The Paleo diet (and others), are they sustainable?

Many people have heard of the Paleo diet, have you? Some have named it the caveman diet as it is based on humans that were in the 'hunter gatherer' period of time.

This period of time, the Paleolithic Period was 40,000+ years ago for reference.

There have been hundreds of diets with best selling books, programs, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, etc... Loosing weight is a huge money maker for those writing the books and selling programs and specific 'diet' food at the local market.

So exactly what is the Paleo diet? It typically follows what the cavemen ate which was nothing that was produced/manufactured. Many of your typical sources of carbohydrates are cut out like rice, flour, grains like oats. Even high starch vegetables like potatoes and carrots are out.

My attempt at a paleo lunch, but has a processed dressing.... Organic spring mix, cilantro lime shrimp, chicken, red onion and some miso dressing.

So what can you eat? Meat, fish, seafood, fruits, veggies, eggs, nuts and seeds, healthy oils like olive and coconut.

What you can't eat: Cereal grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, potatoes, salt, refined oils, all processed foods.

What are the benifits of a Paleo diet? Higher protein intake, lower glycemic index by lowering simple carbohydrates, higher fiber intake, higher potassium and lower sodium intake, higher intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants.

My salad assembly, I added a cucumber!

I personally have never knew anyone that has been on and sustained any specific type of diet. What you eat is more of a definition of your lifestyle and that is hard to change unless you really want too.

Take a olympic athlete in running/swimming/cycling.... In order for them to compete at the highest level, they need to eliminate as much body fat as possible and gain lean muscle mass. This takes a very strict diet, no double cheeseburgers, fries/ketchup and a shake...

But most people are not competing, so why would they be interested in something like a Paleo diet? To manage their weight. I'd say that there are quite a few people that can afford to loose a few pounds which would make them not only feel better, but become a bit more agile.

My finished 'almost Paleo' salad

But as I mentioned, most if not all diets are not sustainable IMO. If so, why even attempt a Paleo diet? The short answer is that you do not need to go full on Paleo, you can have one meal per day that is Paleo which would be better than a processed TV Dinner or any fast food establishment.

You can incorporate a Paleo meal at your own convenience which is sustainable and healthier for your body.

Do you know anyone who has attempted the Paleo diet? Are they still on it? How long did they last? How about other diets? Are you happy with the state of your body and level of body fat?