Even if the Paleo diet consists of relatively simple rules, many newcomers to the Paleo diet make a few typical mistakes. Shivani Sikri, Chief Nutritionist & Founder of Nutri4Verve, shares the following list that should help to avoid these errors right from the start.
1. Too Much Fruit
Unlike the hunters and gatherers, we live in an affluent society with the constant availability of food. And if we want to satisfy our sweetness addiction with too many fruits and the fructose they contain, this is not a good idea. In fact, fructose in high amounts can do a lot of damage. So it is better to use less fruit and if so, then prefer fruits with a Low Glycemic Index such as apples, berries, or grapefruit.
2. Too Much Honey
Paleo principle discourages refined sugars, sweeteners, syrups but permits eating honey as a substitute for sugar. Although, honey is permitted in small quantities but is often misused as a ‘super substitute’ for sugar, especially at the beginning.
3. Too Much Nuts & Seeds
Paleo constitutes eating nuts and seeds. But avoid overconsuming them! Many varieties of nuts contain a high percentage of omega-6 fatty acids, which stimulate inflammation in the body. Moreover, they have a high energy density with low mass, which is also not beneficial for fat loss goals. Take only a handful of nuts a day.
4. Too Much Junk Food Replacements & Replicas
Technically, paleo pancakes with almond flour, paleo bread, paleo muesli or muffins with coconut flour are of course paleo. But in the end, for many, they are just a substitute for classic junk food. These dishes are often high in calories which may not support weight loss if consumed in excess.
5. Eating Too Little Food
People make the mistake of confusing Paleo with eating less food. Paleo doesn’t mean starvation! Many people forget that. When you are hungry, eat more. Especially with the main meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A healthy mix of proteins, fat, and vegetables containing carbohydrates will keep you full longer and ensure constant energy throughout the day.
6. Excessive ‘Snacking’
Eating less main food may make you urge for ‘snacking’. It is better to have an extra portion of meat or fish for lunch than to be hungry in the late afternoon or evening. If you have frequent evening cravings, try eating some protein for breakfast. This way you avoid constant ‘snacking’ and keep your blood sugar level fairly constant throughout the day (which in turn can help you lose weight).
7. Obsessively Counting Numbers
Do not focus too much on the numbers and always count calories. Even scales should be avoided at least at the beginning of Paleo. You may face fluctuations in weight that do not immediately indicate a wrong diet.
8. Too Much Stress
It’s all about your health. And that cannot always be measured in numbers on scales. Avoid unwanted stress and try to listen to your body more. Be more relaxed and take proper sleep and aim for more mental relaxation.
9. Eating Too Much Overall
Paleo is mainly an open sort of healthy diet regime, without counting numbers. But sometimes we end up eating more when we have a healthy meal is in front of us. Without having a guilty conscience or concern too much of the portion size, just because we eat according to the paleo principle. Unfortunately, this is a mistake! We need to be following a calorie deficit. So, even during a healthy diet, make sure that you don’t see it as a free ticket to excessive eating.
10. Eating The Wrong Vegetables
Basically, vegetables are a very important component of the paleo diet. But this does not apply to all varieties. Potatoes, sweet potato, beans, and corn, for example, should only be on the menu in moderation.
We hope this article helps you in following your paleo diet the right way and clears the misconceptions. For more such articles and content, don’t forget to follow @missmalinilifestyle!