New diets have caught my attention since college. I've learned about them all, given them serious thought, and have gone forward with only the few I believed were right for me. When my boyfriend's father began telling us about his new way of eating, I was not thrilled to hear yet another diet fad that restricts carbs.
I learned everything about the Paleo diet and which foods have do and don't have nutritional value. Fast forward two years and it's the only way I will eat. High-protein rules my life now. I also learned about Paleo with benefits, a pretty common modification in the Paleo community. It means dairy isn't eliminated completely. My meals consist of plenty of protein in the form of lean meats and vegetables. Snacks include nuts, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruits and other small, usually high-protein foods.
The reason I love the Paleo Diet so dearly is because it focuses on developing better nutrition habits. I look at every label for corn starch, high-fructose corn syrup (HFC), pectin and other artificial or GMO ingredients. Another huge element of Paleo is the elimination of starches and nutrient-poor carbohydrates. Just ridding these ingredients and foods from my diet has allowed me to build more lean muscle and keep off fat, even when I have to go a week or two without exercise.
Going Paleo is easy and takes only a few modifications to meals. I only eat out on the weekends and that is the only time you may catch me eating something non-Paleo. However, sticking to my eating habits Monday through Friday has been so beneficial for my body and health, It's worth it to me. All of my favorite Paleo recipes are found online. To see one of the best Paleo recipe sites visit, www.paleomg.com.
*There is never a diet that can truly claim to help you be healthier, but the Paleo Diet has taught me how to see food in a new way. Healthy foods can be delicious and give you the feeling of well-being. Learn the science first, then decide if it's right for you.