With New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, some shoppers may turn to an ancient way of eating—the Paleo diet, based on eating like our Paleolithic ancestors. To help retailers and consumers understand the ins and outs of this diet, the Washington Post explains the new diet.
The Paleo diet consists of eating lean meats, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables; and staying away from grains, salt, sugar, legumes or dairy products. This is based on the Paleolithic era, when people were still hunters and gathers; before agriculture resulted in settled societies.
The article speaks with a few who follow the Paleo diet who say it has reduced migraines, improved sleep, improved mood, reduced allergies, reduced workout fatigue, improved mental clarity and promoted weight loss. While followers say giving up rice and pasta was difficult at first, one said she found Paleo-friendly ice cream made with coconut milk and agave.
However, some critics say it's possible there have been genetic changes since that time that modified digestive processes to adjust to a more modern diet.