Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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There's been a lot of talk about optimal macronutrient ratios. The consensus opinion seems to be that this varies between individuals. While I don't necessarily disagree, I'm curious about the source of this variability. If optimal ratios really do differ from person to person, is it mostly a result of differences in genetics? Athletic activity? Previous food choices? Health status? Something else?

flag	asked Jun 23 2011 at 1:03 Grocket 1,831●1●5●13

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I am starting to think that macros aren't "Paleo." – none Jun 23 2011 at 1:14

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Well, even if ratios aren't Paleo, I know I had to find my sweet spot in order to lose weight. – sherpamelissa Jun 23 2011 at 1:31

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I was attempting a joke. I'm working on my sweet spot too! – none Jun 23 2011 at 1:56

Sorry, meredith! We have some anti-counting people around and though I understand the concept, it doesn't work for me, so I can be sensitive! – sherpamelissa Jun 23 2011 at 15:24

I'm going to start calling Meredith Oksana – Aravind Jul 21 2011 at 15:47

Bread-Eating Beelzebub · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-21 15:36:14Z UTC

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My opinion is that it's mainly genetics, epigenetics, and gut bacteria. I'm a major booster for human biodiversity and I'm excited to see all the papers coming out elucidating differences in metabolism between populations.

answered Jul 21 2011 at 15:36

Bread-Eating Beelzebub
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I'm inclined to agree - that does seem to be where the evidence is headed. It does put more emphasis on Grandma and less on Grok. – Grocket Jul 26 2011 at 16:51

ben61820 · Answer 2 · 2011-06-23 01:20:59Z UTC

I'd prolly go with the idea that our natural disposition is towards high fat, medium protein, and minimal carbohydrate. Just makes sense considering a lot of the time evolutionarily.

I don't fuel myself this way at all just so we're clear. I eat way more carbohydrate than fat, but then I have very modern goals, that are pretty much at odds with what our bodies seek: homeostasis.

shacky · Answer 3 · 2011-06-23 01:54:48Z UTC

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I'm still looking for a source that lays claim to a probable HG's typical diet that shows the macros. IMO, a HG ate mostly grubs for protein with lots of plant life. Add an occasional mammal kill for bonus protein. How does the high fat diet come into play? Instead, I see a high protein diet. Just throwing this out there to see what stirs.

answered Jun 23 2011 at 1:54

shacky
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	Depends on which HGs, but I'd question your confident assertion that an HG (I assume you include actual Paleolithic humans in that "HG") ate "mostly grubs," lots of plants and and "occasional mammal kill." That seems, to be charitable, highly speculative. Here's something I'll throw back atcha in response to your question, "How does the high fat diet come into play?" archevore.com/panu-weblog/2011/4/4/… – Rose Jun 23 2011 at 17:04
	ajcn.org/content/71/3/682.short – cliff Jul 7 2011 at 14:31
	yeah, that doesn't jive with every tribe. I guess you are mainly thinking of the San? I wouldn't say their diet was high protein though, some insects have substantial amounts of fat and probably the majority of their diet is carbs anyway. – Bread-Eating Beelzebub Jul 21 2011 at 15:34
	0 "I'm still looking for a source that lays claim to a probable HG's typical diet that shows the macros." thepaleodiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/… – Mike Jul 1 at 16:31

Macronutrient Ratios - Nature or Nurture?

3 Answers