“Going paleo” has been a popular trend of late, but it’s important to remember introducing a paleo diet is not the same as “dieting.”
Instead it is a lifestyle choice you make to treat your body with the kindness and care it deserves.
The philosophy is based on the habits of the early homo sapiens, and it functions as a user’s guide for the human body.
People following the diet should eliminate grains, dairy, soy, legumes, sugars and alcohol from their diets.
The lifestyle also encourages regular, vigorous exercise.
Beneficial lifestyle changes
Grains, dairy and processed foods have been wreaking havoc on your whole body by leading to tooth decay, weight gain, and digestive tract issues and lethargy.
But by going grain-free, you cut many additional unhealthy foods and habits out of your diet.
For example, you are required to eat less fast food.
You have to pack your own snacks, which creates nutritional awareness.
Healthier exterior
Many people have reported clearer skin, weight loss, higher energy levels, less brain fog and positive mental health changes to be among the benefits of cutting grains from their diets.
After experiencing all of the other benefits, it is no wonder people have fewer issues with depression and anxiety!
Healthy interior
Humans were not designed to consume many of the foods that comprise a modern American’s diet.
As a result, these foods can create small irritations and fissures in our intestines, which leak bacteria into our blood streams.
This is called Leaky Gut Syndrome, and the paleo diet can heal these fissures and eliminate symptoms such as bloating, acne, allergies, chronic digestion difficulties, weak immune system, fatigue, rashes, joint pain, mental illness and autoimmune disease.
Long-term health
After cutting out grains, many diet programs recommend increasing the fat content in your diet.
Fat is wonderful for the brain and for the joints.
Additionally, grains are harsh on the organs.
A diet free of grains and heavy on healthy fats – such as from avocados and fish – promotes longevity.
Reduces carbon footprint
One practice that supports grain-free diet is the paleo lifestyle.
When you “go paleo,” you drastically reduce your carbon footprint in a number of ways.
You purchase fewer processed foods and in turn, you produce less waste by eliminating fast food containers and candy bar wrappers.
The paleo lifestyle also encourages incorporating physical activity into the day, which might include biking to work or walking to lunch meetings instead of driving.
by Lauren Potter
CougarBuzz 