The real food pyramid and Paleo basics

What is Paleo?

The paleolithic diet is a modern nutritional plan based on the presumed diet of Paleolithic humans. It is based on several controversial premises, the most important of which are: first, that human genetics have scarcely changed since the dawn of agriculture, which marked the end of the Paleolithic era, around 15,000 years ago; second, that modern humans are adapted to the diet or diets of the Paleolithic period; and, third, that it is possible for modern science to discern what such diets consisted of.

The Paleolithic diet consists mainly of fish, grass-fed pasture raised meats, eggs, vegetables, fruit, fungi, roots, and nuts, and excludes what are perceived to be agricultural products; grains, legumes, dairy products, potatoes, refined salt, refined sugar, and processed oils. Certain portions should be established for balance of nutrients to maintain homeostasis.

(wikipedia)

The Paleolithic diet consists of foods that can be fished and hunted, such as seafood and meat (including offal), and foods that can be gathered, such as eggs, fruits, herbs, insects, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, spices, and vegetables.The meats recommended for consumption are preferably free of food additives, such as wild game meats and grass-fed beef, since they contain higher levels of omega-3 fats compared with grain-produced domestic meats.Food groups that advocates claim were rarely or never consumed by humans before the Neolithic agricultural revolution are excluded from the diet, mainly dairy products, grains, legumes (e.g., beans and peanuts), processed oils, refined sugar, and salt.Many of these foods would have been available at certain times of the year, and may or may not have been consumed. Some advocates consider the use of oils with low omega-6/omega-3 ratios, such as olive oil, to be healthy and advisable.

(Wikipedia)

The “Yes” Paleo diet food list: What you can eat

Meats + Eggs

• Beef – Steaks (Sirloin, Fillet) Veal, Mince, Extra lean burgers 
• Pork - Loin, Chops 
• Poultry
• Chicken breast, Chicken thighs – skinless
• Turkey breast, Turkey thigh 
• Duck, Goose and other poultry
• Other meat – Lamb, Rabbit, Goat –
• Organ meats - Livers, Tongues. Marrow, Sweetbreads,
• Game – Ostrich, Pheasant, Quail, Venison

Fish & Shellfish

• Crab
• Mussels
• Lobster
• Oysters
• Scallops
• Langoustine
• Prawn
• Clams
• Crayfish
• Cod
• Haddock
• River Cobbler
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Mackerel
• Trout
• Monkfish
• Sea Bass
• Red Snapper
• Yellow Snapper
• Eel
• Grouper
• Turbot
• Shark
• Swordfish

Fruits & Vegetables 

Apple, Nectarines, Peaches, Grapes, Melon, Lemon, Lychee, Pomegranate, Rhubarb, Apricot, Banana, Cherries, Orange, Pears, Pineapple Figs, Grapefruit, Kiwi, Lime, Mango Satsumas, Avocado, Artichoke, Peppers, Brussels Sprouts, Celery Cucumber, Aubergine/Eggplant, Onions (Red, White, Spring, Green), Garlic, Mushrooms, Squash, Sweet potato, Turnip, Carrot, Parsnip, Lettuce, Spring Greens, Spinach, Tomato, Pumpkin, Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Radish, Kale

Berries - 

• Cranberries
• Gooseberries
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Kiwi berries

Nuts and Seeds 

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Hazelnuts
• Pecans
• Walnuts 
• Brazils
• Pine Nuts
• Chestnuts
• Macadamia
• Pistachios
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Sunflower Seeds
• Sesame Seeds

Oils

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Flaxseed oil
• Sesame seed oil
• Argan oil
• Avocado oil
• Red Palm oil 

Drinks

• Water
• Coconut water
• Almond water
• Cucumber water
• All natural smoothies
• Green Tea (decaffinated is possible)
• Tea and/or Coffee NOTE: This is a modern Paleo food list so if you like it keep it, but cut out sugar and syrups.

The No Paleo food list: What to avoid on the Paleo diet

Grains

• Barley
• Rice
• Wheat
• Corn
• Oats
• Grains in : Bread, rolls, muffins, noodles, crackers, cookies, cake, doughnuts, pancakes, waffles, pasta, spaghetti, lasagna, wheat tortillas, pizza, pita bread, etc.

Soy based produce

• Tofu, Bean curd

Starch Vegetables

• White Potatoes
• Potato products like crisps/chips

Fatty, salty meat

• Salami
• Processed Ham
• Sausages
• Hot Dogs and all canned meats should not appear on any paleo food list.

Paleo food list NO Drinks

• Fruit Juices
• All sugary soft drinks, including carbonated drinks.
• Alcohol... Red wine on occasion should be fine!

Sweet tooth

• Honey
• Maple Syrup
• Sweets/Candy

Processed sauces

• Ketchup
• BBQ Sauce
• Pasta Sauces, anything that is sat on a supermarket shelf with preservatives

Dairy Foods

• Milk or Powdered Milk
• Cheese
• Ice cream
• Butter
• Creamer
• Cream
• Crème fraîche
• Yogurt