There are many buzzwords flying about around nutrition these days. Lately, I have noticed that many of the following nutritional lifestyles listed below are being encouraged. I would like to break down the details on a few of the most common ones for you. The general theme for ALL of these lifestyles is focusing on consuming whole foods and consuming less processed foods. This idea contributes to less overall inflammation in our body leading to less disease and aches/pains. Lifestyles such as veganism is also based on ethical principles.
Mediteranean Emphasizes plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil), fish, and poultry, with limited red meat and sugar. Prioritizes sharing meals socially with family and friends.
Paleo (paleolithic diet) A modern paleo diet includes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds. These are foods that in the past people could get by hunting and gathering.
AIP (autoimmune protocol) An extension of the Paleo diet designed as a structured, multi-phase elimination plan to help reduce systemic inflammation and manage symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions
Keto (ketogenic diet) The ketogenic or keto diet includes eating high-fat, low-carbohydrate foods to reach ketosis. In ketosis, the body uses fat for fuel, instead of sugar (glucose).
Vegan A vegan diet includes only plant foods—fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds. People who follow a vegan diet don’t eat any animal foods, including dairy, eggs, and honey.
Vegetarian Excludes meat, poultry, and fish, but includes dairy products and eggs.
Carnivore An extreme, zero-carbohydrate eating plan that consists exclusively of animal-sourced foods—such as meat, fish, eggs, and limited dairy—while cutting out all plant-based foods.
As for myself, I follow a paleo lifestyle. I started down this path in 2020 wanting to get my multiple sclerosis under control, and also to help improve/eliminate orthopedic issues I had with my knees and ankle. Within 3 months of following a restrictive version of paleo I accomplished this. Not only was I able to reduce inflammation in my physical body, my cognition also improved. Six years later I am still going strong following a paleo lifestyle. I have given some thought about attempting to follow a Mediterranean diet which would allow me to consume legumes and healthy whole grains. This would be a less restrictive lifestyle plan compared to the paleo lifestyle plan I have been following, I will keep you posted! Drop a comment with what lifestyles you are interested in pursuing or already are living.