Millions of people around the planet are joining the Paleo movement, seeking to eat and live in closer harmony with human genetics and biology based on cutting edge science. Chris Kresser learned in his functional medicine practice that that Paleo functions best as a general template and not a rigid prescription. "Think of it as a starting point, not a destination", according to Kresser. “Even though we all share much of the same DNA, we each have unique circumstances and needs. We need a program that addresses our specific health issues. A more flexible, dynamic approach that recognizes the joys of eating yet goes far beyond food and takes into account how each of us likes to move, live, love. My goal is to help people, individual by individual, discover what works for them and keep them from adhering to a dogmatic regimen just because it sounds authentic.” ...from the Paleo Cure authored by Kresser, available in print, audio and digital. Beyond Paleo: Moving from a Paleo Diet to a Paleo Template
Basic Paleo
The “Paleo" diet, also called an ancestral diet, focuses on a variety of nutrient-dense foods:
Animal products like meats, organ meats, seafood, shellfish, and eggs
Starchy and non-starchy veggies
Fruits, nuts, and seeds
An ancestral/Paleo diet can even contain dairy, properly prepared legumes, and grains in some cases, when well-tolerated. Health benefits of an ancestral diet, include:
Weight loss
Improved metabolic health
Better cognition and mental health
A lower risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease
Introduction to Macronutrients Generally speaking, there are three categories of macronutrients that we consider primary for humans, they include: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. There are two other categories that are often included as macronutrients by many nutrition experts, and these include both alcohol and water.
Paleo works well for weight loss for so many people because it spontaneously reduces calorie intake and overrides the powerful brain mechanisms that can overrule weight loss efforts.
