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Lose the Paunch with Paleo Nutrition

The term, Paleo nutrition, refers to a diet that seeks to imitate the primal eating habits of our Paleolithic ancestors. This ancestral concept of nutrition and lifestyle requires that people eat common foods that our Paleolithic ancestors might have hunted and gathered. Proponents of the program feel that the human body metabolizes natural, unprocessed foods more effectively than those most Americans eat on a regular basis. If you can’t ostensibly hunt and gather a certain food, then it isn’t on the Paleo eating program.

The term, Paleo nutrition, refers to a diet that seeks to imitate the primal eating habits of our Paleolithic ancestors.  This ancestral concept of nutrition and lifestyle requires that people eat common foods that our Paleolithic ancestors might have hunted and gathered.  Proponents of the program feel that the human body metabolizes natural, unprocessed foods more effectively than those most Americans eat on a regular basis.  If you can’t ostensibly hunt and gather a certain food, then it isn’t on the Paleo eating program.

Fall in Love with Your Body

Think of the Paleo way of eating as a lifestyle, rather than a traditional diet that you’ll discontinue once you reach a certain weight. The fact that you won’t need to weigh or measure foods while following the Paleo diet is one of the most attractive features of this eating plan. The plan allows Paleo enthusiasts to eat their fill without restricting calories, while still losing excess fat.  According to Dr. Loren Cordain, who developed the Paleo diet concept, people can lose up to 75 pounds in six months, while also achieving personal health goals.

Live Your Best Life

Those committed to Paleo nutrition and attaining the numerous health benefits associated with this lifestyle eat only lean proteins from grass-fed or free-range animals, or wild game.  Proteins must make up about 30 percent of total calories.  Paleo-acceptable carbohydrates comprise 20 to 40 percent of caloric intake and do not include grains, potatoes, corn, beans (except green beans), and legumes.  Get your carbohydrates by eating a variety of fibrous, green, colorful vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, carrots, onions, garlic and more.  Include monounsaturated fats from olive oil, flax seed oil, various seeds, and avocados.  Avoid processed dairy products, such as cheese, ice cream, yogurt, etc., as well as egg yolks.

Breaking Up with Beer

Limit the use of fermented food products, like vinegar and alcohol.  Yes – strict adherence to the Paleo lifestyle requires a virtual moratorium on alcohol intake. An occasional glass of dry wine or spirits is acceptable, but break up with beer.  It contains gluten and grains that counteract Paleo lifestyle health benefits.

Saving Supplements

Take two to four grams a high-quality omega-3 fish oil supplement daily along with a minimum of 2,000 i.u. to 5,000 i.u. of vitamin D.  Other essential vitamins and minerals include vitamins E and C and minerals, such as selenium, iodine, and magnesium citrate.

Commit to the Ride

For many, the Paleo lifestyle seems restrictive and unattainable at first.  But, success stands right outside the door.  Tackling challenges in chunks makes success seem easier for most people.  Commit to a strict adherence to Paleo nutrition for six weeks.  You can try other methods if it you feel the lifestyle isn’t for you. Once mentally committed to the ride, you must prepare the road.  Take a personal health inventory as well as recording specific weight loss and fitness goals prior to beginning.  This baseline will serve as a barometer, revealing your successes and setbacks.

Successful Paleo enthusiasts engage in a regular exercise concept called Crossfit.  Participating in Crossfit does not require a gym membership or that you shell out high amounts of cash for specialized equipment. You can take a couple of private training sessions from a certified Crossfit instructor and then workout at home, in a park, or anywhere you please.

Make the choice.  Commit to the ride and feel good.


Samantha Gluck

Samantha Gluck owns All Media Freelance, LLC where she works as a freelance health care journalist. Launched in 2011, the business has grown rapidly, requiring she add four staff writers to the AMF team. Gluck's work is featured in numerous prestigious publications, including the Houston Chronicle and the newly launched Balanced Living Magazine.

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