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CLA paleo diet Conjugated Linoleic Acid-min

CLA & The Paleo Diet

Concluding my focus on common deficiencies, this week turns to CLA.

CLA stands for Conjugated Linoleic Acid and is the good trans-fat that occurs naturally in dairy and meat products – especially when animals have been grass-fed, another plus for the Paleo diet. In the stomach of animals such as the goat, sheep or cows millions and millions of tiny pieces of bacteria help the animal to digest its food. They also help to convert dietary linoleic fatty acids into saturated fatty acids. While this conversion takes time and several steps, one of those steps is to create CLA, some of this never actually gets fully saturated and will show up instead in the animals milk fat and body.

CLA paleo diet Conjugated Linoleic Acid-min

28 different CLA isomers – or structural arrangements of the molecules show in CLA rich animal fat.  This is very complex and different from the trans-fats created by partially hydrogenating vegetable oils. It is those lab created trans-fats that have a negative metabolic and health effect, while the CLA isomers you get from grass fed dairy and meat is more beneficial.

CLA has been touted as the “belly busting” trans fat with research in 2007 showing that in rats, supplementing their diets with CLA did not cause them to lose whole body fat, but it was found they became more insulin sensitive. When it came to supplementing CLA in mice diets it did cause rapid weight loss, but the increase in hepatic fat accumulation left the mice insulin resistant.

Many people have taken CLA as a supplement and it did seem to work for weight loss, but while the weight loss was good, at the moment we are not really sure what else it does to the body. Research into this further on different animals may help us better understand if there are any additional effects on humans. Are we more like mice or rats?
Primal Diet Supplement Vitamin Mineral Deficiency
The one thing that these studies did show was that hepatic fat accumulation or loss and body fat accumulation or loss is not always in the same direction. We are seeing hepatic fat loss but no weight loss and hepatic fat gain with rapid weight loss. Those who follow low carb diets insisting that this metabolic advantage allows them to eat thousands of calories and lose weight will love the little mouse’s result! While the study on the mouse is quite well known amongst those in the carb circle with the mouse eating as much as it wants without losing or gaining weight, this metabolism does come at a price – profound liver damage.

Tests were carried out to see what effect dietary supplements of CLA would have on the body mass index, and body fat distribution. 40 volunteers participated in a 12 week double blind study some received a CLA while other received olive oil. Body fat and abdominal and hepatic fat content was assessed with an overall finding that showed CLA supplements did not show any significant change in the volunteers BMI index or in their total body fat.

Best Natural Sources of CLA in a Paleo Diet

One of the key advantages of the Paleo lifestyle is its emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods — which happen to be the best way to obtain CLA. Rather than relying on synthetic supplements, which come with potential risks and inconclusive evidence, it's far more beneficial to get your CLA directly from food sources. But not all animal products are equal.

Why Grass-Fed Really Matters

Grass-fed and pasture-raised animals contain significantly higher levels of CLA than grain-fed counterparts. When animals consume a natural diet of pasture grasses (instead of soy, corn or grain-based feed), their digestive bacteria convert linoleic acid into more beneficial CLA isomers. This results in higher-quality meat and dairy with measurable health benefits for the consumer.

If you're eating beef, lamb, or goat as part of your Paleo plan, aim to source it from farms that guarantee grass-fed and finished practices. Similarly, full-fat grass-fed dairy (for those following a more Primal or flexible version of Paleo) will also yield higher CLA levels, particularly in butter, ghee and cream.

CLA-Rich Paleo Foods to Include

  • Grass-fed beef – Particularly cuts with visible fat and marbling
  • Pastured lamb – Lamb naturally contains high CLA levels, especially from animals reared on Australian pasture
  • Ghee or butter – When sourced from grass-fed cows, these fats are rich in both CLA and butyrate
  • Full-fat raw cheese and cream – Ideal if tolerated, especially when made from the milk of pastured animals
  • Wild game meats – Venison and kangaroo may also contain beneficial CLA, depending on their forage

Potential Health Benefits of CLA from Whole Foods

Unlike synthetic CLA supplements, naturally occurring CLA in whole foods appears to offer a range of benefits — without the potential drawbacks seen in clinical trials using isolated isomers. When consumed as part of a varied diet, CLA from grass-fed animal fat has been linked with:

  • Improved immune response – CLA may help modulate inflammation and enhance immune cell activity
  • Better blood sugar control – Animal studies suggest CLA may improve insulin sensitivity, though results are mixed in humans
  • Reduced tumour growth – Preliminary research indicates CLA may have anti-carcinogenic effects in certain types of cancers
  • Improved cholesterol profile – Some studies associate CLA-rich dairy fat with healthier HDL:LDL ratios

That said, more research is needed, particularly on the long-term effects of CLA-rich diets in humans — but getting these benefits from food rather than pills remains the safest and most evolutionary aligned option.

CLA and Weight Loss: Separating Hype from Reality

It’s easy to see why CLA gained popularity in the weight loss industry. Some studies in mice showed remarkable fat loss and changes in body composition — but translating these findings to humans hasn’t been straightforward. The mixed human results, especially with synthetic CLA supplements, are a reminder that what works in a lab doesn’t always replicate in real life.

Many supplement companies still tout CLA as a fat-burning miracle. But the reality is, in human trials, CLA appears to offer at best a modest reduction in body fat — often without a change in BMI or overall weight. More importantly, these synthetic supplements often use only one or two isomers of CLA, potentially missing out on the benefits of the full range found in real food.

How CLA Fits Into Your Paleo Strategy

If you’re already eating a Paleo diet rich in grass-fed meats, pastured fats, and avoiding processed foods and refined oils, chances are you’re already getting enough CLA to reap its potential benefits. There’s no need to supplement unless a specific deficiency or clinical condition has been diagnosed.

In fact, the real power of CLA lies in its synergy with other nutrients in whole foods — such as omega-3 fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K2), and antioxidants. A well-constructed Paleo plate naturally delivers these in balance, supporting a healthier metabolism, improved energy, and possibly more stable body composition.

Tips for Boosting CLA Naturally

  1. Choose grass-fed and finished meats over grain-fed whenever possible.
  2. Incorporate animal fats like tallow, ghee and grass-fed butter in cooking, rather than seed oils.
  3. Support local and regenerative farms — often the best source of nutrient-dense, CLA-rich foods.
  4. If you include dairy, opt for raw or low-processed full-fat options from grass-fed sources.
  5. Reduce reliance on processed low-fat meats and factory-farmed cuts — these offer less nutritional return overall.

Final Thoughts

CLA, like many other nutrients found in natural animal fats, is a powerful example of how traditional eating patterns can offer benefits that modern diets often miss. While the supplement industry has tried to isolate and commercialise CLA as a magic bullet, nature continues to do it best — delivering CLA as part of a complex nutritional package in high-quality animal foods.

If you're following Paleo with an emphasis on real food and ethically raised meat, you're already on the right track. Supplementation may still be explored for specific therapeutic reasons, but when it comes to sustainable, safe intake — your dinner plate is your best ally.

Have you noticed a difference when switching to grass-fed meat and pastured fats? Share your story — I’d love to hear how it’s impacted your energy, weight, or overall health.

Choline Paleo Diet-min

Choline & The Paleo Diet

Continuing looking into deficiencies, this week falls to choline. What actually is choline and what is the effect of being deficient? Even on a strict Paleo diet, is it still possible to be deficient?

The precursor for acetylcholine is choline, which is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for memory and it is a very important part of two important phospholipids. The liver uses this to process fats within the body and to package lipids.

What symptoms should you look for that indicates you might be low in choline?

  • Elevated ATL levels – it’s the elevated alamine transaminase levels which could indicate you have a liver complaint that can be often caused by a choline deficiency. Research has shown that a fatty liver can be caused by low levels. As Choline is the precursor for acetylcholine which is involved in memory – impaired memory can often be a symptom of deficiency. Research carried out showed that patients given a supplement had improved memory.
  • Lower VLDL – while reducing VLDL might improve your lipid panel it can also see you end up with a fatty liver due to the fat not being packed away properly into lipoprotiens for dispersal.

Primal Diet Supplement Vitamin Mineral Deficiency

How can a choline deficiency occur?

Offal is such a good source of choline that avoiding it could inadvertently result in a choline deficiency.

How can you add choline to your diet?

When it comes to choline, it’s all about eggs and offal! Beef liver contains by far the highest levels, as measured per 100 grams of food. In  descending order the food with the highest levels are: veal liver, chicken liver, raw egg, turkey liver, turkey heart, wheat germ, bacon, pork loin and mutton.

You can also gain choline from the following foods, but in much smaller amounts: artichokes, cauliflower, pecans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, macadamia nuts, almonds, pine nuts, cashews, chicken, pistachios, canned prawns, cod, ground beef and turkey gizzard.

Most nuts and seafood seem to be good sources, but when it comes to vegetables the levels vary – for example while Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower are good sources of choline, boiled kale hardly has any.  Fruits and milk contain even less choline than vegetables, but some spices are good sources of choline, but as they are often used in such small amounts, they tend not to be reliable sources.

Unfortunately none of these foods come anywhere close to the amount of choline found in eggs and organs – liver and eggs alone have ten more times the amount present than most vegetables. It is the egg yolk that contains the most choline – not the egg whites. A 100 gram serving of just the egg yolks has 683 mg of choline while the same size serving of egg white only has 1.1 mg. To be able to eat an equal amount of both you would get 3 times more choline from your eggs if you threw the whites away.

Do you have much offal in your diet? I’d love to hear if choline levels are a concern to you – and also how you get offal into your Paleo diet?

Choline Paleo Diet-min

Translating Paleo Cooking Terms-min

Translating Paleo Cooking Terms

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The first time I went to America, I was confused. The restaurant menus all had pages of entrée’s, but no main courses. Fortunately before too long, I realised entrée is American for main course, not a starter course, as I am used to the word. I was also excited to try a new herb I had read about in lots of cooking blogs, cilantro – before I found out it is just another was of describing coriander.

As a Brit, living in Australia, reading lots of American Paleo Diet blogs and books, I've noticed a lot of cooking and food terms with completely different names. Australian terms seem to be mainly British, but often American – and sometimes different again. The list below shows the most common terms on which our terms differ, not all Paleo related, but hopefully useful all the same:

AmericanBritish EnglishAustralian
AppetizerStarterStarter
EntréeMain CourseMain Course
DessertPudding/ Sweet/ AftersDessert
BroilerGrillGrill
GrillingBarbecuingBarbecuing
CannedTinnedTinned
EggplantAubergineEggplant
ZucchiniCourgetteZucchini
ArgulaRocketRocket
RutbagaSwede/ TurnipSwede
Bell PepperPepperCapsicum
CilantroCorianderCoriander
Ground MinceMinced MeatMinced Meat
Pork RindsPork ScratchingsCrackling
JelloJellyJam
FriesChipsHot Chips
ChipsCrispsChips
Parchment PaperGreaseproof PaperGreaseproof Paper
StoveHobHob
Crock PotSlow CookerSlow Cooker
Plastic WrapClingfilmGladwrap
CandySweetsLollies
Licquor StoreOff LicenceBottle Shop (AKA Bottlo!)
PopsicleIce LollyIce Lolly

Of course, in addition to the different terms, American recipes use imperial measurements (pounds, ounces, tablespoons and Fahrenheit), Australian recipes are metric (grams, millilitres and centigrade) and British recipes never quite seem to be able to decide if they should embrace the metric system, or stick to the traditional imperial measurements.

More Translation Confusion in the Paleo Kitchen

Once you dive deeper into international Paleo cookbooks and food blogs, you start noticing even more subtle differences that can easily trip you up. It’s not just ingredients and cooking terms — the differences can show up in meal names, shopping habits, and even food availability.

Take for example, something as simple as “biscuits”. In the US, this refers to a fluffy, savoury baked item often served with gravy — nothing like the crunchy sweet treat the British and Australians call a biscuit. The American equivalent of a British or Aussie biscuit is a “cookie”, unless it’s a chewy one, in which case confusion deepens. So when you see a Paleo recipe for “biscuits and gravy” in an American cookbook, know that it’s referring to something more akin to a savoury scone, not a dessert.

Supermarket Aisle Challenges

Shopping for ingredients can also become an adventure. Looking for “scallions” in an Australian supermarket? You’ll find them labelled as “spring onions”. “Beets” are just “beetroot” down under. “Shrimp” become “prawns”, and while both may be technically correct depending on the species, the names are used almost exclusively in different regions.

If a US recipe calls for “half-and-half”, Australians and Brits are left wondering whether this means pouring cream, single cream, or just mixing milk and cream together. Likewise, “heavy cream” and “double cream” aren’t always identical, with differences in fat content and consistency depending on where you are.

More Ingredient Name Differences

AmericanBritish EnglishAustralian
ScallionsSpring OnionsSpring Onions
BeetsBeetrootBeetroot
Snow PeasMangetoutSnow Peas
SodaFizzy DrinkSoft Drink
OatmealPorridge OatsRolled Oats
Ground BeefBeef MinceBeef Mince
Whipping CreamSingle CreamPure Cream
MolassesTreacleMolasses

Cooking Instructions That Vary By Region

Instructions like “broil until golden” or “put under the broiler” in an American recipe may confuse Aussie and British readers. That simply means place it under the grill — the overhead heat source, not the outdoor barbecue. In contrast, “grilling” in the US often refers to cooking over flames outdoors, which Aussies and Brits would call “barbecuing”.

Measurements can be another stumbling block. A “stick of butter” means 113 grams in the US, but recipes from the UK or Australia are more likely to just list butter in grams or tablespoons. Meanwhile, Australian tablespoon measures are 20ml — not the 15ml standard used in the UK and US — which can make a big difference in recipes that require precision.

Egg Sizes and Baking Confusion

Did you know that even the standard size of eggs differs by region? Most recipes assume a standard “large egg”, but a large egg in the US is closer to a medium or even small egg in Australia. When baking Paleo treats, where proportions matter more than ever without gluten to help things rise or bind, these differences can affect your final results. When in doubt, weigh your eggs — most recipe writers will use around 50–60 grams per large egg, including shell.

Terminology Around Dairy Alternatives

Another area where confusion arises is with non-dairy milk. American recipes often mention “almond milk” or “coconut milk” without specifying whether they mean the tinned, thick variety or the carton-style diluted version. Australians tend to default to the carton form, whereas in some American recipes, particularly those based around curries or rich sauces, tinned full-fat coconut milk is assumed. This can affect the consistency and fat content of your finished dish.

Sweeteners and Pantry Basics

With Paleo baking, sweeteners like “maple syrup”, “honey”, “date paste”, and “coconut sugar” are often used. While these terms are fairly universal, it’s helpful to know that “syrup” in the UK can refer to golden syrup — which is definitely not Paleo — while “treacle” might be used to describe molasses. If you're in Australia, most health food shops carry Paleo-friendly sweeteners, but you may need to double-check labels for additives or processing methods.

Embracing the Multilingual Paleo Kitchen

The key takeaway is that food culture is beautifully diverse, but when following recipes from across the globe, it pays to know the local language — especially in the kitchen. Reading ingredient lists carefully, checking measurements, and researching unfamiliar terms will help you avoid mistakes and better understand what you're putting on your plate.

If you're following American Paleo recipes from Australia, make sure to double-check measurement conversions and terminology. Keep a note of ingredient swaps and equivalents, and don’t be afraid to adjust recipes based on what’s seasonal or available locally.

Final Thoughts

Learning the global language of food can make your Paleo journey more accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re cooking from an American blog, a British book, or your own Aussie kitchen, a bit of translation and flexibility goes a long way.

Have you come across a confusing term in a Paleo recipe? Or found an unexpected substitute that worked perfectly? Share your discoveries in the comments below — let’s build a global Paleo glossary together!

I'm sure there are many more, so please share the terms that have confused you, or that you have recently discovered, in the comments below. And if you’re in New Zealand – which versions of the terms do you use, mainly Australian, or a completely different term?

Translating Paleo Cooking Terms-min

Paleo Diet Primal Restaurant Options Choices Best Worst-min

The Best (and Worst) Paleo Restaurants

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It’s nice to eat out at a restaurant occasionally. Sticking to your Paleo Diet shouldn't be a reason to avoid eating out!

If you’re going out with a group of friends, try to have some influence over the restaurant you go to. Some restaurants offer so many more Paleo friendly options than others.

The Menu

It’s also a good idea to check out the menu in advance – most restaurants will have this on their website. If you’re unsure, call ahead to check on specific ingredients. It’s definitely worth making the restaurant aware that you need something gluten, dairy and legume free before you arrive. Most places seem to be extremely accommodating with this, often to the extent of suggesting dishes that aren't even on the menu!

Mix & Match Paleo Options

When looking through the menu be prepared to mix and match. There’s almost always no problem with asking for the meat from one dish to go with the vegetable side from another dish. Dishes often come with a side of fries, some other type of potato, rice or pasta – ask to swap this for more vegetables or a salad.

Paleo Diet Primal Restaurant Options Choices Best Worst-min

Un-Paleo Sauces

Sauces, gravy and dressings are often places where gluten, soy and all sorts of undesirables are hiding. It’s best to ask for no sauce, or ask for it on the side, rather than take the risk that your beef will arrive swimming in gluten!

Ask, Ask and Ask Again!

Don’t be afraid to ask exactly what is in your dish – it’s your health – it’s important. It’s also worth asking if the meat is grass-fed. Perhaps it isn't, but hopefully the more people who ask, the sooner restaurants will start stocking it.

Which Types of Restaurant Are The Best For a Paleo Diet?

Some restaurants types are a lot more Paleo than others – but of course, you may find lots of local exceptions to this. Look at the menu and ask about the ingredients!

Korean BBQ/ Mongolian BBQ/ Brazilian BBQ

It doesn't get much more Paleo than cooking a pile of meat at your table barbecue. Sides are usually salads and vegetables and it’s often a great chance to try cuts of meat you don’t usually have.

Steakhouses

Steak and vegetables – even better if they offer grass-fed meat.

Indian

Whilst there are a lot of dishes to avoid, there are also dishes cooked in coconut milk, or dry cooked (like tandoori) in herbs which represent great Paleo choices. Check they cook with ghee or coconut oil rather than vegetable oil

Burgers

Lots of “real food” burger restaurants seem to be appearing – good news as these can be a good Paleo option if you order without the bun!

Thai

Thai can be a great Paleo dining solution when coconut oil and milk are used.

Mexican

Most options like tacos or fajitas work well within a Paleo Diet – just order without the tortilla

Japanese

A wide variety of fish makes dishes like sashimi a great choice

Seafood Restaurants

If there are any wild or line caught options, these are likely to be a good bet

And the Worst Restaurant Type For Paleo Options?

Sadly, some restaurants are a lot harder to navigate for Paleo choices. If you’re going somewhere that you know will be challenging, consider eating before you leave, so you won’t be tempted.

Chinese

With a few notable exceptions, Chinese restaurants are often associated with their use of MSG and soy. Finding a Paleo option can be very difficult.

Making Paleo Work—Even When You’re Eating Out

While sticking to your Paleo diet is easiest at home, eating out doesn’t have to mean compromising your health goals. By doing a little research beforehand, asking the right questions, and making a few strategic swaps, you can enjoy a delicious meal almost anywhere — without grains, dairy, legumes, or seed oils sneaking onto your plate.

The best Paleo-friendly restaurants tend to be those that celebrate real, whole foods — think grilled meats, seafood, fresh veggies, and simple, honest flavours. Brazilian BBQ, Thai curries with coconut milk, and a good steakhouse are often your best bet. Meanwhile, cuisines heavy on soy, wheat-based sauces, and fried foods (like many standard Chinese takeaways) can be more of a minefield.

If all else fails? There’s no shame in ordering a simple protein with a side of salad or veg and skipping the sauce. Or even eating beforehand and treating yourself to a sparkling water and good company instead.

Paleo Dining Tips for Eating Out with Confidence

If you're following a Paleo lifestyle in Australia or anywhere else, it's absolutely possible to enjoy meals out without compromising your nutrition goals. Eating at a restaurant doesn’t need to be a cheat meal — with the right approach, it can be a perfectly Paleo-friendly experience.

Choosing the Right Restaurant

The first step to a successful Paleo meal out is picking the right venue. Focus on restaurants that centre their menus around whole foods, quality meat, seafood, and fresh produce. Ethnic restaurants like Thai, Korean BBQ, Brazilian BBQ, and Indian often have naturally Paleo dishes, especially if you steer clear of deep-fried items, legumes, and sugary sauces. Steakhouses are also usually a safe bet — just double-check how the meat is cooked and avoid sauces unless you know exactly what's in them.

Many of the best Paleo restaurants will happily accommodate ingredient swaps, like replacing rice or bread with extra vegetables or salad. With a growing number of Australians opting for gluten-free or low-carb options, most kitchens are used to making adjustments. It never hurts to call ahead or speak to your server to explain your preferences politely but clearly.

What to Watch Out For

When dining out, be particularly cautious about hidden ingredients that aren’t Paleo-friendly. These include:

  • Seed oils (often used in dressings, marinades and for cooking)

  • Gluten or wheat-based thickeners

  • Soy sauce and other soy products

  • Sugar and sweet sauces

  • Dairy, especially cream-based sauces

These ingredients often sneak into dishes that might otherwise seem Paleo-safe. If you're unsure, it's perfectly fine to ask for sauces and dressings on the side or skip them altogether.

Smart Paleo Substitutes in Restaurants

You don’t need to rely on a Paleo-labelled restaurant to eat well. Here are some easy swaps that work in a wide variety of venues:

  • Swap grains for veg: Ask for zucchini, broccoli, or seasonal greens in place of pasta, rice or bread.

  • Skip the bun: Burgers are fine — just ask for no bun and double salad instead of chips.

  • Choose grilled over fried: If the protein is crumbed or battered, ask for a grilled version if available.

  • Order simply: Dishes like grilled steak or salmon with steamed veggies are both safe and satisfying.

  • Go bunless or bowl-style: Many cafés and burger spots now offer lettuce-wrapped options or “naked” versions.

Paleo Dining on the Go

If you're travelling or short on time, there are still plenty of options. In most Australian cities, you’ll find clean takeaway options like grilled chicken shops, sushi (opt for sashimi and salads), and poke bowls (skip the rice and soy sauce). Farmers markets are also fantastic places to grab fresh cooked meals and snacks that are naturally Paleo — think roast meat rolls without the bun or grilled skewers with vegetables.

Eating Out and Staying Social

One of the best things about the Paleo lifestyle is how flexible it can be when done right. Being mindful of what you eat doesn’t mean you need to miss out on dinners with friends or special occasions. Most of the time, a few thoughtful swaps are all it takes to stay on track. And if the options truly are limited? You can always eat beforehand and focus on the social side of the outing.

Australian Paleo-Friendly Restaurant Chains

While independent venues are often more flexible, here are a few Aussie restaurant chains that typically offer Paleo-compliant meals or easy modifications:

  • Grill’d – Go for a burger in a low-carb or lettuce bun, no sauces, add avo or egg.

  • Nando’s – Grilled chicken with a garden salad can work well. Skip the sauces.

  • Schnitz – Order a protein bowl without crumbing, with greens and no dressing.

  • Roll’d – Ask for a rice paper roll with no noodle filling, or go for a bun-less bowl with meat and veg.

As always, double-check ingredients and don’t hesitate to ask how something is prepared.

Your turn:
Where have you had the best Paleo meal while dining out? Are there any hidden gems in Australia or abroad you'd recommend for fellow Paleo eaters? Drop your tips, favourite spots, and menu hacks in the comments — I’d love to add them to the list for a future update.

And if you’ve ever had a truly terrible Paleo dining experience, tell me that too — sometimes those stories are even more helpful!

Let’s build the ultimate Paleo restaurant guide together.

Do you agree with the best and worst types of restaurants? I’d love to see which restaurants you've found good Paleo options in – and which ones you've found difficult too. Please let me know in the comments, below.

Paleo or primal diet what's the difference-min

A Primal Diet, Or a Paleo Diet?

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This way of eating, this lifestyle, is given so many names. You might follow a Paleo Diet or a Primal Diet – or perhaps you eat an Ancestral Diet or eat like a Caveman?

Does it matter what it’s called? And do the different terms even refer to the same way of eating?

Paleo Diet

The term “Paleo Diet” was coined by Loren Cordain and originally had a far less liberal stance on Saturated Fats. He has now updated his books on this and on the use of sweeteners, to the popular “Paleo Diet” followed by many today. Robb Wolf has also played a significant role in popularising the Paleo Diet as it is today.

As well as avoiding grains and legumes, Paleo also avoids dairy. In the Paleo community strict adherence to a Paleo diet is recommended for at least 30 days. After this period foods can slowly be re-introduced and any impact assessed to determine which foods have a detrimental effect and should be avoided in the future.

Primal Diet

The Primal BluePrint way of eating is from the book, written by Mark Sisson – and is much more than just nutrition. The plan places as much importance on movement, lifting heavy things, reducing stress, sleeping properly and getting some sunshine as it does on nutrition. Nutritionally Primal is very similar to Paleo in the avoidance of grains and legumes; dairy is where they differ. A Primal way of eating includes dairy – though it is recommended that it is raw dairy; from grass-fed Ruminants, un-pasturised and ideally fermented. Lacto-Paleo is another term used to describe eating a Paleo style diet, but with the inclusion of dairy.

The jury is still very much out on dairy. The growth hormones such as IGF-1 and the insulin response are behind the refusal of many, to include dairy in their diets. A lot of people find they don’t tolerate dairy well, which is reason enough to avoid it!

Paleo or primal diet what's the difference-min

Ancestral Diet

This term can apply to any form of Paleo, but I hear this term used more amongst the scientific/ research pockets of the community.

Caveman Diet

This is the term almost exclusively used by the mainstream media when talking about any type of eating that touches on Paleo. The term “Caveman Diet” is usually accompanied by photos of cavemen, Fred Flintstone or semi-naked people eating raw meat! When people talk about a Caveman Diet, they seem to assume it’s required to act like a caveman too and don’t realise it’s about science, not re-enacting cavemen! I would never refer to a Paleo or Primal way of eating in this way, but ultimately if it raises awareness amongst more people, I guess it doesn't matter what it’s called!

There are a lot of descriptions of ways of eating that have similarities to Paleo. I think a gluten-free diet could come close (though I think many people avoid gluten, but replace it with other undesirable refined grains and processed foods). The Atkins diet is also commonly assumed to be Paleo – and whilst there are similarities, it’s very possibly to follow Atkins eating nothing but junk food; not Paleo! A Weston A Price way of eating also has many similarities.

How do you describe how you eat? Do you avoid using labels like “the Paleo diet” or “the Primal diet”?