I don’t know about you, but I’m a pretty active woman myself. Listen, if you’re on the paleo diet and you’re truly seeking the best health you can achieve, you’ve got to get active. Since this page is called “Paleo for Athletes” though, there’ s a pretty good chance you’re already an athlete. (And by the way, if you’re a CrossFit athlete and you want to know more about CrossFit nutrition, please check out my CrossFit and Paleo page. If you’re not doing CrossFit, still look it over for ideas on paleo for athletes. It’s a must-read.)
For You Serious Athletes
Paleo nutrition for serious athletes is a complex subject with some very specific recommendations.
What’s important to understand is that the athletic level of serious athletes is different from that of our paleolithic ancestors in that they demand a high energy output sustained for long periods of time and a quick recovery. According to Loren, Robb and many others, you serious athletes should alter the guidelines of the paleo diet, especially when it comes to immediately before, during, and right after their workouts. That means possibly eating some non-paleo foods for limited amounts of time at various, specified stages. Also, up those yams and sweet potatoes.
You should check out Loren Cordain’s book, The Paleo Diet for Athletes, and do some research on this subject yourself.
Paleo Diet Bodybuilding
If you’re looking for easier muscle building, the paleo diet is definitely right up your alley.
With its higher nutritional content, the paleo diet helps build muscle much more efficiently. The items on the paleo foods list is also free of foods that irritate the intestinal tract, which means that nutrients are digested better, and it’s chock-full of nutrient-dense foods for better bodybuilding.
Why Paleo for Athletes?
There are so many complex, technical details behind the benefits of paleo for athletes, but really all you need to understand is that optimum nutrition = optimum health = optimum fitness. Got it? These benefits are a no-brainer:
- Paleo nutrition is out of this world! (Read more about it on my page, What Is the Paleo Diet?)
- The paleo diet comprises superior protein sources—great for bodybuilding!
- It’s a fast, long-term fat loss solution. (Read up on this on my page, Paleo Weight Loss and Fitness.)
- Recovery between workouts is easier thanks to your stronger immune system and less inflammation that comes with being paleo.
- Better overall health. Meeting your athletic goals is a lot easier when you’re free of obesity and other common modern diseases and maladies.
As always, I’m available to answer any of your questions, so please contact me if you need any help at all!
By the way, I hope to meet any of you some day, and especially in the hills no matter where I may be traveling. I cannot get enough of hiking myself.
I hope this page has been helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions just email me at Tina (at) Paleomazing.com.
Tina Turbin
