The paleo diet is a diet based on foods consumed by our early human ancestors, mainly consisting of meats, vegetables and fruits. You can't eat dairy, grains or processed food. Apparently eating potato chips on your couch binge-watching Netflix isn't the way to lose the freshman 15. There's tons of research done on the paleo diet that you can find online; however, there's also a few myths that can be busted about it:
Myth: Meals without carbs won't be as filling.
With the high protein content of the diet, you'll still find yourself passed out on your couch in a food coma with a food baby named Bertha. It won't be the same as the feeling you get after carbo loading with pasta, but it'll still be satisfying.
Myth: Your meals will be flavorless without the use of salt.
Although you can't use salt to make your food, you can still use spices that aren't made from any of the restricted foods. Even though you can't have any commercial dressings with your salads, you can still put olive oil on top or even add berries for more flavor. That way you're not eating straight spinach like Popeye.
Myth: You won't be able to have any sweet treats.
You can't have any processed food, which of course eliminates late-night ice cream binges. But fruit can be a sweet treat, or you can even find paleo-approved desserts on Pinterest.
Myth: You won't get all of the necessary nutrients you need, like calcium.
Since you can't have any dairy, you won't get the necessary calcium intake you need. But there are fruits and vegetables that are high in calcium. For example, you can get calcium from a healthy spinach salad.
Myth: You can't drink alcohol, juices or any enjoyable beverages.
You can have them in moderation. As moms say, a glass of wine a day keeps you happy (definitely doesn't keep the doctor away). But one a week isn't a problem.
Myth: It'll be cheap.
When you go to the grocery store, you'll end up buying the whole produce section. It won't be cheap, but you'll be able to spread the food you bought over several meals. Maybe consider binge-watching "Extreme Couponing" to lower the food bill.
Myth: The diet is mostly meat.
The diet actually focuses mainly on fruits and vegetables. However, meat helps to make the meals more filling.
Myth: Paleo-approved desserts will help you lose weight.
A bunch of paleo desserts are made with coconut flour, which is healthier, but it won't help you. When desserts say they're diet approved, you believe it's OK to eat more of them, but you're still eating cookies and brownies, and that'll add up.
Myth: You'll have to eat like a caveman.
You don't have to eat exactly like hunters and gatherers; you're just using whole foods as ingredients. Plus, you have access to an oven to cook your food in.
Myth: It'll be easy.
It's not just a physical diet; you have to train yourself to turn to fruits and vegetables rather than processed food when you get hungry. It helps when you've got someone to do the diet with or if you have a goal to work toward. It'll make your brother mad that you don't have any donuts in the house, but an apple is just as close right?
There's a lot of myths and skepticisms about the paleo diet and whether or not it's successful. If you try it, though, you can add back in healthy dairy and carbs once you reach where you want to be. Plus, a cheat day every week isn't going to kill you. How else will we keep Domino's in business?
