Following Paleo as a lifestyle means more than just staying within the recommended foods.  It is about finding balance within the prime energy components (fat, carbohydrate, and protein), in order to optimize digestion, reduce excess carbohydrate load on the body, and maximize usable energy sources throughout the day.  In addition, Paleo helps to restore proper nutrition, regulate acidity levels, and reduce inflammation throughout the body.  It is not surprising that this diet has become somewhat of a "cure-all" for a vast majority of ailments.  In fact, my husband was able to discard his diabetes medication within the first 2 weeks, and 3 years later is still boasting perfect blood-sugar levels.  It has been an amazing health find for our entire family.

    The foods included in Paleo are basically the things that our caveman ancestors could have eaten:  Unprocessed meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and small amounts of natural sweeteners such as honey.  Ideally, we want to try to attain a calorie balance of 30% protein, 30% fat, and 40% carbohydrate.  I don't weigh and measure, but someone just starting out may find it helpful to gain an understanding of foods and serving sizes. Or to make it easy, just fill up your plate with vegetables, add about a fist-full of meat, and make sure there is a fat source in there somewhere. Once you get the hang of it, you will learn to feel out the individual needs of your own body, and make adjustments accordingly. 



Fried eggs, sautéed summer squash, radish sprouts, and avocado

Paleo includes:

Protein sources:  meat, poultry, fish, and egg

Carbohydrate sources:  all vegetables and fruit (excluding corn, soybean, and potatoes) The ideal emphasis should be on leafy greens, and less on fruit and starchy vegetables such as winter squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

Fat sources:  Vegetable and nut oils (excluding soybean or corn), avocado, coconut, nuts, and bacon