Paleolithic Dietary Pattern
Paleolithic dietary pattern is based upon a diet pattern presumed
to exist during the Paleolithic period (lasting 3.4 million years and
ending 6000–2000 BC). It differs from some other diets in that it
excludes grains, dairy, and ultra-processed foods.
Encouraged Considerations
• Fresh vegetables, f ruits, and root
vegetables
• Grass-fed lean red meats
• Fish/seafood
• Eggs
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthful oils (olive, walnut, flaxseed,
macadamia, avocado, and coconut)
Avoid:
• Cereal grains
• Legumes, including peanuts
• Dairy products
• Potatoes
• Ultra-processed foods
• Ref ined sugar, ref ined vegetable
oils, and salt
Plant-Based Dietary Patterns
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Plant-based dietary patterns consist of foods that come mostly from
plants (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts).
Vegetarian Dietary Variants
• Vegan: Only plant-based foods (e.g., f ruits, vegetables, legumes, grains,
seeds, and nuts) with no animal proteins or animal by-products, such as
eggs, milk, or honey
• Lacto-vegetarian: Plant foods plus some or all dairy products (e.g., cheese)
• Lacto-ovo Vegetarian (or Ovo-lactovegetarian): Plant foods, dairy
products, and eggs
• Semi or Partial Vegetarian: Plant foods and may include chicken or f ish,
dairy products, and eggs, but not red meat
• Pescatarian: Plant foods and seafood
• Flexitarian: Mostly plant-based foods (minimally processed), with
occasional f ish, meat, and animal products in moderation
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Plant-based dietary intake is generally associated with weight loss, reduced risk of heart disease
(including heart failure), and beneficial effects on metabolic diseases, some cancers, and possibly all-
cause mortality. However, these potential benefits may be negated when more healthful plant-based
whole foods (i.e., with natural fiber and nutrients) are replaced by ultra-processed foods, fried foods,
and refined carbohydrates. Vegetarian diets may also result in deficiencies of micronutrients such as
vitamin B12, which may require monitoring and replacement when appropriate.
