This started as a comment on a blog post but got a bit long and involved. I’m not much of an expert on dieting as have only managed my own weight without formal dieting. I’m also far from perfect but perhaps lucky in finding lots of potentially fattening food unappealing.
If I have a flaw it’s probably eating too little, or at odd times, and a bit much fried stuff. I like most veg, love fruit and rare meat. Maybe that’s why the Paleo thing is of interest. A theory shot down by also loving pasta, rice, bread and grains!
Anyway, the comment went…*
I cant comment on the effectiveness, or not, of Paleo diet but am suspicious of magic bullet solutions. Especially if described with language like “Mother Nature has provided us humans with Natural Foods for human consumption”. Nothing was ever “provided” and humanity survived by fighting for every calorie.
Barbara J. King, a biological anthropologist at the College of William and Mary, writes;
“You might think that, as an anthropologist, I'd greet this embrace of the human prehistoric past with unalloyed delight, especially in a country where a high percentage of our population is evolution-averse. Like most anthropologists, though, I don't think there's good science behind these claims”
http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2011/10/27/141666659/the-paleo-diet-not-the-way-to-a-healthy-future
I am aware, through an acquaintance, of a study on Paleo being done at Auckland Uni. Have no idea to what extent but can probably find out as know someone who was involved.
With regard to calorie counting, this post by Dr Karl has some interesting info on that and why losing, even maintaining weight is not easy;
“it seems that we have overestimated, by the amazing factor of up to three times, just how much weight you will lose if all you do is eat less.”
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2011/11/29/3378938.htm
Maybe Paleo is just another way to spell Fad?
* Except hit post on the comment and noticed I had typed Paelo instead of Paleo. I fixed that here!