PALEO DIET: THE NEW DIET ON THE BLOCK

Paleo diet, also called the caveman diet, is one of the more popular weight loss solutions today. But is it actually healthy?

We are all fighting the battle for that ideal figure, trying to veer away from the seemingly unattractive reflection in the mirror and, sometimes, in our minds. Unable to stop obsessing over shaping our bodies, we resort to diets. This quest for a magic solution to weight problems leads to the emergence of a new diet every season.

After the buzz about detox diet and ketogenic diet, the newest addition to the clan is Paleo diet. Nutritionist Kavita Devgan shares, “Paleo diet is growing big now [in India]. Five out of 10 people today are aware of and opting for it. However, a few years back, most had no clue about it.”

Wondering what a Paleo diet is? It is all about eating low carbohydrate and high protein foods. “It’s one of the most influential dietary trends that involves eating only whole, fresh, and nutrient-rich foods, emphasising more on meat, fish, and non-starchy fruits and vegetables,” says nutritionist Nmami Agarwal.

HOW IT WORKS

In Paleo diet, the body relies mostly on fat for energy, rather than carbs. “The key features of this diet are high protein content, healthy fats, cutting down on grains and processed foods, and increasing the intake of vitamins through fruits and vegetables,” shares Devgan. “High intake of proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins, while reducing processed food in your diet also helps reduce the risks of autoimmune diseases,” adds Devgan.

Adopting Paleo diet can be a good way to jump-start a more whole foods-friendly approach to your diet. However, it can get tough for vegetarians.

SIDE EFFECTS

It is effective for the short term when one wants to reduce weight quickly. However, over the long term, it could lead to further complications and, thus, is not advisable.

“I don’t believe in cutting down on an entire food group, such as grains in this case. When you follow this diet for a long time and try to get back to these food groups, the body might not adapt to it again,” says Devgan.

“Paleo diet is high in fibre, potassium, and antioxidants, but it increases the chances of diarrhoea, fatigue, and lack of energy. Chronically, low intake of carbohydrate may lead to an overuse of fat for energy. People suffering from blood sugar issues, diabetes or hypertension should consult the doctor before adopting such a diet,” advises Agarwal.

THE VERDICT

Experts say that most of the weight lost by this diet is likely to be water weight rather than fat, so the loss is temporary. For long-term weight control, it is better to focus on a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, fish, and olive oil.

The key features of Paleo diet are high protein content, healthy fats, cutting down on grains and processed foods, and higher intake of vitamins through fruits and vegetables KAVITA DEVGAN NUTRITIONIST

Those with hypertension or diabetes should consult a doctor before adopting Paleo diet NMAMI AGARWAL NUTRITIONIST