Is the “Caveman diet” healthy?
This is a question I am asked again and again by people when I tell them I’ve lost nearly 10 lbs and 13 inches by eating “Paleo”- which means forgoing grains and dairy for fruits, veggies, lean proteins and nuts and seeds. Also called the primal diet, this plan mimics the diet and lifestyle of our ancient ancestors… this doesn’t mean I have to kill my food or run 20 miles to try to; it means eating simply and moving more to, as Dr. James O’Keefe writes, “revitalize, rejuvenate, and revolutionize our health and longevity, and thrive with physical health and vigor.”
Now those are pretty strong words coming from one of Kansas City’s premier Cardiologists. Dr. O’Keefe, a preventive cardiologist, is best known for his studies in the field of cardiovascular medicine. He is also the co-author of the best selling consumer health book, The Forever Young Diet & Lifestyle. He is currently a professor of medicine at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a partner in St. Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants, a large cardiology practice based in Kansas City.
One of my clients, Marianne, also a client of Dr. O’Keefe, shared an article on the Paleo diet that Dr O’Keefe recently published as she knew I was embracing this lifestyle. I wanted to share what he said with you since many people often question how a diet high in meat and fat could possibly be good for you. Here’s what he had to say.
Dr. O’Keefe recently attended the Ancestral Health Symposium at Harvard University. He writes, “I was energized and enlightened by experts from around the world who presented their scientific work at AHS. Nothing makes an organism thrive like allowing it to get back into its native environment, eating its natural diet. Any doubts about the practicality and the effectiveness of the Paleo Diet + Organic Fitness were erased as I interacted with many of the 1,000 attendees–– This was a group of very healthy and fit looking people with lean and muscular bodies, trim waists, sharp and curious minds, with relaxed and happy attitudes.
A Few Important Take Aways from the AHS:
- Nothing is more destabilizing to the brain (leading to depression, Alzheimers, etc) than a diet high in sugar and starch: and nothing is more nourishing and stabilizing to the brain than natural, healthy fats like omega-3 (fish oil), nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, hazel nuts), olive oil and avocados.
- Exercise should be play, not work; it should feel like fun, not drudgery...The majority of your exercise should be fun, or at least something you look forward to….I find it I don’t routinely do strength training, flexibility training and cardio conditioning, I tend to get injured a lot.
- Eighty percent of your body composition (fat vs lean body mass) is determined by your diet. If you follow an ideal Paleo diet, you won’t have to slave to daily hour long slogs on the treadmill. Instead you can relax and just do the physical activities you enjoy.
- A vegetarian diet can be markedly improved by adding a modest amount of healthy animal protein, like fish, egg whites, lean fresh red meat and non fat or low fat dairy. And most vegetarians eat entirely too much sugar, starch and other processed carbs, and not nearly enough vegetables, fruits (berries), and nuts.
- Most people who develop Alzheimer’s disease have had a lifelong “sweet tooth” addiction to sugar and processed carbs- a habit that can destroy your mind.
- Next to coronary heart disease, the most common cause of chronic disabilty is depression. The Paleo diet and daily Organic exercise, along with vitamin D and Omega-3 will prevent and/or improve symptoms of depression without having to resort to drugs.
- Following the Paleo Diet and Organic lifestyle will naturally reset your hormones back into their ideal ranges, which is key to slowing the aging process, preventing diseases, and staying youthful…”
So there you have it! Dr James O’Keefe recommends the Paleo lifestyle for vibrant health! He also recommends having F U N with your exercise program! This is what Pilates 1901 is all about people! Fun, great Food, Fabulous Health, and a FANTASTIC supportive community.What more could you ask for?
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