Long before there was a Starbucks on every corner—starting around 2.6 million years ago to about 12,000 years ago—our early human ancestors survived off of nourishment hunted and gathered off the land. This approach to diet is now more commonly known as Paleo (or “Paleolithic” for Stone Age). The Paleo diet is heavy on protein and healthy fats and low on carbs, with no trans fats, preservatives or artificial sugars.
The Paleo diet is very popular among athletes and fitness experts, and boasts many health benefits including weight loss and weight maintenance, as well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol. By following a Paleo diet, you can also help build lean muscle mass and improve your overall health.
Begin your Paleo journey with the key meal components below:
Lean meat, fish and seafood, preferably organic and free of any chemicals or growth hormones, are an essential part of the Paleo diet. Fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are especially high in healthy fats, like omega-3 fatty acids which support a healthy heart. Trans fats should, of course, be avoided like an avalanche.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a staple in any healthy and balanced diet. They’re rich in vitamins and minerals, which help support digestion and your overall health. However, do not beast on the sweeter fruits like apples and oranges, especially if you are trying to lose weight. These fruits are high in sugar, and although it is natural sugar, a diet high in these fruits can prevent you from reaching the full potential of your weight-loss goals. If you have a sweet tooth for fruit, opt for berries that are high in fiber and antioxidants and come with a lower sugar and fructose content.
Eggs are a great source of protein, along with a wide assortment of vitamins and minerals including vitamin B2, B6, B12, D as well as zinc, iron and copper. Eggs make a great healthy breakfast option in an omelette, mixed with fresh vegetables and chopped lean meat like turkey.
Healthy nuts and seeds are a great way to add a satisfying crunch to your meals, while still providing the health benefits of the Paleo diet. Nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, and pecans are all included in the Paleo palate, as well as seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseed. Not part of the Paleo diet are legumes like peanuts, peas, and beans. While legumes are generally high in fiber and protein, their composition makes them hard for your body to break down, causing complications with digestion.
Some oils are “good” sources of healthy fats, made up of either saturated or monounsaturated fats. Healthy oils that are part of the Paleo diet include olive oil, walnut oil, flaxseed oil, macadamia nut oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil.
If you’re looking to get a fresh start before you start incorporating the Paleo diet into your lifestyle, try our Cleanse Program! This program includes our PerfectAmino™ supplement, Complete+Detox supplement, Intestinal Cleanse, and Body Detox oral spray.*
Learn more about the BodyHealth Cleanse Program here.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The importance of having a well-functioning and healthy immune system has become increasingly obvious in recent times.
Sadly, everyone seems to have a different answer as to how you should go about strengthening your immune system. When you go to your local health and wellness shop, you might see twenty or thirty products that tout their “immune boosting” powers. An Amazon search reveals thousands of results.
Well, we’re here to tell you about an effective and ancient remedy that has been in use for over two thousand years: the red reishi mushroom.
We’ve all heard about all the negative effects of stress and the modern lifestyle.
We’re all rushing around, overworked, in a constant state of fight-or-flight and it has disastrous effects on our health.
But what if “stress” wasn’t the real problem?
What if our bodies knew exactly how to cope with the intensity of modern life… if we just gave the body what it needed to thrive?
And the key may be one little mineral.
I hope this finds you healthy and able to still get outside (or inside) for a daily run during this trying time of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of us are grieving several losses including race cancellations. Though it's a bummer, I want you to know that your hard-earned training is far from wasted.
Those miles are in your legs and all kinds of wonderful benefits have occurred including the addition of mitochondria, adding new capillary beds for increased blood flow, and strengthening the heart muscle for future training.
As athletes, it's important for us to be proactive in maintaining a strong immune system. We're not only doing this for our own prevention but also our loved ones that we spend time with.
Read on for 5 tips to consider as you seek to stay healthy.
