The New Evolution Diet: What Our Paleolithic Ancestors Can Teach Us about Weight Loss, Fitness, and Aging

Nassim Nicholas Taleb Phd Mba

ISBN 10: 1605291838 / ISBN 13: 9781605291833

Published by Rodale Press, 2010

About this Item

Believe it or not, our DNA is almost exactly the same as that of our ancestors. While scientific advances in agriculture, medicine, and technology have protected man, to some degree, from dangers such as starvation, illness, and exposure, the fact remains that our cave-dwelling cousins were considerably healthier than we are. Our paleolithic ancestors did not suffer from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. In fact, a good deal of what we view as normal aging is a modern condition that is more akin to disease than any natural state of growing older. Our predecessors were incomparably better nourished than we are, and were incredibly physically fit. And certainly none of them ever craved a doughnut, let alone tasted one. In fact, the human preference for sweet tastes and fatty textures was developed in an environment where such treats were rare, and signaled dense, useful energy. This once-helpful adaptation is the downfall of many a dieter today. It's what makes it hard to resist fats and sweets, especially when they are all around us.We are not living as we were built to live. Our genes were forged in an environment where activity was mandatory--you were active or you starved or were eaten. This created strong selective pressure for genes encoding a smart, physically adept individual capable of very high activity levels. Humans are among the most active of species, and we carry energetically expensive brains to boot. Our energy expenditures rank high among all animals. At least they once did. The New Evolution Diet by Arthur De Vany, PhD is a roadmap back to the better health our ancestors once enjoyed. By eliminating modern foods, including carbohydrates, dairy, and all processed foods from our diets, we can undo much of the damage caused by our modern food environment. The plan is based on three simple principles: 1. Enjoy the pleasure of food and do not count or restrict calories. Eat three satisfying meals a day filled with non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and high-quality, lean proteins2. Do not starve yourself, but do go hungry episodically, for brief periods, to promote a low fasting blood insulin level and increase metabolic fat-burning. 3. Exercise less, not more, but with more playfulness and intensity. The goal is to create a strong body with a high resting metabolism and a large physiologic capacity to move through life easily--not to burn calories.

Seller Inventory # CIN1605291838G

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The New Evolution Diet: What Our Paleolithic Ancestors Can Teach Us about Weight Loss, Fitness, and Aging
• Publisher: Rodale Press
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1605291838
• ISBN 13: 9781605291833
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

Astonishing as it may be, it's a fact that human DNA has evolved very little since our Paleolithic
ancestors roamed the earth. But while our genes may be similar, the environment in which they express themselves has changed radically. Living in an age when activity was mandatory and food was scarce, our ancestors thrived. Early man did not suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, or obesity. In fact, a good deal of what we describe as "normal aging" is more akin to disease than any natural aging process.

Disease free and strikingly fit, 72-year-old Arthur De Vany—grandfather of the "Paleo lifestyle"
movement—is living proof that it pays to live like a caveman. In The New Evolution Diet, De Vany
offers you a roadmap back to better health. The plan is built on three principles:
- eat three meals a day made up of nonstarchy vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins
- skip meals occasionally to promote a low fasting blood insulin level
- exercise less, not more, in shorter, high-intensity bursts

By cutting out modern foods—including carbohydrates, dairy, and all processed foods—anyone can
lose weight, gain muscle, and enjoy a longer, better life.

About the Authors

ARTHUR DE VANY, PhD, has appeared on PBS, NPR, and in the New York Times and other national media as an expert on the Paleo lifestyle. He lives in Washington, UT.

ARTHUR DE VANY, PhD, has appeared on PBS, NPR, and in the New York Times and other national media as an expert on the Paleo lifestyle. He lives in Washington, UT.