Scientific Bombshell in My College Research Paper Class: The "Paleo Diet" Doesn't Exist

 

 

 

My English 1A students are writing an argumentative essay that defends or refutes the Paleo Diet, but it turns out that the Paleo Diet, as it is marketed today, does not exist, has no archeological basis, and is in fact a gross fraud. So now the whole idea of the argumentative paper, pitting two powerful opposing sides against each other, is gone from my students' assignment. The "Paleo Diet" at a serious disadvantage. We've got a one-sided argument on our hands. Looks like the last time I use this assignment. 

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Comments

[Gary]

This is an interesting talk, Jeff. Thanks for posting it.

[herculodge]

Looks like an opportunity to explain the word "misnomer" to my students as it pertains to "Paleo."

[Doug T.]

While the paleo diet never historically existed, I think that the case for eating food that is free of pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and industrial processing is quite strong. Certainly, it is more appealing aesthetically (who feels good eating processed food -- or food that is full of pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones?)

[herculodge]

As Christina Warriner says, we can learn lessons from the diverse "paleo" diets: eat whole, unprocessed, local, fresh foods and eat a diverse diet.