Nutrition trends come and go, When you’ve been a part of the fitness world for the last 15 years you’ve had the chance to see different trends come and go. When I first began CrossFit in 2008 The Paleo diet was as hot as ever. Although you rarely hear about it anymore it helped shape CrossFit. If you’ve been around the gym long enough, you’ve likely heard someone mention “eating Paleo,” “going caveman,” or “sticking to whole, ancestral foods.”
But what does Paleo actually mean? And is it right for you?
Let’s break it down together.
What Is the Paleo Diet?
The Paleo diet is built on a simple idea: eat the foods humans evolved to eat long before processed food existed. Think of it as a focus on whole, minimally processed foods that our hunter-gatherer ancestors would have had access to.
Common Paleo Foods
- Lean meats (grass-fed when possible)
- Fish and seafood
- Eggs
- Fruits & vegetables
- Nuts & seeds
- Natural fats like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado
Foods Avoided
- Grains (wheat, rice, oats)
- Legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts)
- Dairy (varies depending on the person)
- Refined sugar
- Processed oils
- Anything ultra-processed
In short: lots of protein and plants, no packaged foods.
The Pros of Paleo
1. High in Nutrients, Low in Junk
Focusing on whole foods means more vitamins, minerals, and fiber—and less sugar, additives, and empty calories. Most people automatically eat fewer “treats” and feel better quickly as a result of trying it.
2. Great for Satiety and Fat Loss
Protein, veggies, and healthy fats keep you full. Many members find that Paleo naturally reduces overeating, which can support fat loss without strict calorie counting which most people hate doing. Protein and fibre are both quite high in this diet which help with satiety. That full feeling you get when your body says stop eating. We’re done.
3. Supports Stable Energy
No blood sugar spikes from refined carbs. Many people report they feel more energized throughout the day, with fewer crashes. This can help if you often feel that afternoon slump from 1:00-3:00pm.
4. Encourages Cooking and Mindful Eating
Following Paleo usually means you’re cooking more and paying attention to what you put in your body—both huge wins for long-term health. You’re avoiding a lot of the additives that gets added to most prepared meals.
5. Simple, Clear Rules
Some people do better with a framework that tells them exactly what’s “in” and “out.” Paleo makes it crystal clear.
The Cons of Paleo
1. It Can Be Restrictive
Cutting out grains, legumes, and dairy can feel limiting, especially for families or social events. For some people, restriction leads to burnout.
2. Not All “Off-Limits” Foods Are Actually Bad
Beans, oats, whole grains, and yogurt can be very nutritious. Paleo excludes some foods that many people digest perfectly well. For example, there’s a ton of fibre and minerals in legumes which can help build your gut flora.
3. Harder for Athletes if Under-Eating
If you workout a lot, you need carbs. Paleo can work—but you need to intentionally eat enough fruit, potatoes, squash, and other carb-dense whole foods to fuel performance which can be a challenge since you’ll have to weight and measure to make sure you’re getting enough.
4. Can Get Expensive
Grass-fed meats, nuts, and fresh produce can add up. It’s still way cheaper than eating out but definitely more expensive than a refined food dit. It’s possible to do Paleo affordably, but it takes planning.
5. Not Necessary for Everyone
There’s no one “best” diet. Paleo is a tool—not a requirement—for getting healthier. The paleo diet got popularized as a key part of the whole 30 diet. Which essentially advocates for a paleo style of eating for 30 straight days.
Is Paleo Right for Members of CrossFit Actus?
Maybe! We encourage a food-first approach at Actus: more real food, more protein, more plants, and fewer ultra-processed calories.
For many members, a Paleo-style template is a great place to start because it:
- Keeps things simple
- Reduces overeating
- Prioritizes recovery
- Supports long-term consistency
But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Many people thrive with a Paleo-inspired approach rather than a strict Paleo rulebook.
Our Recommendation
If you’re thinking of trying Paleo:
- Start with 90/10 — aim for mostly whole foods. That means 19 meals paleo style and 2 meals that are flexible.
- Keep carbs in — especially fruit, white potato and sweet potato, and squash
- Fuel your training — under-eating is the fast track to poor performance so be careful. You shouldn’t feel hungry
- Focus on consistency, not perfection — this aligns with everything we value at CrossFit Actus.
Final Word
The Paleo diet can be a powerful reset and a simple, effective framework for eating better. But—as always—the “best” diet is the one you can stick to long term.
If you want help figuring out how Paleo could fit into your routine, chat with us here. We’re here to help you feel your best inside and outside the gym during these snowy winter months.