Paleolithic Diet
What Is It
The Paleolithic Diet is termed as such because it is based off the Paleolithic Era. People still largely hunted for food: agriculture was not present. As such, processed and prepared food are not reality during this time. So, the Paleo Diet stressed unprocessed, natural foods. It is mainly a high protein, low fat and carbohydrate diet. The diet is based within an evolutionary perspective, arguing that our bodies' evolved to adapt to a diet of this variety. This argument also stems from dissatisfaction with today's, mainly America's, usual diet: processed foods that are more prepared than natural. Many of today's Americans eat high fat and carb with less protein per foods, which makes sense as the fast food industry rises in popularity. Those that argue for the Paleo Diet argue that our bodies aren't evolved to consume such a diet: we don't know how to respond to them. The diet is listed on the lower end of the "best" diets, however.
Why It's So Effective
Many studies have shown numerous health benefits with the Paleolithic Diet. These benefits largely surround treating/improving metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of disorders that are associated with each other, as well as low-grade chronic inflammation. Some disorders are obesity, insulin sensitivity, Diabetes, Heart Diseases, etc. When one with such disorders embarks on a Paleolithic Diet, studies have shown that improvements in as many as all disorders associated with the Metabolic Syndrome improve, especially with those in the most severe cases. Why does the Paleolithic Diet treat such disorders?
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The reasoning for the Paleo's effective treatment again stems from an evolutionary perspective. The majority of those with metabolic syndrome also eat many fast foods and processed foods. When they switch to a Paleo Diet, where their bodies have accustomed to over time, their body starts to digest and absorb the food that it knows. Also, many fast foods and processed foods are higher in fats and carbohydrates, so switching off will decrease the overall amount of both macromolecules. Also, the Paleo Diet, because of its stress on natural foods, has higher fiber due to more whole grains in the diet. Fiber treats many disorders in the Metabolic Syndrome.
Following the Paleo Diet
Personally, I've always been interested and wanting to follow the Paleo Diet. It's many benefits seem to plead that you start following it. I've found that following the actual diet is actually very difficult. Why? The same reasons for attempting to follow the Paleo Diet also explain why it can be very difficult to follow.
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As a college student, you probably have limited knowledge about the food served at the various college food stores, unless you purposefully research what foods they serve and how. Most likely, you go to the cafeteria, or wherever, and simply look for food that appears to be healthy, like the Grilled Chicken or Organic Food. What you don't know, however, is how the food was prepped and cooked. Where did it come from? Is it truly natural? It becomes very difficult to follow the Paleo Diet and see its results when you may not actually be following the diet. So, as a college student, if you wish to follow this diet, I would advise buying most of your food to cook yourself. Also, email Metz or your food establishment at school to learn more about the food they serve.