Paleo Diet Review - 6 Things You Need to Know

Don’t laugh, but more than 50% of diet plans simply don’t work. Let’s see if the Paleo Diet is one of the good ones. We checked into all the rules, allowed/disallowed foods, side effects, and research. We also read every comment we could find to see if dieters are happy with the changes. Then, we narrowed it all down to give you the bottom line.

Paleo Diet Video Review

What is the Paleo Diet?

Firstly, the Paleo Diet is an eating plan that focuses on how the first men and women would have eaten. There is a heavy focus on natural and organic choices, and processed foods are cut out altogether, according to StatPearls. However, the Austrian Family Physician noted that this kind of diet remains controversial.

You can find hundreds of books explaining the relevance and details of how to make the change. There’s no one creator, but Loren Cordain, Ph.D., claims to be the founder of the movement.

From a weight-loss perspective, there are mixed feelings about the Paleo Diet. Ancient art pieces depict women with large bellies, which negates the idea that eating this way promotes a “healthy” body. Some skeptics believe severe restriction is difficult to maintain long-term, so support varies, but read on…

• Palaeolithic Diet in Diabesity and Endocrinopathies: claims that “the Palaeolithic diet has shown potential to prevent and manage various health conditions”.
• Influence of Paleolithic Diet: The study focuses on disorders of the endocrine system but ultimately concludes that the diet does result in weight loss.
• Effects of a Paleolithic Diet on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: a cautiously-optimistic study that proves a paleo diet could lower blood pressure and have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

Food Restrictions – “Should the Dieter Stick With It?”

The first thing a dieter may notice about Paleo Diet is the list of restricted, or discouraged, foods. “Anything that is processed, in any way, should be cut from the diet,” explains our Research Editor. “Unfortunately, this is where things can get confusing because one author allows something like diet soda, and another doesn’t. This is because there’s no definitive structure.”

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, food restriction can negatively affect the body. In particular, results “show significantly lower BMC (bone mineral content) values in women with high CER (cognitive eating restraint) scores.”

Health.gov explains how people should eat. “Healthful diets contain the amounts of essential nutrients and energy needed to prevent nutritional deficiencies and excesses. Healthful diets also provide the right balance of carbohydrate, fat, and protein to reduce risks for chronic diseases, and they are obtained from a variety of foods that are available, affordable, and enjoyable.”

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Prices – “Is Paleo Diet Affordable?”

With words like “organic” and “free-range,” there is the question of affordability with the Paleo Diet. You’re supposed to eat foods as they would be found in nature, and those choices are much more expensive than options traditionally chosen as part of a Western diet.

“We’ve read advice from numerous people who follow the Paleo Diet,” offers our Research Editor. “Some suggest starting with a 50% change to keep costs down. Others claim all you have to do is give up cable or other luxuries to switch 100%.”

After years of research, it’s the smallest of things, like increased food prices, that wreck your long-term success chances. If the Paleo Diet is just too expensive, the dieter may not be able to stick with it for long.

The Science – “Does Research Say Paleo is Better?”

The Journal of Physiological Anthropology explains that Paleo is about more than just cutting out processed foods. The idea is that living in nature, surrounded by plants and animals, supports overall health. “…if green space is associated with mental well-being…it would certainly suggest that it might also be associated with reduced mortality rates.” Though eating natural can improve nutritional intake, some people eat common foods and maintain a healthy weight.

What Users Are Saying

“I love this book. I had purchased this book many years ago. back then I was on Paleo life and never felt better. I lost weight and food was delicious. I was excited to see that this book was updated and I was not disappointed! So much good information and humor too. It’s a must in my opinion, this book has worked wonders for friends of mine as well. One of my friends lost serious pounds her first month, and in 2 months her doctor was able to take her off her medications for diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. My friend is a testimony. And the book has other testimonials of how Paleo has helped others.”

“Junk – Couldn’t live on this diet.”

“I have lost weight but not fast like many people said but yes, I did. More important than weight, I am healthy at the age of 71. I am still working and doing well. I had to have a heart cath and despite eating a high fat diet, my arteries are clear. I just wish that I could find a good recipe for pork chops, without fruit that will come out tender. I love good pork chops but mine tend to come out on the hard side.”

The Bottom Line – Does the Paleo Diet Work?

Do we think you should go all-organic and natural? We are all for eating healthy foods rich in all the vitamins and nutrients the body needs. However, we’re not convinced that the Paleo Diet is more effective than simple changes that cut out anything that’s been heavily processed. We feel it may be an easier, more sustainable choice just to make healthier decisions.

It’s always a great idea to base your diet on healthy, nutritional foods. We also think you can add a program with clinical support that is ideal for getting you on track while teaching you long-term tools to lose weight and keep it off.

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