The Primal diet is a similar diet to the Paleo, except for some differences that include more foods than the Paleo diet. It is a very healthy diet, first of all because it is less restrictive than the paleo diet, and secondly because it is more flexible on the intake of carbohydrates and fats. Anyone looking for a way to lose weight and improve their health should give this diet a chance. Let’s start to see how the Primal diet is born.

DIET PRIMAL: WHAT IT IS

Unlike the Paleo diet, which excludes foods that were not part of the eating habits of the Paleolithic man, the Primal diet, invented by Mark Sisson as Primal Blueprint , is a lifestyle based on a simple diet, let’s say ancestors, therefore far from industrial products and excessively processed.
Compared to paleo, as I said, it is more flexible.

Sisson recommends limiting some foods, but the basic idea is that of a food guide, so occasionally you can also indulge in some “no” foods.

The Primal diet also focuses a lot on individual needs on the intake of carbohydrates , while recommending a lower intake than that of the Mediterranean: you can therefore make a low carb or ketogenic Primal, but also a Primal with more fruit and tubers but keeping to the limit on 150 grams of daily carbohydrates, with a higher intake of fat and protein.

PRIMAL DIET: FOOD YES AND FOOD NO

The foods of the Primal diet are the following and are the basis of the diet.

1. Meat, fish, game, eggs . They are foods that must be consumed in the main meals but the origin is very important. These products must be local, organic and not belong to intensive farms. They should be combined with vegetable dishes for lunch and dinner.
2. Cheese and dairy products. Unlike Paleo, they are included in the Primal diet, but in moderation. That is, every day in reduced doses, and must be either raw milk, or fermented or from the milk of grass-fed animals (for example Parmigiano Reggiano).
3. Fats: avocado, coconut, olives, olive oil, butter, coconut oil, coconut milk, extra dark chocolate, macadamia nuts. Unlike the Paleo, Sisson is not a fan of oil seeds such as almonds, hazelnuts or flax seeds, chia, etc. This does not mean that they cannot be used, but occasionally and as a small snack.
4. Tubers, basmati or wholemeal rice, quinoa . Potatoes, beets, taro, plantains, basmati or brown rice and quinoa are recommended as sources of complex carbohydrates for those who exercise. For those who are sedentary, it is better to limit yourself to vegetables and fruit in moderation. Same thing for simple sugars: honey and malt are allowed, or dehydrated fruit such as dates, but in extreme moderation.
5. Aromatic herbs, spices: in free quantity.
6. A glass of red wine is allowed every now and then.
7. Flours: yes, with degreased coconut flour or chufa flour, with a limitation on flours such as those of chestnuts, almonds, etc.
8. Coffee allowed. Foods are not legumes, cereals (except those on the list) and products from cereals, peanuts, vegetable oils among those not in the list, white or cane sugar, dairy products and industrial cheeses, soy or cereal vegetable milks (milk rice, oats, etc.). On page two we see how to lose weight thanks to the Primal diet.