely as people did in the paleolithic era without starting the diet by first making small changes to their eating habits in order to adjust to the new regimen.
When possible, eating wild meat, such as deer, alligator or bear is suggested. The second best alternative is to seek "free range" meat. When cattle, buffalo or chickens are allowed to roam and eat from nature's bounty, their richer meat contains valuable omega 3 fatty acids.
Using soup stock starter made from bones is a good choice. Stock is high in protein and minerals. Salads are on the acceptable food list also.
Tuna, salmon, trout and shellfish should be eaten frequently. Fruits such as avocado, bananas, figs or plums may be consumed in abundance. Vegetables are highly encouraged, as are nuts, with exception to peanuts, which are categorized legumes. Some recommended oils are olive, coconut and flaxseed.
Modern Foods to Eliminate
Up to this point, the steak-and-potato eater is happy. However, potatoes aren't allowed on the plan. In fact, all starchy foods are a definite "no-no."
Dairy foods in the form of butter, cheese, cottage cheese, milk and so on are forbidden. Grains must be eliminated - no cereals, oats, rice or barley - including white flour. Forget that comfort food, all-day beans, as all legumes must be eliminated. Chocolate lovers please note that the only permissible sweet is honey.
Water is the liquid mainstay. Coconut water may be consumed sparingly. No sodas, no diet or carbonated drinks allowed. Fresh herbs may be used as seasoning agents, but no salt is allowed.
Paleo Diet Information
The above overview should help you make an informed decision about whether or not the paleolithic way fits your needs and lifestyle. Proponents of the plan believe it a good lifetime way of eating to sustain healthy weight and fight disease.
The focus is on foods, which are considered comparative quality, to those consumed by the caveman. It is believed that our bodies do not correctly absorb whole grains, legumes or dairy.
Experienced people on the diet have observed such mild symptoms of headaches and fatigue in the beginning, but contend they resolve quickly in a couple of days.
