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As Americans increasingly reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods, a leader in the paleo diet movement suggests that many individuals may already be adopting a paleo-style eating pattern without even realizing it.
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Trevor Connor, the CEO of The Paleo Diet, a company founded by the diet’s originator, Dr. Loren Cordain, notes that many individuals who are cutting down on ultra-processed foods are unintentionally following a paleo-like diet.
The paleo diet emphasizes consumption of foods that are believed to have been part of our ancestors’ diets prior to the advent of modern agriculture, hence the term “paleo,” which refers to the Paleolithic era.
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This dietary approach focuses on whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, nuts, and seeds, all featuring minimal processing. It encourages individuals to avoid grains, legumes, dairy, and ultra-processed food products.
Trevor Connor of Colorado states that by eliminating ultra-processed foods, Americans often find themselves following a paleo-like diet without awareness. (Fox News Digital; iStock)
Connor, who operates from Boulder, Colorado, conveyed to Fox News Digital that the paleo diet does not necessitate an all-or-nothing approach.
“I’ve always maintained that if everyone transitions toward a paleo diet without even labeling it as such, I fully support that,” he remarked. “And that’s precisely what’s happening now.”
“If you are moving from a Western diet to a healthier approach, start with the beginner plan.”
Ultra-processed foods have come under increasing scrutiny for their potential negative impacts on health, which include impeding weight loss and elevating the risk of chronic diseases.
“Dr. Cordain conducted an analysis and [discovered that] 70% of the food we consume today has been introduced in the last 200 years, and our bodies simply haven’t adapted to that,” Connor added.
The paleo diet aims to eliminate many ultra-processed foods from your diet.
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“These foods are relatively new, and our bodies struggle to handle them,” he stated.
Often dubbed the “caveman diet,” the paleo approach has faced skepticism, with some critics arguing that it promotes a primitive, meat-heavy eating style. However, Connor firmly rejects this characterization.
The paleo diet emphasizes whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and seafood, with minimal processing involved. (iStock)
“I categorically refuse to use the term ‘caveman’ in our company,” he emphasized. “It conveys a misleading image of a brutish individual living in a cave, consuming only raw meat.”
Instead, Connor believes the paleo diet is both accessible and increasingly aligned with current American eating habits.
“By removing ultra-processed foods from your diet—especially those heavily processed items—you are essentially following a paleo eating style,” he explained.
Ultra-processed foods often contain preservatives and additives, which can slow down weight loss efforts. (iStock)
“I’m thrilled to see this trend of healthier eating taking hold,” he noted. Yet, he acknowledged that the typical Western diet remains a significant issue.
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“The Western diet is among the unhealthiest eating patterns available,” Connor asserted. “Any shift toward healthier eating is a positive change.”
The paleo diet, based on pre-agricultural eating habits, excludes grains, legumes, and dairy products. (iStock)
Connor further stated, “If someone transitions from a highly processed Western diet to a Mediterranean diet or a nourishing plant-based diet, I commend that change.”
Even if the paleo approach seems daunting, he cautioned against extreme diets, encouraging people to start with frozen produce and healthier cuts of meat, and to keep things simple.
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“I always advise everyone that improvement should come gradually. Going cold turkey rarely works,” he emphasized.
A former cycling coach who has trained Olympic athletes, Connor learned from Dr. Cordain, the founder of the paleo diet, and views dietary changes similarly to athletic training.
Research indicates that consistency, rather than variety, may be crucial for effective weight loss. (iStock)
“You wouldn’t give a brand-new athlete an Olympic training plan and expect them to succeed. It’s simply unrealistic,” he stated.
“Dietary changes follow a similar logic. If you’re shifting from a Western diet to a healthier one, begin with a basic plan.”
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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for their insights on the paleo diet.
