Runners often look for the magic bullet to help them run faster,
get leaner, and feel better. This makes diet books and
supplements appealing. But do they work? Let's take a look at
the evidence for a few popular diets. The Paleolithic Diet The
Paleolithic Diet is often shortened as the Paleo diet. It is the
diet plan that best resembles how early cavemen ate thousands of
years ago, eating plants and wild animals. Meat, fish,
shellfish, eggs, tree nuts, vegetables, roots, fruits, and
berries are allowed, while grains and dairy are prohibited. A
major advantage of this diet is that processed foods are
eliminated and foods high in protein, vitamins, minerals,
phytochemicals, and antioxidants are consumed. The creators of
the Paleo diet adapted it for athletes, recognizing that
athletes do need more carbohydrates before, during, and after
exercising. The Paleo diet for athletes allows for inclusion of
grains and higher glycemic carbohydrates, especially for
recovery after exercise. If following a Paleo diet, one