Revision #667

'''The paleo (paleolithic) diet''' is built around whole foods a hunter-gatherer could have eaten: meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and seeds. It drops grains, legumes, dairy, and processed food. This guide covers how it works and how to run it in Loopa.

This page is general information, not medical advice.

== What it is ==

Paleo is a whole-foods pattern, not a strict macro formula. The idea is to eat foods available before farming and food processing, and to skip the modern additions: refined grains, added sugar, most dairy, and packaged food.

== How it works ==

Paleo works mostly by what it removes. Cutting refined carbs, added sugar, and ultra-processed food usually lowers your calorie intake and steadies blood sugar without counting. Meals lean on protein and fiber, which help you feel full. There is nothing magic about the "caveman" framing; the benefit comes from eating more whole foods and less processed food.

== Typical macro split ==

Paleo does not fix your macros, but a common split lands near:

* Protein: 25 to 35% of calories
* Fat: 35 to 45% of calories
* Carbs: 20 to 35% of calories, from vegetables and fruit

== Foods to eat ==

* Meat, poultry, and eggs
* Fish and seafood
* Vegetables of all kinds
* Fruit
* Nuts and seeds
* Healthy oils: olive, avocado, coconut

== Foods to limit or avoid ==

* Grains: wheat, rice, oats, corn
* Legumes: beans, lentils, peanuts
* Dairy
* Added sugar and sweets
* Most processed and packaged food
* Refined vegetable oils

== Who it suits and the benefits ==

Paleo suits you if you do well eating whole foods and want a clear "yes/no" list rather than counting. Trading processed food for vegetables, fruit, and lean protein tends to improve diet quality and can support weight loss and better blood sugar.{{cite web|title=Paleo diet: What is it and why is it so popular?|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/paleo-diet/art-20111182|website=Mayo Clinic|access-date=2026-06-30}}

* More whole foods, less processed food
* Higher protein and fiber for fullness
* No calorie counting required

== Cautions and considerations ==

* Cutting dairy and legumes removes convenient sources of calcium, fiber, and inexpensive protein. Plan for calcium and fiber from other foods.
* Paleo can get heavy on red meat and expensive. Balance with fish, eggs, and plenty of vegetables.
* If you take a blood thinner, keep leafy-green (vitamin K) intake steady and watch your [[INR and blood thinners|INR]] with your clinician.
* Whole-food eating is sound for most people, but talk to your clinician before big changes if you manage a chronic condition.

== In Loopa ==

Select '''Paleo''' in [[Settings]] and Loopa sets a higher-protein, moderate-carb target and points the "what should I eat" suggestions at paleo-friendly whole foods. Log meals with [[Logging food]] and keep an eye on your [[Macronutrients explained|macros]] as you go.

== See also ==

* [[Low-carb diet]]
* [[Keto diet]]
* [[Mediterranean diet]]
* [[Healthy eating]]
* [[Understanding calories]]
* [[Diet and exercise]]

[[Category:Diet guides]]
[[Category:Loopa]]