Examining the healthy lives of our pre-agricultural Paleolithic ancestors and the marked decline in stature, bone density and dental health and the increase in birth defects, malnutrition and disease following the implementation of the agricultural lifestyle, Nora Gedgaudas shows how our modern grain and carbohydrate-heavy, low-fat diets are a far cry from the high-fat, moderate-protein hunter-gatherer diets we are genetically programmed for, leading not only to lifelong weight gain but, also, to cravings, mood disorders, cognitive problems and “diseases of civilisation” – such as cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and mental illness. Applying modern discoveries to the basic hunter-gatherer diet, she culls from vast research in evolutionary physiology, biochemistry, metabolism, nutrition and chronic and degenerative disease to unveil a holistic lifestyle for true mind-body health and longevity. Revealing the primal origins and physiological basis for a high-fat, moderate-protein, starch-free diet and the importance of adequate omega-3 intake – critical to our brain and nervous system, – she explains the nutritional problems of grains, gluten, soy, dairy and starchy vegetables; which natural fats promote health and which harm it; the crucial role of vitamin D in cancer and disease prevention; the importance of saturated fat and cholesterol; and how diet affects mental health, memory, cognitive function, hormonal balance and cellular aging. With step-by-step guidelines, recipes and meal recommendations, this book offers sustainable strategies for a primally based, yet modern approach to diet and exercise to reduce stress and anxiety, lose weight, improve sleep and mood, increase energy and immunity, enhance brain function and live longer and happier. * Provides sustainable diet strategies to curb sugar cravings, promote fat burning and weight loss, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep and moods, increase energy and immunity and enhance memory and brain function * Shows how our modern diet leads to weight gain and “diseases of civilisation” – such as cancer, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, heart disease and ADD * Explains how diet affects the brain, hormone balance and the aging process and the crucial role of vitamin D in cancer and disease prevention.
This book is available through Book Depository here
(affiliate link)
The idea behind the Paleo, or ‘caveman’, diet is simple – eat the food we humans were genetically and biologically meant to eat, as our hunter-gatherer ancestors once did, and we can all experience near-effortless weight loss, increased vitality and greatly improved health. But does it really make sense to restrict yourself to the limited range of foods available to our ancestors? Although we share a lot in common with them, we each have our own genes, tastes and health goals. In this groundbreaking book, leading expert Chris Kresser offers his unique solution – a 3-step plan that will fit your body, your lifestyle and your specific health issues. Start by following the basic Paleo plan for 30 days and enjoy a satisfying diet of lean meat, fish, non-starchy vegetables, some fruit, nuts and seeds but avoid grains, dairy, sugar and refined foods. After this 30-day plan, Chris helps you re-introduce certain foods in moderation to find out what agrees with you and what doesn’t. So what are you waiting for? You can enjoy life more, look slimmer and feel more vital. And because Chris advocates an 80/20 approach – we all have to live in the real world after all – you can still enjoy your favourite treats from time to time. In addition to dietary advice, the plan also includes guidance on fine-tuning your sleep, exercise and response to stress – all crucial elements in living a life that suits our natural design.
This book is available through Book Depository here
(affiliate link)