A Guide to Eating Clean, Whole Foods
Eating Clean, Whole Foods, AKA "Paleo Diet"
The paleo diet, also known as the "caveman diet," is based on the idea of eating the same types of foods that our ancestors ate during the Paleolithic era. Proponents of the diet believe that by eating a diet that is similar to what our ancestors ate, we can improve our overall health and well-being.
The Health Benefits
- weight loss
- increased metabolism
- increased energy
- eliminates/reduces inflammation
- clears skin
- boosts immune system
One of the main benefits of the paleo diet is that it emphasizes the consumption of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean meats. These foods are high in vitamins and minerals. The paleo diet is also eliminates processed foods and refined sugars. Processed foods and refined sugars can cause chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Eating a clean, whole food diet can help to reduce inflammation, strengthen your immune system, and speed up your metabolism.
Eating clean can help with appearance of one's skin, hair, and nails. By consuming nutrient-dense foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, the body will be healthier and therefore look healthier. Eating a paleo, whole foods diet is rich in vitamins. Vitamins A, C, and E are all essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. Also, eating cleaner can help improve digestion, which can lead to clearer and more radiant skin.
What Foods to Include
- meat
- seafood
- eggs
- potatoes
- fruits
- vegetables (no beans or legumes)
- nuts
- coconut oil, olive oil
- honey, 100% maple syrup
What to Avoid
- processed foods/fast food
- dairy (butter, cheese, milk)
- sugar
- seed oils (canola oil)
- gluten (bread pasta made with gluten)
- rice
- alcohol
- soda
An Example Menu For a Day Eating Paleo:
- Scrambled eggs with turmeric powder, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast.
- Diced sweet potatoes cooked in coconut oil until crispy with salt
- Avocado with salt and pepper
- berries
- fresh orange juice
- Smoothie with coconut milk, frozen berries, lots of honey, paleo protein powder
- Paleo gluten-free bread, tuna, paleo mayo, spinach, tomatoes, avocado with salt and pepper, onions
- Spinach kale salad with avocado, shrimp, tomatoes, lemon juice, cucumbers, salt, pepper, nutritional yeast
- Lemon Rosemary Salmon
- Purple Sweet Potatoes cooked in coconut oil with salt
- Brussel sprouts cooked in olive oil with salt pepper and lemon
- any fruit
- apples or berries with almond butter and cinnamon and honey
- celery with almond butter
- almond flour crackers and nut dip
- almonds
- dried mango
* It's important to note that this may not be appropriate or safe for everyone, and it's always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before making any drastic dietary changes.
