Paleo vs. Primal: What is the Difference

The Paleo diet is based upon the idea of eating the foods our bodies were designed to eat through thousands of years of evolution. These foods were available to early people through hunting and gathering [meat and fish, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables]. During modern times, and advances in technology now have made other forms of food available for consumption [grains, dairy, and processed foods], which are suboptimal forms of nutrition. The foods recommended in the Paleo diet provide our bodies with long-lasting energy that also aid in burning fat.

What is the difference between Paleo and Primal?

‘Primal’ generally refers to Mark Sisson’s Primal Blueprint way of eating which is very similar to Paleo, but allows some leeway with certain types of dairy and has fewer restrictions on saturated fat intake. Sisson's mission was to provide a symptom where failure was no option. With an 80/20 goal, you may allow yourself a break in the path if needed. Primal followers don't need to feel emotionally bad for not eating perfectly Primal. In general, the Paleo Diet is a high protein, moderate fat diet, and the Primal Blueprint is considered to be a high fat, moderate protein diet. Many people who follow this way of eating consider the terms to be one and the same. How ever you personally decide to “title” the ancestral diet that you abide by, both stem from the core principle of eating the foods our bodies were designed to eat: plants and animals.

Enjoy	Avoid
Meats	Grains
Fruits & Vegetables	Legumes
Nuts & Seeds	Dairy
Healthy Fats	Processed Foods
Herbs, Spices & Seasonings	Alcohol
Other Key Ingredients	Starches