The Paleo Diet, a fast-trending health and weight-loss diet, is based on the central theory that for optimal nutrition, we should consume foods that mimic the diet of our hunter-gatherer ancestors: higher lean protein and fiber intake, lower carbohydrate and sodium intake. Simply put, the Paleo Diet stresses the benefits of eating natural plants and animals for optimum health.
Lean Protein:
Followers of the Paleo Diet should look to consume roughly 20–35 percent of their daily calorie values in lean proteins. Common sources of lean protein include:
- Grass-fed, free-range chicken, turkey, lamb or bison (and)
- Fish, which is also an excellent source of omega 3s—a healthy fatty acid that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Fruits & Veggies:
Followers of the Paleo Diet should look to consume roughly 35–45 percent of their daily calorie values in non-starchy fresh produce. Besides being an excellent source of antioxidants, many fruits and veggies are also an excellent source of fiber—a key component of the Paleo Diet. Produce high-in-fiber include:
- Artichoke, 1 medium (cooked) = 10.3 g. fiber
- Green Peas, 1 cup = 8.8 g. fiber
- Raspberries, 1 cup = 8 g. fiber
- Broccoli, 1 cup (cooked) = 5.1 g. fiber
- Pear, 1 medium (with skin) = 5.5 g. fiber
- Apple, 1 medium (with skin) = 4.4 g. fiber
- Brussels sprouts, 1 cup = 4.1 g. fiber
- Banana, 1 medium = 3.1 g. fiber
- Orange, 1 medium = 3.1 g. fiber
- Strawberries, 1 cup = 3 g. fiber
Snack Time:
Nuts, seeds and omega-3 eggs are also common foods consumed on the Paleo Diet. They contain the nutrients and healthy fats that maintain healthy blood flow and brain function. Paleo Diet snack foods that should be enjoyed in moderation include:
- Sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup = 7 g. protein and 3.9 g. fiber
- Almonds, 23 nuts = 6 g. protein and 3.5 g. fiber
- Pistachios, 49 nuts = 6 g. protein and 2.9 g. fiber
- Omega-3 eggs, 1 large = 6 g. protein
Give it a Shot:
If you think you may want to give Paleo a try, here’s a tasty dinner recipe to get you started.
Grilled Lamb Chops:
Ingredients:
- 4 Lamb chops
- 3 Tbsp. Lemon juice
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 2 Tbsp. Honey
- 2 tsp. Paprika
- 2 tsp. Ground cumin
- 1 tsp. Ginger
- 1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
- Sprigs of fresh thyme
Directions:
- Rinse lamb chops and pat dry.
- In a large baking dish, whisk together spices, honey, garlic and lemon juice.
- Place lamb chops in marinade and refrigerate 12–24 hours.
- Remove lamb chops from refrigerator and let stand for 20–30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Brush grill with olive oil and grill chops 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Fresh and sweet, this simple
Spinach Pea Salad will pair well with your tender lamb chops.
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