Weight Loss Tips For A Paleolithic Or Primal Diet

We've all heard of the so-called caveman diets but what are they really all about? Can one lose weight on these diets? This article will explain the basic tenants of the Paleo and Primal diets and how to use them for good health and weight loss.

The basic idea behind both diets is that man developed physiologically for thousands of years before agriculture and our bodies are more capable of metabolizing the types of foods that were available to hunters and gatherers. There is a lot of evidence that since agriculture came along, man has relied too heavily on carbohydrates as a food source, causing digestive problems, sugar regulation issues and weight gain. These diets seek to recreate the natural diet of ancient man as closely as possible in order to avoid or reverse the weight gain and digestive problems we see today.

So, what foods do they allow? Meat is the major source of protein in the Paleo and Primal diets. Specifically, grass fed, organic and unprocessed meats are preferred. Beef, pork, chicken, duck, lamb fish and any other meats are eaten daily. Non starchy and low sugar vegetables such as green leafy veggies, any type of squash, broccoli, cauliflower and root vegetable like sweet potatoes to name a few. Limited fruits are allowed, again only the lower sugar fruits are recommended if one wants to lose weight.

What about fats? Saturated fats are recommended including real butter, olive oil and bacon grease. There is more and more evidence every day that low fat diets actually cause the body to retain as much fat as possible and although weight loss does occur on a low fat diet, much of the weight is water weight and muscle mass.

The Paleo and Primal diets do not limit fat intake initially, that is. In fact, there is no calorie counting or portion control at all. The idea is that when you eat a diet high in satisfying protein, fat and high quality, low sugar vegetables you will self regulate your portions because you will not be hungry. Eat as much as you want of these foods and then if you find you have not lost weight after a length of time you can cut down on some of the fats until you begin to lose weight. Once you have reached your desired weight you begin to add more fats until you find your level.

It's that simple. The Paleolithic and Primal diets have been developed to replicate the kind of diet that man ate prior to agriculture. Our digestive system is designed for the food we ate over the thousands of years before we grew our own foods. Sugars and carbohydrates are pointed to as problem foods that cause ill health and weight gain. By eliminating most of those foods one can restore health and regulate weight while eating wholesome nutrient rich meats, vegetables, fats and fruits. So, now that you know the basics you can use the Paleo or Primal diet to lose and maintain your desired weight.