The Paleo diet for athletes makes a lot of sense. In fact, the term Paleo stands for the Paleolithic man who lived over 10,000 years ago. Our human ancestor, the Paleolithic man, was a hunter-gatherer, and he ate a great deal of protein and fat for energy to support the physical demands of life. As such, it makes perfect sense to apply a primitive diet to a highly physical lifestyle. Most athletic trainers advise high protein diets, but many athletes fall back on protein bars, drinks, and powders for convenience. These protein supplements, however, are not as easily assimilated by the body. Recent research into using food instead of supplements to improve health and physical performance, has led to the creation of the Paleo diet.
Paleo Diet For Athletes
Following the Paleo diet for athletes is quite simple, and not much different than how a non-athlete would. By applying what is known about the Paleolithic man, one simply eats the same way as hunter-gatherers did ages ago. This can be done by incorporating foods that can be hunted, such as fish, wild game, and eggs. Non-protein sources of nutrients that would have been gathered include mushrooms, vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. All junk food is to be avoided, and in general grains are restricted.
The meat that is eaten is preferably organic, free range or grass fed. This produces healthy animals, which then renders the nutrients in the meat in the right ratios — especially omega 3 fatty acids. This nutrient is particularly important in the Paleo diet for athletes, as it supports metabolic and cardiovascular health. All fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, herbs, and spices should be in the purest state as possible: Free of additives, preservatives, and pesticides. Some experts caution against over consumption of certain root vegetables, namely potatoes.
Liquids that are generally recommended are pure filtered water and some teas. Drinks, such as concentrated juice and soda are extremely high in sugar, and are therefore strictly avoided. Though the diet can be raw or cooked, some dietitians familiar with the Paleo diet for athletes recommend a third of the food eaten to be raw, as cooking destroys many of the enzymes and nutrients in the food. At least half of what is eaten should come from an animal source, with up to 25% or more fat intake as an energy fuel. This is contrary to previous beliefs that animal fat caused health problems. Some researchers have even found that the fat from grass fed animals can actually be beneficial to health.
Paleo Diet For Athletes – Conclusion
In the Paleo diet, carbohydrates are restricted to around 22-40% of daily energy intake. It is argued that excessive consumption of carbohydrate and sugar is the true contributor to many diseases of civilization. Diseases such as obesity and diabetes are strongly linked to consumption of foods high in these ingredients. Extreme carbohydrate restriction is generally not recommended in the Paleo diet for athletes though, as it creates a state called ketosis, which is hotly debated as to its effect on the body.
