The Paleo Diet, also known as the Paleolithic or caveman diet, has been popular over this last decade and has made a lasting impression on western diet culture. Paleo is a dietary approach that focuses on emulating the ancient eating habits of our distant ancestors and forsaking modern processed food. Here’s a summary of the paleo diet:

1. Whole Foods: The paleo diet prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods and discourages heavily processed or refined items.
2. Lean Proteins: It emphasizes lean sources of protein, including meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
3. Fruits and Vegetables: A significant portion of the diet consists of fruits and non-starchy vegetables, which provide essential nutrients and fiber.
4. Healthy Fats: The diet includes healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil while limiting trans fats and refined vegetable oils.
5. Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are encouraged for their nutritional value, but portion control is emphasized due to their calorie density.
6. Elimination of Grains: The paleo diet typically excludes grains, including wheat, rice, and oats, as well as legumes like beans and lentils.
7. Dairy Restrictions: Most versions of the paleo diet exclude dairy, although some variations allow limited dairy consumption.
8. No Processed Sugars: Refined sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners are avoided, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup are used sparingly.
9. No Processed Foods: Highly processed foods, including additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, are minimized or eliminated.
10. Customizable: The paleo diet is adaptable to individual dietary preferences and restrictions, making it accessible to various people.

The underlying principle of the paleo diet is that it mimics the dietary patterns of our Paleolithic ancestors, who ate what was available through hunting and gathering. The diet aims to support overall health, weight management, and the reduction of processed and potentially inflammatory foods. As with any diet, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure it aligns with your specific health and nutritional needs.