Theo Nash
The paleo diet is based on the idea of eating foods similar to those eaten by early humans in the Paleolithic Age, which began around 2.5 million years ago. This diet typically includes lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, while grains, legumes, and dairy products are avoided. Those who follow this diet believe that by eating like ancient humans, they can optimize their health and undo the damage caused by highly processed foods. When it comes to alcohol, opinions vary. Some consider it a cheat, while others believe that moderate consumption of certain drinks, such as wine, hard cider, and tequila, is acceptable. To start a paleo diet, one should focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, regular exercise, good hydration, stress reduction, and adequate sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol consumption | Technically, alcohol is not paleo-approved as it is a processed drink and a toxin. However, some proponents of the diet advocate for a moderate approach, allowing for the occasional glass of wine or other drinks that are not as processed, such as hard cider and tequila. |
| Paleo-friendly drinks | Wine, spirits, and hard cider are considered more paleo-friendly than beer due to lower gluten content or being gluten-free. |
| Mixing drinks | It is recommended to avoid mixing alcohol with juice, soda, diet soda, tonic, or sweet and sour mix due to their high sugar content. Instead, club soda/soda water or citrus fruits like lemon or lime can be used. |
| Health considerations | Alcohol can cause dehydration, affect electrolyte balance, and spike blood sugar levels. It can also lead to binge eating and negatively impact health and social life if consumed excessively. |
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What You'll Learn
- Alcohol is not paleo-approved, but some drinks are more paleo-friendly than others
- Wine, hard cider, and tequila are drinks that some paleo advocates approve of
- Beer is the least paleo-friendly alcohol due to its gluten content
- Spirits are also not paleo-friendly, as they are made from fermented grains
- If you're going to drink alcohol while on the paleo diet, moderation is key
Alcohol is not paleo-approved, but some drinks are more paleo-friendly than others
While the paleo diet is based on eating foods similar to those eaten by the first humans, it is unlikely that they consumed alcohol. Technically, alcohol is not paleo-approved as it is both processed and a toxin. However, many experts, including health, wellness, and nutrition expert Jenny Giblin, advocate for a moderate approach, recognising that devotees may want the occasional drink.
If you are following a paleo diet and want to consume alcohol, there are some drinks that are more paleo-friendly than others. Beer is the least paleo-friendly alcohol due to its high gluten content. Even gluten-free beer is made from grains, which are avoided on the paleo diet. Spirits also go through the fermentation of grains, but the distillation process removes most of the gluten. Wine and hard cider are considered more paleo-friendly, as they are not as reliant on grains. However, it is important to be cautious about the sugar content of these drinks, as sugar is not paleo-friendly. When mixing drinks, choose club soda or soda water, which have no sugar, and avoid juice, soda, tonic, and other mixers that contain sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Some people choose to eliminate alcohol for the first 30 days of the paleo diet and then reintroduce it to see how their body reacts. Ultimately, the decision to consume alcohol while on the paleo diet is a personal one, and it is important to prioritise your health and well-being.
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Wine, hard cider, and tequila are drinks that some paleo advocates approve of
While the paleo diet is based on eating foods similar to those eaten by the first humans millions of years ago, and alcohol is neither paleo-approved nor paleo-friendly, some paleo advocates approve of certain drinks over others. Wine, hard cider, and tequila are drinks that some paleo advocates like health, wellness, and nutrition expert Jenny Giblin approve of.
Wine is considered by some to be the most paleo-friendly drink option. Red wine may be a better choice than white wine, as it has a higher concentration of resveratrol, an antioxidant that can have heart-healthy benefits.
Hard cider is also considered paleo-friendly by some, as it is fermented and does not contain gluten. However, commercially made hard cider often contains additional sugars and preservatives, so it is important to check the ingredients and choose a low-sugar option.
Tequila is seen as somewhat paleo-friendly, as it is often minimally processed. However, not all tequilas are created equal, and some may contain added sugars or other ingredients that are not paleo-friendly. It is recommended to choose tequila made with 100% agave to reduce the amount of sugar consumed.
It is important to remember that even these drinks should be consumed in moderation on the paleo diet, as alcohol is still considered a processed food and can affect electrolyte balance and blood sugar levels.
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Beer is the least paleo-friendly alcohol due to its gluten content
While the Paleo diet does not endorse the consumption of any alcohol, some people choose to drink in moderation. Beer is the least paleo-friendly alcohol due to its gluten content. Nearly all beer is made from wheat or barley, and thus contains high concentrations of gluten. Even gluten-free beer is made from gluten-free grains, which are also avoided on the Paleo diet.
The gluten found in alcoholic beverages is a major concern for those who follow the Paleo diet. While distillation removes most gluten, it doesn't remove it all. Spirits like tequila, vodka, or bourbon with soda water and lemon are a better alternative to beer. Hard cider is another alternative, as it is naturally gluten-free (although it is important to check the label). However, cider contains sugar, so it may not be a good option if fat loss is your goal.
If you are a hardcore beer lover, a gluten-free beer may be a better option than drinking a traditional beer. Some gluten-free beers are made with rice or the grain sorghum, which are gluten-free. However, these beers may have a significant sugar content, and they are still grain-based. Ultimately, if you want to enjoy an occasional pint, you may prefer to treat yourself to your favourite craft beer instead of a gluten-free version.
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Spirits are also not paleo-friendly, as they are made from fermented grains
While on a paleo diet, it is best to avoid alcohol as it is processed and causes dehydration, affecting the electrolyte balance. However, if one must consume alcohol, there are some paleo-friendly options available. Beer is the least paleo-friendly option as it is made from wheat or barley and contains high concentrations of gluten. Cider is a popular alternative to beer as it is naturally gluten-free, but it may contain added sugars and preservatives. Wine is another option that is considered paleo-friendly, especially organic red wines with antioxidants.
Some people on the paleo diet may choose to consume spirits in moderation, as part of a balanced lifestyle. However, it is important to remember that alcohol is not essential to the paleo diet and can hinder progress toward health goals. Ultimately, the decision to include alcohol in one's diet is a personal choice, and individuals can decide what they want to put in their bodies.
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If you're going to drink alcohol while on the paleo diet, moderation is key
The paleo diet is based on eating foods similar to those eaten by the first humans millions of years ago. As such, alcohol, which is processed and toxic, is not technically paleo-approved. However, many proponents of the paleo diet and nutrition experts recognise that complete abstinence from alcohol may not be feasible for some, and therefore advocate a moderate approach.
When choosing alcoholic beverages, opt for drinks that align with the paleo diet's emphasis on unprocessed and natural foods. Wine, particularly red wine, is often considered paleo-friendly due to its antioxidant properties and lower sugar content. Clear spirits like tequila, vodka, and certain types of rum and brandy are also suitable as they are free from the gluten found in grain-based beverages. However, darker alcohols like red wine, rum, brandy, and some tequilas contain higher concentrations of congeners, which are impurities that can worsen hangovers and make recovery more challenging.
Beer, especially traditional beers, is typically excluded from the paleo diet due to its grain content. Even gluten-free beers are made from grains that are generally avoided on the paleo diet. However, some modern interpretations of the paleo diet allow for some flexibility and include certain modern foods that our prehistoric ancestors did not have access to, like alcohol. In such cases, gluten-free beer options can be considered.
Additionally, be mindful of what you mix your drinks with. Pretty much anything that gets mixed with alcohol, such as juice, soda, diet soda, tonic, and sweet and sour mix, is neither paleo-friendly nor healthy due to their sugar or artificial sweetener content. Instead, choose club soda or soda water, or add some acidity with lemon or lime for a fun, paleo-friendly drink.
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Frequently asked questions
Technically, alcohol is not paleo-approved as it is a processed food. However, some proponents of the diet and experts advocate for a moderate approach, suggesting that a moderate amount of alcohol is OK.
Alcohol types that are considered paleo-friendly include wine, cider, and spirits like tequila and vodka. These drinks are not as reliant on grains and are less likely to conflict with the paleo diet's principles. Beer is the least paleo-friendly alcohol due to its high gluten content.
It is best to avoid mixers that contain sugar or artificial sweeteners, such as juice, soda, tonic, and sweet and sour mix. Instead, choose club soda or soda water, or add lemon or lime for acidity and better blood sugar control.
Alcohol should be consumed in moderation or sparingly on a paleo diet. While it is fine to enjoy a drink with friends on occasion, making it a daily habit will not support your health goals.
