Many years ago, I observed a change in lifestyle by monitoring my food intake in a manner that required me to "count". By counting, I found myself naturally eating more healthful foods such as lean meats, proteins, vegetables and fruits.
More and more, I am hearing about the Paleo diet or lifestyle. Some practice it for weight loss, others for overall health and others by "necessity" as it meets the requirements of gluten free or grain free diet lifestyle. Regardless, those who are practicing the Paleo diet or lifestyle seem to have a lack of concern for "counting".
As much as I believe the Paleo approved foods are wholesome, good for you and that observing a diet or lifestyle consisting of Paleo approved foods will benefit you, I do believe there exists a certain disconnect in not having to count SOMETHING.
Contrary to popular belief, the Paleo diet or lifestyle can actually be used to lose, maintain or gain weight, although at the end of the day, it's a lifestyle change for optimized health.
Regular consumption of sweet potatoes or tapioca offer the carbohydrate benefits of a non-Paleo diet or lifestyle when it comes to those who are extremely active or athletes. If you're not extremely active or an athlete, sweet potatoes or tapioca are just as good (or bad) as spaghetti with a side of garlic bread.
Over consumption of fruit and nut butter is another culprit of weight gain on the Paleo diet or lifestyle. The sugar in some fruits, negate it's quality in a Paleo diet, especially if your intention is to lose weight.
Fruits such as bananas, pineapples, oranges, grapes, cantaloupes, papaya, dates, raisins, dried apricots, dried mangoes, dried prunes, dried peaches, and all dried berries should be limited, as they are high on the Glycemic Index. Fruits such as apples, limes, honeydew melons, grape fruit, cherries, watermelon, guava, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, lemons, black currants, avocados, cranberries, tomatoes and figs have a low glycemic index and can be consumed liberally.
Take a look at this list of fruits and their sugar content. You might also find your salads, comprising of "lettuce" lacking in nutrients to assist in weight loss. Instead of lettuce, switch to dark, leafy greens such as kale, chard, etc.
At the end of the day, you CANNOT eat what you want on Paleo if you want to lose weight. You have to combine the practices of counting, whether it be calories, fat, carbohydrates or sugars. Portion control is of utmost importance. Eating a pound of baby carrots in one day, even though it's Paleo approved, will NOT help you lose weight. Nutrition and health is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Paleo may or may not be right for you. For the best results, consult your doctor.
More and more, I am hearing about the Paleo diet or lifestyle. Some practice it for weight loss, others for overall health and others by "necessity" as it meets the requirements of gluten free or grain free diet lifestyle. Regardless, those who are practicing the Paleo diet or lifestyle seem to have a lack of concern for "counting".
As much as I believe the Paleo approved foods are wholesome, good for you and that observing a diet or lifestyle consisting of Paleo approved foods will benefit you, I do believe there exists a certain disconnect in not having to count SOMETHING.
Contrary to popular belief, the Paleo diet or lifestyle can actually be used to lose, maintain or gain weight, although at the end of the day, it's a lifestyle change for optimized health.
Regular consumption of sweet potatoes or tapioca offer the carbohydrate benefits of a non-Paleo diet or lifestyle when it comes to those who are extremely active or athletes. If you're not extremely active or an athlete, sweet potatoes or tapioca are just as good (or bad) as spaghetti with a side of garlic bread.
Over consumption of fruit and nut butter is another culprit of weight gain on the Paleo diet or lifestyle. The sugar in some fruits, negate it's quality in a Paleo diet, especially if your intention is to lose weight.
Fruits such as bananas, pineapples, oranges, grapes, cantaloupes, papaya, dates, raisins, dried apricots, dried mangoes, dried prunes, dried peaches, and all dried berries should be limited, as they are high on the Glycemic Index. Fruits such as apples, limes, honeydew melons, grape fruit, cherries, watermelon, guava, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, lemons, black currants, avocados, cranberries, tomatoes and figs have a low glycemic index and can be consumed liberally.
Take a look at this list of fruits and their sugar content. You might also find your salads, comprising of "lettuce" lacking in nutrients to assist in weight loss. Instead of lettuce, switch to dark, leafy greens such as kale, chard, etc.
At the end of the day, you CANNOT eat what you want on Paleo if you want to lose weight. You have to combine the practices of counting, whether it be calories, fat, carbohydrates or sugars. Portion control is of utmost importance. Eating a pound of baby carrots in one day, even though it's Paleo approved, will NOT help you lose weight. Nutrition and health is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Paleo may or may not be right for you. For the best results, consult your doctor.
Posts
