The primal diet and the paleo diet may seem similar at first, but they have many differences.  This article will explore modern-day primal vs. paleo diets, the differences between each, and how you can benefit from getting back to basics. 

Primal vs. Paleo Diets

Before diving into the differences between these two biology-based diet trends, let’s consider their similar roots. Both primal and paleo diets focus on human evolutionary biology. While our food sources have changed and evolved rapidly, our bodies have stayed much the same. 

If you could travel back in time to give a caveman a Twinkie, what would happen? Well, seemingly not much. His body would digest the Twinkie in the same way ours would, which is to say: not very well. 

Both the paleo and the primal diet focus on low carbohydrates, high protein and fats, and high vegetable contents. These are the kinds of foods our ancestors would have eaten, and the foods we are still built to eat today. So a Twinkie won’t kill us (or our caveman), but it’s not ideal for health. 

What is the Primal Diet?

The primal diet focuses on foods that our ancestors would have had access to before the agricultural revolution. To figure out what foods fit into a primal diet lifestyle, ask yourself: would my ancestors have been able to find this in nature? 

Acceptable foods on the primal diet include: 

• Nuts and seeds
• Fruits, berries, and flowers
• Vegetables
• Honey and maple syrup
• Fish and mussels
• Meat
• Wild game
• Wild eggs
• Raw dairy products
• Ancient grains, wild rice, quinoa
• Tea and sometimes coffee

Foods to avoid include:

• Grains
• Beans and legumes
• Wheat, rye, barley
• Corn
• Alcohol
• Soy
• Processed oils
• Sugar
• Preservatives

People following the primal diet avoid all processed foods. If a food item can safely be eaten raw, it is best to eat it raw to gain all of the nutritional value. Primal diet followers eat fresh and organic food whenever possible. 

What is the Paleo Diet?

The paleo diet follows the same premise as the primal diet. Followers should avoid processed foods and seek foods that our ancestors had access to in nature. The paleo diet is somewhat stricter than the primal diet. 

Acceptable foods on a paleo diet include: 

• Nuts and seeds
• Fruits, berries, and flowers
• Most vegetables
• Honey and maple syrup
• Fish and mussels
• Meat
• Wild game
• Wild eggs
• Ancient grains, wild rice, quinoa
• Tea

Foods to avoid include: 

• Dairy
• Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant)
• Coffee
• Grains
• Beans and legumes
• Wheat, rye, barley
• Corn
• Alcohol
• Soy
• Processed oils
• Sugar
• Preservatives

As you can see, both diets are relatively similar. The paleo diet is slightly stricter in that it doesn’t allow any dairy, nightshade vegetables, or coffee. These foods would have been hard to access and potentially poisonous for our ancestors. 

Benefits of a Primal or Paleo Diet

Although it is a tricky diet to maintain in our modern highly-processed, fast-food-loving society, primal and paleo diets can have some great health benefits, including:

• Weight loss
• Decreased abdominal fat
• Improved blood pressure
• Improved heart health
• Improved cognitive function
• Lower cholesterol

These are all great benefits of paleo or primal diets. Anybody using these diets should use discretion, however. Technically, one could eat nothing but bacon and eggs on a primal diet, but this wouldn’t be good for your health. 

Cleaning the Plate

Both the primal and paleo diets attempt to realign our current food intake with that of our ancestors. In the debate between primal vs paleo, it’s important to note that not everyone is perfect, and these diets can and should be adjusted to suit individual needs. 

Want to learn more about how you can boost your health and change your life? Check out our other articles on dieting, therapy treatments, and more!

Find Some Great Alternatives to Coffee

Let’s face it: we’ve all experienced those mornings when getting out of bed feels like a Herculean task without that morning jolt. Indeed, coffee has woven itself into the fabric of many lives, making it hard to imagine a day without it. However, while coffee itself isn’t inherently bad, excessive consumption can negatively impact your physical and mental health. Fortunately, many natural alternatives to coffee can help you start your day feeling energized and awake. To that end, discover these options below.

1. Matcha

Matcha typically comes in a finely ground powder made from processed green tea leaves. Although it does contain caffeine, the amount is smaller compared to a cup of coffee. Moreover, matcha’s caffeine releases more slowly, which can prevent the jittery feeling coffee sometimes causes. This gradual release is due to the amino acid L-theanine, which moderates the caffeine’s effects. Therefore, as far as coffee substitutes go, matcha is quite healthy.

2. Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate, a popular tea in South American countries like Argentina and Paraguay, offers a viable alternative to coffee. Often enjoyed from traditional cups with metal straws, this tea contains caffeine but in lower amounts than coffee.

3. Guarana

Guarana, a plant native to the Amazon rainforest, produces a stimulating fruit used in many energy drinks. Since the caffeine in guarana metabolizes more slowly in the body, it leads to a more consistent energy release without the intense highs and crashes associated with coffee. Consequently, this makes guarana an excellent healthy coffee alternative.

4. A Cold Shower

For those looking to ditch caffeine altogether, a cold shower provides a refreshing alternative. In fact, nothing else can jolt your system quite like plunging into cold water first thing in the morning. Additionally, cold showers can increase endorphins, boost metabolism, and improve circulation.

5. Morning Yoga

Exercise in the morning can help shake off grogginess. Whether you prefer jogging or hitting the gym, these activities are beneficial. However, an energizing yoga flow offers a gentle wake-up, revitalizing you and preparing you for the day.

Try These Coffee Alternatives Today

If you’re seeking natural and healthy alternatives to coffee, consider these suggestions. Incorporate these exciting options into your routine to energize your day.

For additional natural ways to boost and optimize your energy, we’re here to help. Contact us to explore the treatment options that could work best for you.