The Paleo Pentad

The Paleo Pentad is a name I just came up with for my list of 5 categories that encompass a well-rounded approach to paleo-fitness. These 5 areas should be a part of any balanced plan designed to improve one's health, performance, body composition and general well-being. I'll list them here with a brief description, and in later posts I will expand on the dirty details.

1. Eat a paleo diet. I already covered this to some degree in an earlier post, but basically it's this: eat plenty of fresh meats, vegetables, fruits, and nuts and seeds. No grains, no dairy, no pre-packaged foods. For the most part, do your shopping around the perimeter of the grocery store.

2. Exercise like your ancestors. Lift heavy things for short periods once or twice a week. Run fast occasionally. Jump, bound and climb. When you're not engaged in short, intense activity you should spend plenty of time walking or hiking at a leisurely pace. Avoid prolonged aerobic or "cardio" exercises such as jogging or stair-stepping.

3. Sleep! You need to get plenty of sleep to let your body recover and repair itself, and to maximize the benefits of all the good eating and exercising. Short-changing yourself on sleep will undermine your efforts in a big way, but getting a good night's sleep every night will do wonders.

4. Get outside. Our ancestors spent a LOT of time in the great outdoors, getting plenty of sunshine and fresh air. Sun exposure is a primary source of vitamin D, and most people are deficient in this crucial micronutrient due in part to staying inside under artificial light. Get some sun every day if you can - it's good for your body and your mind.

5. Play. Spend some of your leisure time engaging in fun activities. Play a sport. Go to the park with your kids and do what they do - don't sit on the park benches with the other parents. Learn a new skill that engages your mind and body.


Obviously, each of these 5 categories covers a vast array of individual possibilities. In subsequent posts I hope to expand on these areas and provide details, examples and SCIENCE regarding each.

Good luck and happy foraging!