A paleo diet, like the name suggests, is a diet based on foods that might have been consumed in the Paleolithic era (which dates from 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago). It focuses on pre-farming era foods and constitutes of fish, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, and seeds. A paleo diet is also known as a stone age diet, hunter-gatherer diet, and caveman diet. The idea of a paleo diet is pretty simple. There is a mismatch with the modern diet that emerged after farming started, and this mismatch is known as discordance hypothesis.

The introduction of farming changed humans’ dietary habits considerably. Dairy products, food grains, and legumes became staple foods, and the body found it hard to adapt to a sudden change in the diet. It is believed that this rapid change is responsible for obesity, diabetes, and various heart diseases. A paleo diet can be followed if one wishes to lose weight and stay healthy. It also helps in planning daily meals.

Following are the things to be consumed while following a paleo diet:

• Fruits
• Nuts
• Vegetables
• Seeds
• Lean meat
• Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Oils from fruits and nuts (Like walnut oil and olive oil).

Here are the things to be avoided while following a paleo diet:

• Food grains including wheat, barley, and oats
• Legumes, peanuts, and peas
• Added sugar
• Dairy products
• Potatoes
• Salt
• Processed foods

Some of the positive results observed while following a paleo diet are as follows:

• As compared to other diets like a Mediterranean diet and diabetes diet, a paleo diet is believed to be more effective for weight loss.
• A paleo diet has been observed to increase glucose tolerance.
• A paleo diet helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
• Paleo reduces the triglycerides count in the body.
• Unlike other diets, a paleo diet is better at appetite management.

A paleo diet is packed with fruits, nuts, vegetables, and lean meat, but it excludes grains and dairy products which are good sources of fiber and calcium respectively. As compared to the normal grain-based diet, a paleo diet is a bit expensive to follow which can discourage some people.

A typical meal to follow under a paleo diet is mentioned below:

• Breakfast: Cantaloupe and broiled salmon
• Lunch: Broiled lean pork with a salad made from carrots, cucumber, tomatoes, walnuts, and lemon.
• Dinner: Roasted lean beef, and broccoli with salad
• Snacks: Orange, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.

A paleo diet stresses on hydrating the body as frequently as possible and engaging in daily physical activities. This diet helps in losing as well as maintaining weight. It has been observed that it also offers other benefits apart from weight loss. As of now, the long term benefits and risks of this diet have not been studied. While a paleo diet helps with weight loss, similar outcomes can be achieved by following any healthy diet, drinking lots of water, eating fruits and vegetables and getting regular exercise.