by Rob Hueniken on Monday, February 22, 2010
|
Berry-apple sauce and nuts
is an easy Paleo snack. |
Adapting to their changing environment was essential for early humankind. Our ancestors learned how to fish, hunt and gather the foods they needed.
In today’s world there are fewer cavemen (which some females might disagree with) but a renewed interest in eating well (”eating good” in caveman parlance).
Going back to basics is a central theme in many successful lifestyle changes, and the Paleo diet has that at its core. With its focus on meats, vegetables, fruits and nuts, going Paleo provides a solid core for good nutrition. |
But just as our caveman ancestors were able to adapt to changes in weather and new food possibilities, we too have options and opportunities to mesh our evolving lifestyle with a positive food legacy.
As noted by Darya Pino, food editor for Summer Tomato, “The evolutionary argument that humans are somehow mal-adapted to agriculture-based diets is particularly unconvincing”.
I suggest the “Paleo-Plus” food lifestyle, consistent with the Paleo diet’s philosophy and core foods, but with its hunting ground expanded to include small portions of other local natural foods.
My own awareness of the need to go Paleo-Plus came the first time I made myself a coffee. I am very much a triple-milk person when it comes to coffee, and the thought of going to black coffee just tasted wrong.
It can be hard getting away from cheese in North America and Europe, and ignoring the wide variety of healthy, low-fat yogurts just seems wrong. Similarly, sprinkling a few bran flakes on fruit is a great way to get the texture of cereal in a very small serving.
The key, as always, is moderation and being able to sustain a positive and practical food lifestyle.
I think even a caveman would agree.
Here's a tasty example of Paleo-Plus from my local Williams Coffee Pub: meat, veggies, nuts, fruit and yes, a bit of feta cheese.
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by Rob Hueniken on Thursday, February 18, 2010
|
Sandwich in a bowl :
Tuna, cucumber and
two types of peppers.
Sure it’s a salad but I
got it at a sandwich bar.
Just ask for a bowl
instead of bread ! |
Unlike other “diets”, the Paleo diet is actually a food lifestyle connecting us to our strong and healthy ancestors. As you can tell from its other names, the Stone-age diet and the Hunter-gatherer diet, the Paleo diet isn’t chock full of bread, cereal or deep-fried anything.
“Going Paleo” means eating the great foods that were available before agriculture and livestock turned humans from lean, fit people into slow-moving eating machines.
Rich in meats, vegetables, fruit and nuts, the Paleo diet provides both strength and nutrition. And because it’s a complete and filling way to eat, it isn’t a “diet” that leaves you aching for your next cheat. |
I started going Paleo a month ago, on the advice of my fitness trainer. He loaned me a good book, called “The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Food You Were Designed to Eat“. The key words in that title are “Eating the Food You Were Designed to Eat“. It’s a phrase the sugar/salt/fat merchants will never be able to claim.
It’s a refreshing change that has me feeling good, and appreciating good food.
Over the past month I’ve had a lot of successes:
• I’ve learned there are lots of tasty and satisfying ways to serve meat and veggies.
• I’ve discovered it is easier than I thought to leave the blandness of potatoes, bread and rice behind.
• I’ve found that not only salad bars but sandwich shops are fun places. Ask for a bowl instead of bread!
• I’ve rediscovered how delicious fruit is, all by itself.
And without even trying I’ve lost 6 of the many extra pounds I’ve been carrying around.
Yes, I am happy to be going Paleo !
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