What is a Paleo diet and what sugars can you eat to stay healthy

At the end of this path I will tell you whether I am doing this diet...

The Paleo diet, also known as the Caveman diet or the Stone Age diet, is a popular dietary approach that aims to mimic the eating habits of our hunter-gatherer ancestors from the Paleolithic era. Proponents of the Paleo diet argue that humans have evolved to eat certain foods and that modern agricultural practices and processed foods have led to a variety of health problems.

So, what exactly does the Paleo diet entail? Essentially, the Paleo diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in nutrients and free of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. This means that the bulk of your diet should consist of meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Grains, legumes, dairy products, and processed foods are generally avoided on the Paleo diet.

One of the main reasons why the Paleo diet has gained popularity in recent years is because it is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. By eliminating refined sugars and carbohydrates, the Paleo diet can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels that can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In addition, a diet high in protein and healthy fats can help increase feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake.

But what about sugars? While the Paleo diet does emphasize whole, natural foods, some sugars are still allowed in moderation.

Here are a few Paleo-friendly sugars that you can incorporate into your diet:

Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that has been used for thousands of years. It contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. When choosing honey, look for raw, unprocessed varieties that are free of added sugars.

Maple syrup: Maple syrup is another natural sweetener that is rich in antioxidants and minerals. Look for pure, organic maple syrup that is free of additives.

Coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a low-glycemic sweetener that is derived from the sap of coconut palms. It contains minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium, and has a caramel-like flavor.

Stevia: Stevia is a natural, calorie-free sweetener that is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. It has been used for centuries in South America and is now widely available as a sugar substitute.

While these sugars are Paleo-friendly, it is important to remember that they should still be consumed in moderation. Excessive sugar intake, even from natural sources, can still lead to health problems like weight gain and tooth decay. As with any dietary approach, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any major changes to your diet.


Final say...

In my attempt to lower my cholesterol and triglyceride levels I have found myself looking at diets. Thankfully before I got too lost, a good friend suggested that I should try the Paleo diet. So I went on a path to find out more. It didn't take me long to realise that this was a great diet. It suited what I was starting to eat already.

However, if you have been used to snacking on sugar for years, I am not going to lie, the habit can take a while to break. Luckily I am blessed with a strong sense of being able to stop things if I know they are bad for me. So I have cut out a lot of sugary food and carbohydrates - here comes the BUT - but as the video above mentions. Sticking 100% to the diet is pretty challenging. So like everything these days I am going down the hybrid route.

Bascially, when I say hybrid, I mean that I will aim to stick with the Paleo methodology as much as I can, but, if for example I am offered a sandwich with wholemeal bread, or I want some oats in the morning for breakfast, I will eat them. Crucially though, I am now aware of how much I am eating and I don't excessively eat anything that is not on the Paleo "okay" list.

And that is the key to a healthy diet, in my opinion. Be balanced and sensible. Your main enemy is sugar. Avoid it at all costs. And if you are having the sugars listed above, just be sensible with the quantities and what time of day you eat them. Eating a spoon of honey before bed when you cannot burn off the calories and your teeth will soak in sugar, well it is not a good idea.

What do you think? Are you on this diet, or trying another?

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Christian Jacques Bennett

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Search Terms: Self Improvement, Food, Nutrition, Paleo, Diet, Weight Loss, Fitness.
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