The Paleo diet has been around for several decades, but lately has been gaining momentum amongst the younger generation as a method of losing weight and being healthy.
What is the Paleo diet?
Paleo Diet was introduced in the 1970s by a gastroenterologist called Walter Voegtlin, with the concept that we eat the way our ancestors from the Paleolithic era (around 2.5 million years) did, including namely lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts that were then obtained by hunting and gathering. What the paleo diet limits is the consumption of foods that came from farming, such as dairy products, whole grains and legumes.
Why is the Paleo diet popular?
The goal of following this diet is to eat the way our ancestors did, because it eliminates high-fat and processed foods that contain less nutrients. Paleo diet relies on fruits, vegetables and other fruits that are loaded with vitamins, fibre and minerals that make us fill the stomach up faster, thereby curbing excessive intake of food.
What is included in the Paleo diet?
- All fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Fish
- Poultry, but limited to lean meats
- Any oil that come from fruits and nuts
What is not included in the Paleo diet?
- Whole grains such as wheat, oats and barley
- Beans, lentils
- Any dairy products
- Refined sugar
- Processed foods
Benefits of Paleo Diet
The focus of the Paleo diet resides in eating whole, unprocessed foods. This, therefore, eliminates the consumption of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, sugars and sodium. Due to this, the toxins are eliminated and nutrient intake is increased. Eating easily-digestible foods result in a faster metabolic processes, therefore results in better sleep, stress management, better gut health, sufficient nutrients and more. Other benefits include mental clarity, better skin and hair, increased stamina and fitness, weight loss and improved mood.
Does it work?
While there are visible results to this diet, it can be restrictive and difficult to follow. As individuals, our unique biological makeup responds differently to various diets, exercises etc. While a Paleo diet is beneficial to one, it may not be for another. Dharana’s wellness programmes are about understanding each and everyone’s biological makeup through a series of assessments, post which a recommendation is provided by our in-house panel of Doctors and nutrition experts.
Dharana Wellness Centre, a wellness retreat near Mumbai, focuses on holistic health which includes physical, mental and spiritual balance. One of the main pillars of this eco wellness retreat lies in the farm-to-table food philosophy, which encourages an organic approach to consuming food. Fresh produce is picked from the organic farm and is made with slow-cooking techniques. As an Ayurvedic healing center in India, Dharana combines the use of an integrative, modern approach for holistic health with Modern diagnostics with traditional practices like Yoga and Ayurveda to ensure a sustainable wellness journey.
