The question of whether the Paleo diet is beneficial or harmful has fueled debate in the CrossFit community for years. Some athletes are firm believers, convinced it’s the key to peak performance, while others see it as nothing more than a restrictive fad.
My Personal Experience with Paleo
I’ve personally gone strict Paleo several times, and the results were clear. I lost weight, leaned out, improved my WOD times, and generally felt healthier and more energized. Of course, the challenge came with sacrifice—I had to give up some of my favorite comfort foods like toast, pasta, and chips. For me, the improvements in performance and well-being felt worth it, at least for a time.
The Other Side of the Story
Not everyone has the same positive experience. Some athletes report very different outcomes, warning of mood swings, digestive discomfort like stomach cramps, and even possible long-term health risks. For them, the strict rules and food restrictions of Paleo seem to do more harm than good.
What the Experts Say
It’s not just athletes who are divided. Health experts also appear skeptical of Paleo. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the top 20 diets worldwide, and the Paleo diet came in dead last. It received only two out of five stars, signalling that nutrition specialists found significant flaws in its overall approach.
Comparing Diet Rankings
Interestingly, the Paleo diet wasn’t the only one to score poorly. The Atkins diet was ranked just one spot higher at 19th place. In contrast, the DASH diet—originally designed to help reduce high blood pressure—was named the best overall, taking the top spot.
Final Thoughts
The full list of diet rankings can be found on the U.S. News & World Report website, but one thing is clear: the Paleo diet remains highly divisive. While some swear by its results, others, including health experts, remain unconvinced of its long-term benefits.
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