Caveman Diet

Introduction: Caveman Diet

The Caveman Diet is based on what some researchers believe the diet of early man was before farming and techniques for food preservation were developed. The theory is that the onset of farming and the advent of food preservation, such as heavy salting and using artificial preservatives, radically changed the human diet from one mainly of fresh meat and vegetables and fruits and small amounts of fresh whole grains to one of processed and packaged foods that are often high in unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and preservatives that negatively impact weight and health. This evolution of the way food is obtained and processed occurred over thousands of years, but the change has been the most radical in the last century, especially in the last few decades. There are many variations of the Caveman Diet, but they all include a high protein and low carbohydrate concept. In general, meat and seafood and eggs are the key components of these diets. Caveman diets also stress the consumption of vegetables and moderate amounts of fruits, nuts, and healthy oils. Ideally, all foods should be certified as organic. As with any diet, optimal results for weight loss are achieved when a healthy diet plan is combined with a sensible exercise program. Any restrictive diet plan, such as the Caveman Diets, may be harmful in some people. Medical monitoring and supervision of weight loss is always the safest way to lose weight, and it is important that you consult with your health care provider that before starting a diet plan and exercise program.

Caveman Diet: Other Names

Other names for this diet (Caveman Diet) include:

Paleo Diet
Hunter-Gatherer diet
Stone Age Diet
Neanderthin
Preagricultural Diet
Evolutionary Diet

Caveman Diet: Similar Diets

Other diets similar to Caveman Diet include:

South Beach Diet
Ketogenic diet
Low-Carbohydrate diet
Atkins Diet
Sonoma Diet
Bernstein's Diabetes Diet
Sugar Busters
Protein Power

Conditions Associated with Caveman Diet

Conditions associated with Caveman Diet include:

As with many diet plans, the Caveman Diet is not specifically designed to treat any other particular disease or condition. However, in conjunction with advice from a licensed health care professional, people with the following conditions may benefit from some version of the Caveman Diet:
Weight gain
Obesity
Overweight
Insulin resistance
Pre-diabetes
Diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Possible prevention of diet and age-related macular degeneration, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer

Foods Excluded Or Restricted From Caveman Diet

The following foods may be restricted or excluded from Caveman Diet:

Any processed foods
Lunch meats, cold cuts
Foods made with refined "white" carbohydrates
White sugar (Some versions of the Caveman Diet allow small quantities of honey)
White flours
White potatoes and other starchy tuber vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and yams
Dairy products
Milk
Yogurt
Cheese
Sodas/pop
Breads
Chips
Snack foods
Peanuts and other legumes, such as peas and beans
Baked goods
Deserts
Coffee
Tea
Alcohol
(Some versions of the Caveman Diet allow small quantities of these beverages)

Foods Focused On For Caveman Diet

The following foods may be focused on as part of Caveman Diet:

Fresh, unprocessed fish and seafood
Fresh, unprocessed poultry
Fresh, unprocessed, beef and other meats
Eggs
Fresh, unprocessed vegetables, ideally eaten raw
Olive oil
Nut oils
Flax seed oil
Nuts that can be eaten raw, except peanuts
Seeds that can be eaten raw
Small amounts of whole grains

Caveman Diet: Potential Risks Or Complications

The following are potential risks or complications of the diet (Caveman Diet):

Ketoacidosis - a condition in which dangerously high levels of acids called ketones build up in the blood and can poison the body.
Kidney damage
Not consuming dairy products may lead to a lack of calcium in the diet
Weight loss diets are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women