Diet fads come and go by the dozen each year. However, the Paleolithic (or Paleo) diet has remained popular with weight loss and fitness enthusiasts.

What is the Paleolithic Diet?

The Paleolithic diet, also known as the Paleo diet, is a diet that mimics the dietary habits of the early cavemen. In short, the foods that people on this diet consume are the same or similar to those that the cavemen used to eat.

In essence, anything that a caveman could hunt or gather is okay to eat on the Paleo diet. Some of the most common foods that Paleo dieters will eat on any given day include:

• Fresh fish
• Nuts
• Berries
• Leafy greens
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Seeds

The Paleo diet does not allow for processed food like canned pasta, frozen pizza, or even cold salads like chicken or tuna salad.

Fans of the Paleo diet report being able to improve their diets and lose weight more effectively than withholding calories and fat from their daily intake. Many Paleo dieters combine this regimen with daily exercise, however.

The Benefits of the Paleolithic Diet

Dietary experts agree that the Paleo diet does have some benefits that could make it useful to people who want to lose weight and improve their eating habits. Some of the more noteworthy advantages of the Paleo diet include:

• Eating foods that lack additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients
• Consuming foods like seeds and leafy greens that have anti-inflammatory qualities
• Eating a diet that is high in protein and iron
• Feeling fuller sooner and eating smaller portions

Dietary insiders also observe that people on this diet lose weight because of their limited food choices.

Who Can Use the Paleo Diet to Lose Weight?

Like most diets, the Paleo diet is reserved for people who are healthy enough to tolerate its stringent dietary requirements. Your dietician or doctor may permit you to use the Paleo diet if you are not pregnant or nursing. You also may be given the all-clear if you have good kidney health and do not suffer from a health condition like high cholesterol that could be aggravated by eating high amounts of red meat.

Although the Paleo diet limits your food choices but also helps you avoid eating processed foods that could lead to weight gain.