Does Paleo Meet the Burden of Proof?

As a dietitian, the burden of proof is on “the other diet” to prove that it is healthier than the Food Guide Pyramid.  When doing my research about the Paleo diet, I quickly learned that the proof was available if I took the time to look.  Fascinating to me, is that the “leaders” in the movement have been willing to say when they have gotten things wrong because research has proven otherwise.  There have been significant shifts in the framework of the Paleo Diet since Dr. Lauren Cordain first published his book in 2002. 

There is also no “one size fits all” Paleo diet.  We all start by removing grains, legumes (including peanuts and soy), dairy, and refined sugars and seed oils but once the gut has healed, it is up to each individual to determine what they tolerate best and gives them optimal health.  I love that this way of eating is an n=1 experiment and I get to determine what it means to eat for my optimal health.  I also love that it has helped me embrace real food and the importance of cooking and passing down that skill to the next generation.  The best part is sitting down to a meal where you enjoy and celebrate the fruits of hunting down the best ingredients and the hard work of meal preparation.

If you are looking for some of the research that discusses the Paleo Diet, check out this recent rebuttal to the USNWR listing of 32 best diets.  Does it meet your burden of proof?