If you are trying to lose weight, you have many diets from which to choose. One of the more popular choices in recent years is the Paleo diet. Based on the notion that we should eat as our "caveman" ancestors did, the diet is high in fiber, protein, and unsaturated fat. It only allows food that does not contain additives and has low sodium. Many people have embraced this diet. Before you make this choice, you need to understand both the benefits and problems with this diet.

Advantages

Americans get many of their calories from foods with little or no nutritional value. Cakes, sodas, pizza, and alcohol are among the worst of the lot. Too many people are morbidly obese, and a host of health issues occur as a result. The Paleo diet combats these problems by encouraging you to consume nuts, seeds, eggs, honey, vegetables, and fruits. You are also encouraged to eat all parts of animals, including the organs and bone marrow. It's a natural approach that often helps followers to lose a significant amount of weight, largely due to the lack of high-calorie carbs in their diet. You can eat as much food as you want as long as you stick to the foods allowed by the diet. Fortunately, experts have come up with delicious paleo recipes including such treats as protein pancakes. While eliminating processed foods as well as added sugars and salt clearly have health benefits, some things that are prohibited on the diet are actually necessary for good health.

Disadvantages

Since our earliest ancestors did not eat dairy or legumes, the diet does not allow for these foods. You are also expected to give up grains and potatoes. In moderation, these substances are good for you and offer needed nutritional benefits. In fact, people on the paleo diet have to work to get enough vitamin D naturally. You will most likely need to take supplements to do so. Also, too much red meat has long been linked to an increased risk of heart issues and other problems. Most physicians would recommend adopting part of the Paleo diet. Reducing carbs and processed foods is good for everyone. Eat as many whole foods as you can and go heavy on the fruits,vegetables, and protein. This approach will help you lose weight and improve your health.

Consult with your primary care physician before you begin any diet so you can get a baseline cholesterol and blood pressure reading as well as having your weight recorded. For recipe ideas, check out a company like Eat Naturall, LLC.