Ask the NUTritionist
Densie Webb, Ph.D., R.D. co-author of "The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!" answers questions about diets, health and pecans.
Q. I want to try the Paleolithic Diet. Can I follow the diet plan and still eat Georgia Pecans?
A. The short answer is yes! The modern version of the Paleolithic Diet is designed to mimic, as best we can, the hunter-gatherer ways of our ancestors before the agricultural revolution. The diet includes lean meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, eggs and nuts, with the exception of peanuts, and provides much more animal protein than is typically recommended. As a source of much-needed omega-3 fats, a nutrient that the Paleo Diet encourages, Georgia Pecans fit nicely into the diet plan. You can grab a handful for a snack, roast them on top of chicken or fish or sprinkle them chopped over cooked vegetables. Overall, the Paleo diet is low in grain-based foods and dairy products and eliminates sugar, alcohol and all processed foods. Proponents say it will help you lose weight, improve cholesterol levels and help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. While there is not a lot of research to back up their claims, two studies from Sweden found that the Paleolithic Diet was more satisfying (fewer calories consumed) and improved glucose tolerance more than a Mediterranean-like diet. Whether you decide to stick a strict Paleo plan or create some modified version of it that better fits your lifestyle, Georgia Pecans fit in.
