5 Common Misconceptions about the Paleo Diet

Even though the paleo diet has thousands of followers, seen a surge in popularity and has been around for a few years, there are many misconceptions about this diet. These misconceptions arise through false information, a bad image of paleo dieting and even marketing attempts by other fad diets to discredit the paleo way.

The paleo diet is also known as the ‘caveman’ diet. This is due to the fact that the diet somewhat resembles the way our early ancestors ate. This name has caused one of the biggest misconceptions about the paleo diet.

1. It is uncivilized and all about gorging yourself on meat

The paleo diet is about eating nutrient rich food that does not contain harmful substances and agrees with our body. It is not a re-enactment of how the actual cavemen ate. Paleo dieters do not go out hunting for boars or deer and roast the meat on a flame. 

The diet is about eating the correct foods and excluding the bad ones. Grains, sugar, processed foods, etc. are not allowed. This is due to the fact that these foods are neither natural nor healthy. There are millions of people who have problems with grain based foods. So, the diet is not only about meat. Vegetables, healthy fats and fruit may be consumed too.

2. Paleo dieting is for fat loss

Fat loss is one of the benefits of a paleo diet but it is not the goal. Unlike the Atkins diet or other low carb diets, the paleo diet is not overly concerned about weight loss. The concept of the paleo diet is to consume wholesome, healthy food and stop eating detrimental food.

Once this is achieved, weight loss naturally follows. Obesity is a growing trend around the world and it is reaching epidemic proportions. That’s because of poor food choices. The paleo diet is a healthy way to eat and live. It is more than just fat loss.

3. The paleo diet is not practical

The paleo diet does require some effort and preparation. That does not make it impractical. You just need to find ways to make it easier for you. Cooking your food for a few days at a time, pre-packing them in containers for ease, etc. If you are truly dedicated, you will find a way.

4. The paleo diet is expensive

No, it’s not. You are encouraged to buy your meat and vegetables from farmers’ markets and other suppliers. Usually, you may receive discounts and other special rates. Since you will be doing your own cooking, you’ll be spending less on food. Furthermore, since you can’t consume junk food and processed food, you will not be spending on the usual comforts foods. So, the paleo diet could actually be cheaper.

5. The paleo diet is not for women

There are many arguments for this stating that women need more carbohydrates, etc. In cases like this, it would be wise to adapt the diet. For example, if the woman feels lethargic, she may consume more carbs in the form of vegetables. The paleo diet does not have to be rigid. Mix and match and see what suits you.

These are just a few misconceptions. There are many more but pay them no heed. The best way to know about anything is to try it out for yourself. Try out the paleo diet for 3 weeks or a month. If you start looking and feeling better, stay on. If not, you may go back to your previous way of eating. Chances are high that once you go paleo, you’ll never go back.