Going Paleo

If you have been following my journey to health, you know that I have been battling not only thyroid issues, but digestive issues too.  When I started my journey, I began the SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet) to ease my way from being a vegan/vegetarian for almost 20 years, to eating meat (mainly in the form of chicken and turkey).  It was during this time that I started to hear more and more about Paleo and Primal.  

Through reading and researching more about what Paleo and Primal is, I heard of some amazing health transformations from those that chose to deviate from the SAD (Standard American Diet) to Paleo or Primal, from losing weight to even healing their digestive issues, which is my main goal.

What is Paleo?

Paleo is a way of eating like our ancestors the caveman did:

• lean meats
• seafood
• fruits
• vegetables
• healthy fats from grass fed meat, fish, nuts and avocados.           

Foods that you avoid include:

• Grains
• Processed foods
• Processed sugars
• Legumes
• White Starches
• Junk Food
• Hydrogenated Oils
• Alcohol

Now dairy may be the big decision maker in going Paleo or not.  However, when you chose to go Primal, you are following the Paleo way of eating, but are allowed dairy, specifically, raw dairy and cheeses.

Also, when you eat Paleo/Primal, one of the key concepts is to eat organic, non-GMO and grass fed meats. By doing this, you will be limiting your bodies' exposure to harmful chemicals, antibiotics and hormones that our foods are injected or sprayed on.

Why Paleo?

Paleo has so many health benefits, ranging from losing weight to healing autoimmune diseases and more.  If you think about it, our ancestors did not have the health issues that seem to be plaguing our generation (at least none that we know of).

                              Image courtesy of Primal Palate – http://www.primalpalate.com/about/the-paleo-diet

What can you expect temporarily on the Paleo Diet?

• Irritability
• Detox Symptoms like fatigue and fever
• Skin Rashes/Changes
• Weight loss/Muscle Gain
• Digestive Changes

All of these sypmtoms are because if you have been eating the SAD way, then you will be going through a detox when you "clean up" your bad eating habits and start eating food that actually nourishes the body instead of dumping chemicals and unhealthy fats in it.

What can you expect long term on the Paleo Diet?

• A better mood
• No more chronic fatigue
• Better looking skin
• Consistent Healthy Body Fat
• Better Digestion
• Reduced risk of disease

Have you or someone you know gone Paleo? I would love to hear of any health changes experienced since going Paleo.