For example, if a Vegan diet isn’t done well, it can end in a long list of health complaints. The Paleo diet is no different, and is certainly not for everyone. In reality, the Paleo diet is more than just a diet; it’s a lifestyle.
Recently, there has been some negative media surrounding the ‘dangers’ of the Paleo diet. The Paleo diet promotes a diet that is free of grains, legumes and dairy products in favour of lean meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Basically, it’s a nutrient-rich, fresh food, real food approach to eating. The DAA (Dietitians Association of Australia) states that “Any diet excluding whole food groups should raise suspicions”, yet they have no problem with vegetarianism… Hmm. Personally, I struggle to see how eating natural, high-fibre, whole, nutrient-dense foods could be ‘dangerous’ for you.
Where I see people go ‘wrong’ on the Paleo diet is when they over-consume meat and animal protein. In my humble opinion, although this DID vary with geographical differences, meat was always more of a ‘condiment’ to plants. In addition to this, remember that not all meat is created equal, and just like the changes to our vegetables and fruits; the meat most people consume today is also different to what our ancestors were eating. However, I find that many people who follow the Paleo diet are ethical meat buyers and consumers…. Meaning they know exactly where their meat has come from.
Another common myth is that many people think that the Paleo diet is ‘low-carb’, simply because it’s devoid of grains. In my opinion, this is a total misnomer… fruits and starchy vegetables are LOADED with carbohydrate! I don’t know one Paleo eater who doesn’t regularly consume these foods.
Finally, I believe that a ‘true’ primal lifestyle includes plenty of physical activity, something we all benefit from. Again, many people I know who follow the Paleo way understand this!
Listen to your body’s messages. If this approach doesn’t work for you, do something else! In my practice, I recommend the Paleo diet to certain clients, particularly those with gluten and dairy and sensitivities; and/or clients with an autoimmune disease. Depending on the person, I am also a little lenient with my Paleo recommendations and feel that a little bit of dark chocolate, or butter, or buckwheat, or red wine on the odd occasion isn’t going to undo someone.
Personally, I don’t eat strictly Paleo, or strictly Vegan, or strictly low-carb, or strictly raw, or strictly anything. I simply opt for whole, nutrient-dense, real foods when and where I can, and I enjoy every mouthful! As I mentioned earlier, I struggle to see how eating natural, whole, high-fibre, nutrient-dense foods could be ‘dangerous’ for you, but I do feel that there’s no one-diet-fits-all, and the Paleo diet has many ‘shades’. At the end of the day, if someone wants to opt for salad and fish instead of processed Lean cuisines or processed foods, I’m all for it!