In the age of the internet, a new diet is born every day. A person will develop a physical dysfunction, usually due to a poor diet built into their lifestyle. Then the person will figure out a diet that will help them overcome the dysfunction. The person will then publish it online.
Logic and some research will be planted into their theories to back up their diet then a health fad is born. This is not a bad thing. Sharing ideas and tests is something our society needs more of. We can’t rely fully upon medical professionals to just figure everything out for us.
One of the recent new additions to the diet landscape is a program called the Paleo Diet. Supporters of the diet swear by it, though its philosophy is a bit different and there are a number of big restrictions. Many are saying the Paleo diet can kill asthma, and other diseases that are triggered by inflammation. It has positive eating habits built into it, so it’s not a bad thought.
The basic idea behind the Paleo Diet is to stick to eating foods that were the diet of Paleolithic humans from thousands of years ago. That’s why the Paleo Diet is also called the Caveman Diet, though the name is frowned upon by some fervent supporters.
The diet consists mainly of meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, roots, and other organic foods. Perhaps the biggest part that differentiates the Paleo Diet from others is its ban on eating grains, dairy products, legumes, potatoes, sugar, and other processed foods.
Supporters say the diet leads to weight loss while also clearing up skin ailments and providing a natural boost of energy. Since the diet excludes many elements that have become staples of regular diets, incorporating the Paleo Diet is a challenge, but some helpful and easy substitutions are available for meals and snacks you eat every day.
1. Breakfast Items
Breakfast is an important part of every day, but with pancakes and milk not possible on the Paleo Diet, other options are needed. Look for some non-traditional breakfast foods, like vegetables, while highlighting acceptable items like bacon and eggs.
If you’re in the mood for oatmeal, there’s a way to make some oatless oatmeal. The recipe includes egg whites, flaxseed meal, and banana that makes for a tasty and nutritious substitute for the real thing.
2. Pasta
Who doesn’t like a plate of spaghetti or chowing down on some fettucini? But on the Paleo Diet, pasta isn’t allowed. Paleo dieters have figured out a way to still enjoy pasta without using grains. Spaghetti squash is one such option, but it’s not the only choice available.
You can also include zucchini noodles as an effective substitute, but to get them to that right pasta texture, you’ll need to stir-fry them.
3. Almond Butter
A big part of the regular lunch meal, peanut butter is delicious and versatile, but it’s also not allowed under the Paleo Diet. So what do you do if you want some peanut butter and jelly? There are a number of different options out there. One is to use almond butter instead. Not only does it taste similar to peanut butter, but it packs more fiber and fewer carbohydrates, making for a healthier meal in general.
4. Coconut Milk
Dairy seems to be a part of everything, from yogurt, to cheese, to ice cream, and that’s not even counting everything that uses butter. For all those newly banned items, you can turn to coconut milk. A little bit of coconut milk can be used in sour cream, whipped cream, yogurt, butter, and even as a substitute for regular milk.
5. Other Ingredients
Many of the basic ingredients used in baking products are off limits as well, but the Paleo Diet has ways to make up for that. If the recipe calls for sugar, substitute honey, and only use half of the amount called for. If you need brown sugar, use maple syrup instead. Vinegar can be switched out for lemon or lime juice, and flour can be replaced by natural almond flour or organic coconut flour.
In addition to these meal restrictions, it’s also useful to get help in maintaining a structured plan for any diet. If you test the diet out use a weight measurement app, like the TR90 APP which will help you monitor the success of the diet by helping you measure every part of your body before and after. Emeals helps with the Paleo diet and they provide tools to help plan your meals out in advance. Fitness websites also offer tips to help you keep at your diet and keep track of your weight loss.
These substitutes are only scratching the surface of all the replacement menu items the Paleo Diet has on hand. Though they require more preparation time and a little creativity, for those dedicated to following the diet, the extra effort is worth it.
