Before there were packaged goods, processed foods, GMOs and an ongoing debate between organic or not, there was dirt, seeds, water and roaming animals. It may be hard to consider now, but the dawn of man produced hunters and gatherers and humans had to get their own food – not by heading to the supermarket.

There were no sprays to kill insects, no chemicals or genes added or modified. No extra-large tomatoes or vibrant yellow bananas. Food was simple. It was either found, picked or hunted. And although there weren’t doctors or research scientists to confirm the benefits of such eating, it seems that when it comes to dietary habits, eating like our ancestors has some merit.

Diets come and diets go, but one in particular seems to have staying power and for good reasons as well. It’s based on eating similar to that of prehistoric man and it’s being touted as one of the best way to eat. It’s called the Paleo diet.

What is the Paleo diet?
The Paleo diet was created by Loren Cordain, a now-famous author, speaker and professor of health and exercise science at Colorado State University, who specializes in disease and diet. The Paleo diet itself reflects food items and methods of eating similar to our Stone Age ancestors – that’s right, this diet is framed around eating like cavemen. Through scientific research and peer-reviewed studies, Cordain has uncovered many health benefits to eating the Stone Age way.

There are seven premise on which the Paleo diet guidelines are based:

High protein
Low carbohydrates and low glycemic index
High fiber
Moderate to high fat intake – monosaturated and polysaturated fats with omega-3s and 6s

High potassium, low sodium
Net dietary alkaline balances dietary acid – some foods produce acid (meat) and others are alkaline (fruits and vegetables). Eating a balance of both alkaline and acid foods can have positive health effects.

High intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant phytochemicals.

To lose weight easily there are many different things which we can do. In reality, although we tend to search for new and revolutionary ways in which to lose weight without making any effort, we know the basics of what is required of us. Losing weight means cutting down on calories, sweet things, fatty foods and alcohol. Exercise is also required so as to burn off calories.

To lose weight successfully you either have to eat fewer calories or burn more of them. Unless you do this you don’t really expect to lose weight. Instead of trying to get away from these inescapable facts or trying to find a way around them, wouldn’t it be better to simply search for weight loss tips which help you to adapt your eating habits and lifestyle to live within this reality?

Sometimes the simplest weight loss tips end up proving to be the best. This makes sense as those that are simplest are the easiest to put into practice and also easiest to maintain. One weight loss tip which I am sure we have all heard before is to drink two large glasses of water before you eat your meals. Now this is certainly pretty simple to do and neither does it cost anything.

If you are reading this article you presumably want to lose weight. And you have probably heard that drinking water before a meal will help you to feel full, and therefore to eat less. My question to you then is did you try this? Have you personally set about drinking two glasses of water before your meals and has it become a habit; is this now part of your lifestyle?

I would wager a bet that most overweight people do not in fact do this despite the fact they have been told that it will help them to lose weight. There’s probably one main reason for this; because to implement this weight loss tip alone will probably not make a sufficient enough impression upon the weight you want to lose; You don’t lose weight easily or quickly enough for your liking solely by drinking more water.

Another reason may perhaps be that you never believed it to be true. But recent research carried out by the American Chemical Society has shown its efficacy in assisting people to lose weight more easily. In a randomized study carried out over a period of twelve weeks, those dieters who drank water before meals lost on average almost 5 pounds more than those who were on the same low calorie diet but did not drink water before meals.

You may feel that five pounds in weight is not that much extra to lose in a twelve week period. But in reality every little bit helps. And let’s face it, nobody could say that it’s difficult to drink water could they? And if you just did this for another 12 weeks that would add up to losing 10 pounds in weight altogether, which equates to being able to wear a whole size smaller in clothes…just by drinking water so that you feel fuller before you start to eat.

How many other seemingly insignificant weight loss tips are there which you might have ignored or overlooked, because they wouldn’t alone make a significant enough difference upon your weight? Imagine how easily you could lose weight if you implemented two or three of these simple and easily effected lifestyle changes. You can lose weight easily by drinking water. You can lose weight easily by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. You can lose weight more easily by doing any number of little things. All you have to do is decide to do them.

Persistent Hunger
When engaging in strict diet programs or intensive weight training, feeling hungry is almost inevitable. Many diets restrict high-calorie foods, pushing participants towards fruits and vegetables, which may not always satisfy energy needs. This natural increase in hunger occurs because your body seeks more energy to support basic functions like movement and cognition.

Balancing Diet and Exercise
Contrary to restrictive advice, maintaining a balanced diet while increasing physical activity can be more sustainable. The equation is simple:

Output > Input = Weight Loss
By keeping your dietary intake consistent but enhancing your physical output, weight loss can still be achieved without severe dietary restrictions. This approach promotes a healthier, more sustainable form of weight loss.

Fatigue and Exhaustion
Excessive exercise can lead to significant fatigue. This is not just a feeling of tiredness but a comprehensive depletion that affects everyday activities. During heavy workouts, muscles undergo stress and require time to repair and recover.

Importance of Recovery
Incorporating rest and recovery, including activities like stretching, can help alleviate muscle pain and accelerate recovery. Stretching helps relax the muscles and can ease the discomfort from soreness after workouts.

Dizziness and Disorientation
Reducing intake of essential nutrients such as sugars and salts, which are often seen in rapid weight loss diets, can lead to feelings of dizziness or light-headedness. This symptom should not be ignored as it indicates that the body’s basic needs are not being met.

Monitoring Nutrient Intake
It’s crucial to ensure that your body receives adequate nutrients to function properly. Persistent dizziness should be a signal to reassess your dietary choices, possibly with professional guidance.

Unusual Physical Symptoms
Severe changes in diet and exercise intensity can lead to alarming symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, and significant hair loss. These signs suggest that the body is under stress or unable to cope with the changes.

Seeking Professional Advice
If such symptoms occur, it’s advisable to consult with health professionals like dieticians and fitness trainers to adjust your diet and exercise plan appropriately.

Conclusion
While the allure of quick weight loss is strong, the potential side effects are a serious concern. It’s important to approach weight loss with a balanced and informed perspective, prioritizing health and sustainability over speed. For those considering rapid weight loss, understanding these side effects is crucial to making informed decisions about your health regimen.

For further reading on balanced diet approaches and the importance of nutrients, reputable sources such as Mayo Clinic and Harvard Health offer extensive information and guidance.