Eating Clean vs Paleo?

I've researched it a bunch, and the best I can come up with is below, BUT I was wondering WHY people chose one or the other? I've heard negative backlash about Paleo being full of carbs and such. I've also heard negatives things about gluten and dairy, though, too. Also, most recipes I find that are from strong "paleo people" include honey/maple syrup, but the research I do says Paleo is WITHOUT that? Hmmm..Give me some feedback please!!

Eating Clean
■Eating food in it’s most natural state
■Nothing white (flour, sugar, rice, etc)
■Avoid all things processed and refined
■Lean protein and healthy fats (like those from nuts)
■Lots and lots of organic fruits and vegetables.
■Organic products
■No preservatives, no fast food, no alcohol
■No or limited dairy (depending on who you ask)

Paleo
■Lots of organic and grass fed lean meats
■Lots of organic veggies and fruits
■Lots of nuts and healthy fats
■Consuming food in it’s most natural state
■No sugar (unless from fruit or natural sweeteners such as honey or agave nectar), no legumes, no grains, no gluten
■No dairy
■No preservatives, no fast food, no alcohol
■Nothing white (flour, sugar, rice, etc)
■Avoid all things processed and refined
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Replies

  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    I've researched it a bunch, and the best I can come up with is below, BUT I was wondering WHY people chose one or the other? I've heard negative backlash about Paleo being full of carbs and such. I've also heard negatives things about gluten and dairy, though, too. Also, most recipes I find that are from strong "paleo people" include honey/maple syrup, but the research I do says Paleo is WITHOUT that? Hmmm..Give me some feedback please!!

    Eating Clean
    ■Eating food in it’s most natural state
    ■Nothing white (flour, sugar, rice, etc)
    ■Avoid all things processed and refined
    ■Lean protein and healthy fats (like those from nuts)
    ■Lots and lots of organic fruits and vegetables.
    ■Organic products
    ■No preservatives, no fast food, no alcohol
    ■No or limited dairy (depending on who you ask)

    Paleo
    ■Lots of organic and grass fed lean meats
    ■Lots of organic veggies and fruits
    ■Lots of nuts and healthy fats
    ■Consuming food in it’s most natural state
    ■No sugar (unless from fruit or natural sweeteners such as honey or agave nectar), no legumes, no grains, no gluten
    ■No dairy
    ■No preservatives, no fast food, no alcohol
    ■Nothing white (flour, sugar, rice, etc)
    ■Avoid all things processed and refined

    According to your lists, both sound absolutely terrible and over restrictive. Why not try eating foods you like, getting in adequate protein and fats, with a focus on mostly nutrient dense foods but also allowing yourself so called unclean foods in moderation?
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,426 MFP Moderator
    Neither is required for fat loss. It's all about calories. Whether you get there is clean eating, paleo, atkins, etc.. it honestly won't make fat loss greater. Calories in vs out is the only equation to obtain fat loss. The rest is an approach that can help. But if you do NOT have a metabolic issue, sensitivity or medical issue, then there is no reason to restrict all of these foods.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Neither is required for fat loss. It's all about calories. Whether you get there is clean eating, paleo, atkins, etc.. it honestly won't make fat loss greater. Calories in vs out is the only equation to obtain fat loss. The rest is an approach that can help. But if you do NOT have a metabolic issue, sensitivity or medical issue, then there is no reason to restrict all of these foods.

    this!
  • sunsnstatheart
    sunsnstatheart Posts: 2,544 Member
    Neither is required for fat loss. It's all about calories. Whether you get there is clean eating, paleo, atkins, etc.. it honestly won't make fat loss greater. Calories in vs out is the only equation to obtain fat loss. The rest is an approach that can help. But if you do NOT have a metabolic issue, sensitivity or medical issue, then there is no reason to restrict all of these foods.

    this!

    yes!
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Neither is required for fat loss. It's all about calories. Whether you get there is clean eating, paleo, atkins, etc.. it honestly won't make fat loss greater. Calories in vs out is the only equation to obtain fat loss. The rest is an approach that can help. But if you do NOT have a metabolic issue, sensitivity or medical issue, then there is no reason to restrict all of these foods.

    this!

    yes!

    Pretty much...I try to make overall more nutritious decisions than I used to, but nothing is completely off limits either. I can't be that restrictive in my diet...I'd go nuts and be absolutely miserable.
  • Pretty much what everyone else said.. "gluten free" and paleo is a trend. The actual number of people with actual Celiac disease and real medical need to remove gluten and all that is somewhere around 1 in 200, but you know how people are, everyone self diagnoses (remember how everyone was "lactose intolerant" in the early 90s?). But hey, if you decide to remove something from your diet and you feel better for it, then good on you.

    I'll reiterate what Acg67 said though, it's all very restrictive and black and white and very hard to make livable. Like, I try to eat clean. I have a great deal of resources and time to make all my own foods and buy the "best" groceries, I don't have kids to deal with, and I control 99% of my food, and I still am not able to be 100% clean. I think every friend I have doing Paleo is on a constant cycle of "I'm doing it" and "I'm just gonna cheat this one meal then get back on it tomorrow". That mentality right there is what I personally had to get away from in order to find a way to really lose weight. The binary thinking that comes along with a "diet plan" is a recipe for disaster in my opinion.

    Now, if it gives you a jumping off point as far as learning what "real" foods are, or helps you restructure your life away from processed foods, then that's valuable as long as you look at it as a learning experience and not "the one answer", IMO.
  • bathsheba_c
    bathsheba_c Posts: 1,873 Member
    If you are intent on doing one or the other, go for eating clean. Paleo, by emphasizing organic foods, is bad for the environment and for agriculture.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member

    According to your lists, both sound absolutely terrible and over restrictive. Why not try eating foods you like, getting in adequate protein and fats, with a focus on mostly nutrient dense foods but also allowing yourself so called unclean foods in moderation?
    I think they both sounds pretty great! (in an 80/20 fashion) :smile:
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member

    According to your lists, both sound absolutely terrible and over restrictive. Why not try eating foods you like, getting in adequate protein and fats, with a focus on mostly nutrient dense foods but also allowing yourself so called unclean foods in moderation?
    I think they both sounds pretty great! (in an 80/20 fashion) :smile:

    Have fun not eating processed foods
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member

    According to your lists, both sound absolutely terrible and over restrictive. Why not try eating foods you like, getting in adequate protein and fats, with a focus on mostly nutrient dense foods but also allowing yourself so called unclean foods in moderation?
    I think they both sounds pretty great! (in an 80/20 fashion) :smile:

    Have fun not eating processed foods
    Haven't eaten much processed foods for about...13 years. Not much of an issue for me.
    Probably the MOST processed thing I eat is tortilla chips from time to time.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member

    According to your lists, both sound absolutely terrible and over restrictive. Why not try eating foods you like, getting in adequate protein and fats, with a focus on mostly nutrient dense foods but also allowing yourself so called unclean foods in moderation?
    I think they both sounds pretty great! (in an 80/20 fashion) :smile:

    Have fun not eating processed foods
    Haven't eaten much processed foods for about...13 years. Not much of an issue for me.
    Probably the MOST processed thing I eat is tortilla chips from time to time.

    No butter or cooking oils?
  • 5ftnFun
    5ftnFun Posts: 948 Member
    I've researched it a bunch, and the best I can come up with is below, BUT I was wondering WHY people chose one or the other? I've heard negative backlash about Paleo being full of carbs and such. I've also heard negatives things about gluten and dairy, though, too. Also, most recipes I find that are from strong "paleo people" include honey/maple syrup, but the research I do says Paleo is WITHOUT that? Hmmm..Give me some feedback please!!

    Eating Clean
    ■Eating food in it’s most natural state
    ■Nothing white (flour, sugar, rice, etc)
    ■Avoid all things processed and refined
    ■Lean protein and healthy fats (like those from nuts)
    ■Lots and lots of organic fruits and vegetables.
    ■Organic products
    ■No preservatives, no fast food, no alcohol
    ■No or limited dairy (depending on who you ask)

    Paleo
    ■Lots of organic and grass fed lean meats
    ■Lots of organic veggies and fruits
    ■Lots of nuts and healthy fats
    ■Consuming food in it’s most natural state
    ■No sugar (unless from fruit or natural sweeteners such as honey or agave nectar), no legumes, no grains, no gluten
    ■No dairy
    ■No preservatives, no fast food, no alcohol
    ■Nothing white (flour, sugar, rice, etc)
    ■Avoid all things processed and refined

    According to your lists, both sound absolutely terrible and over restrictive. Why not try eating foods you like, getting in adequate protein and fats, with a focus on mostly nutrient dense foods but also allowing yourself so called unclean foods in moderation?

    What he said^^
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member

    According to your lists, both sound absolutely terrible and over restrictive. Why not try eating foods you like, getting in adequate protein and fats, with a focus on mostly nutrient dense foods but also allowing yourself so called unclean foods in moderation?
    I think they both sounds pretty great! (in an 80/20 fashion) :smile:

    Have fun not eating processed foods
    Haven't eaten much processed foods for about...13 years. Not much of an issue for me.
    Probably the MOST processed thing I eat is tortilla chips from time to time.

    No butter or cooking oils?
    A little olive oil from time to time. Both "lifestyles" allow for that. Regardless: 80/20. I eat pretty clean. And I like it. I wouldn't say I eat paleo, because as I said: I eat some corn tortilla.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    Neither is required for fat loss. It's all about calories. Whether you get there is clean eating, paleo, atkins, etc.. it honestly won't make fat loss greater. Calories in vs out is the only equation to obtain fat loss. The rest is an approach that can help. But if you do NOT have a metabolic issue, sensitivity or medical issue, then there is no reason to restrict all of these foods.

    this!

    yes!
    And another yes!
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I'm not sure what your question is? Which is "healtier" overall (on a general basis)? Which most people find easier to follow? Just general opinions?

    Both are "healthy" in that most people can get proper nutrition on either. I don't think one has an advantage over the other in that respect.

    If I had to choose one, I'd definitely choose "clean" because I eat a lot of legumes and I'm not giving those up needlessly. And because Paleo considers legumes unhealthy I find it to be silly.

    Luckily I don't have to choose either to be healthy and control my weight. I don't eat much junk, but a lot of my food would probably not be considered "clean" by some.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,207 Member
    They're both restrictive by your definition.....same same but different. lol
  • SadKitty27
    SadKitty27 Posts: 416 Member


    I agree that this might this might be the case for some, but honestly not all. I'm not too fond of the condescending tone and the lack of foresight in this rant (yes, that's what it is,) and tries to paint a picture with too broad of a brush.

    Just because someone is fat, does not mean that they've ever gorged themselves on tons of chocolate, baked goods or have eaten massive meals fit for two or more. Some people just don't know how to eat right in terms of balancing certain stats. For example, one might stay under their caloric intake, but exceed carbs or sugar which stalls their weight loss or causes them to gain.

    Furthermore, constructive criticism goes a lot farther, because when you're constantly berating someone they tend to not want to listen to you, thus resulting in a waste of your time.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member


    Some people just don't know how to eat right in terms of balancing certain stats. For example, one might stay under their caloric intake, but exceed carbs or sugar which stalls their weight loss or causes them to gain.

    Please no need for such fairy tales, carbs and sugar are no boogeymen (assuming no underlying medical conditions/intolerances)
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    For example, one might stay under their caloric intake, but exceed carbs or sugar which stalls their weight loss or causes them to gain.

    If by "stay under their caloric intake" you mean eat at a calorie deficit (less in than out), then they might gain water weight, but they are not gaining fat. And they would only gain appreciable water weight if they have a metabolic, hormonal or other medical disorder.
  • WhoTheHellIsBen
    WhoTheHellIsBen Posts: 1,238 Member


    I agree that this might this might be the case for some, but honestly not all. I'm not too fond of the condescending tone and the lack of foresight in this rant (yes, that's what it is,) and tries to paint a picture with too broad of a brush.

    Just because someone is fat, does not mean that they've ever gorged themselves on tons of chocolate, baked goods or have eaten massive meals fit for two or more. Some people just don't know how to eat right in terms of balancing certain stats. For example, one might stay under their caloric intake, but exceed carbs or sugar which stalls their weight loss or causes them to gain.

    Furthermore, constructive criticism goes a lot farther, because when you're constantly berating someone they tend to not want to listen to you, thus resulting in a waste of your time.

    Sorry, I misplaced my kid gloves and just hate cranking the AC high enough to handle all the gentle snow flakes that seem to accumulate everywhere. You must have missed the title of the blog this topic was posted under
  • carrysa
    carrysa Posts: 119 Member
    Honestly I've tried a lot of diets...What I have found that works the best for me is just eating healthier and in moderation. I also track everything I eat so I know how many calories I am putting into my body. Eat more fruits, veggies, healthy fats,...and it doesn't hurt to have ONE day as a cheat day!...its worked for me so far! good luck!
  • rm7161
    rm7161 Posts: 505


    I agree that this might this might be the case for some, but honestly not all. I'm not too fond of the condescending tone and the lack of foresight in this rant (yes, that's what it is,) and tries to paint a picture with too broad of a brush.

    Just because someone is fat, does not mean that they've ever gorged themselves on tons of chocolate, baked goods or have eaten massive meals fit for two or more. Some people just don't know how to eat right in terms of balancing certain stats. For example, one might stay under their caloric intake, but exceed carbs or sugar which stalls their weight loss or causes them to gain.

    Furthermore, constructive criticism goes a lot farther, because when you're constantly berating someone they tend to not want to listen to you, thus resulting in a waste of your time.

    It is really, really easy to overeat, especially if you are not active enough.

    My food scale has helped me more than anything to learn proper portion sizes. I do watch sugar and eat gluten free, but I have metabolic issues (thyroid) and celiac disease (biopsy and antibody positive). I advocate what I do for people with similar issues as myself, but for someone who is healthy ... I advocate the thing that has worked for me better than anything else I do -- the food scale!
  • divemunkey
    divemunkey Posts: 288 Member
    If you don't miss these foods, is it really restrictive? In the same vein as telling someone who doesn't luuuurve chocolate how much they are missing out on it, IMO. Paleo eaters can say how restrictive you are by not eating head cheese and liver, too, just because you don't eat it. How many vegetarians are there who just plain don't like to eat meat? I woudl hesitate to call that diet restricted, it's a matter of choice, not necessity. Same with the others. Eating clean/paleo isn't the only way to lose weight, but many people choose to eat thusly to live in optimal health, not for a quick weight loss. Whenever I see somebody crabbing that something is too restrictive, I see somebody who hasn't the willpower to make a change somebody else is willing to make. that is all.
  • SadKitty27
    SadKitty27 Posts: 416 Member


    Some people just don't know how to eat right in terms of balancing certain stats. For example, one might stay under their caloric intake, but exceed carbs or sugar which stalls their weight loss or causes them to gain.

    Please no need for such fairy tales, carbs and sugar are no boogeymen (assuming no underlying medical conditions/intolerances)

    You're obviously not comprehending what I'm saying - I'm not saying that carbs and sugar is something to be afraid of in moderation, but what I am saying is that it's easy to eat too much them when consuming overly processed foods, as well as junk foods. Considering that said foods are foods in which a little serving usually contains a lot of one, the other or both; I'll say it again - some people have trouble keeping their intake in check.

    Obviously it's NOT good for you when you over consume these substances, because the excess that isn't burned is converted into fat, which is counterproductive if you're trying to lose weight.

    That is no fairy tail.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Whenever I see somebody crabbing that something is too restrictive, I see somebody who hasn't the willpower to make a change somebody else is willing to make. that is all.

    A lack of willpower requires a desire, but not the will, to adhere to something. So, are you suggesting the you believe everyone has the desire to follow a restrictive diet, but only some have the will, or are you simply taking a "holier than thou" approach to incite argument?
  • MSeel1984
    MSeel1984 Posts: 2,297 Member
    I am guessing after a few weeks of eating this way you will get discouraged...

    Track your calories and macronutrients...exercise regularly and enjoy life.

    There are those who eat this way and enjoy it...more power to them. This much restriction would make me absolutely miserable, I don't know about you.
  • SadKitty27
    SadKitty27 Posts: 416 Member


    I agree that this might this might be the case for some, but honestly not all. I'm not too fond of the condescending tone and the lack of foresight in this rant (yes, that's what it is,) and tries to paint a picture with too broad of a brush.

    Just because someone is fat, does not mean that they've ever gorged themselves on tons of chocolate, baked goods or have eaten massive meals fit for two or more. Some people just don't know how to eat right in terms of balancing certain stats. For example, one might stay under their caloric intake, but exceed carbs or sugar which stalls their weight loss or causes them to gain.

    Furthermore, constructive criticism goes a lot farther, because when you're constantly berating someone they tend to not want to listen to you, thus resulting in a waste of your time.

    Sorry, I misplaced my kid gloves and just hate cranking the AC high enough to handle all the gentle snow flakes that seem to accumulate everywhere. You must have missed the title of the blog this topic was posted under

    No, I read the topic and replied accordingly; In case you missed it this is what the OP asked for :

    " I was wondering WHY people chose one or the other? I've heard negative backlash about Paleo being full of carbs and such. I've also heard negatives things about gluten and dairy, though, too. Also, most recipes I find that are from strong "paleo people" include honey/maple syrup, but the research I do says Paleo is WITHOUT that? Hmmm..Give me some feedback "


    While you did give feedback, quite frankly, I'll be blunt and say that it is you who doesn't understand, nor comprehend how to get a point across without sounding like for a lack of better words, a cantankerous self-proclaimed know-it-all who can't seem to get a word out without insulting someone.

    Furthermore, you post lacked ANYTHING of substance. All the epic wall of text said in a nutshell was "You're fat tubbo because you eat too much." Again, that's painting a broad stroke, because that's assuming they are eating too much. You can get fat from eating the wrong foods even if in moderation.

    From the sound of it, it looks as if you can't handle differentiating opinions or soft criticisms either. Also, don't mistake my polite demeanor for being a "snowflake," because I'm anything but.
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    they seem pretty much the same. Idk say Paelo is 'clean eatting', but i guess strict Paelo would not be eating anything that was not available before agriculture, so that would be no dairy and no honey.

    I'd echo that weight loss is pretty much all about calories in vs calories out, but that there may be added health benefits from these diets by avoiding all the processed sugars, perservatives, and hormones.

    plus a lot of the food choices you are left with on the paelo diet generally mean you'll be eating a higher volume of food to come in at a certain calorie level, which may help people stay more satisfied.
  • I only read through the first few responses so pardon me if I'm being redundant.

    For me, the primary reason for what people here are calling 'restrictions' (which is not the way I look at it because that adds a negative judgment and makes it more difficult!) is the effect that many of the products being removed have on the body. It's not about weight loss at all for me...like others have said, you don't really need to make such changes to lose weight. And yes, if you have sensitivities to any of those products or food types there is a higher benefit to removing them than if you don't have sensitivities. That said, many people who don't feel a significant reaction to eating gluten regularly do notice a marked difference when they cut it out, simply because gluten can cause inflammation throughout the body which makes your system have to work harder. Same goes for dairy for some people.

    For me it's as simple as this: I make as much as I can from scratch, and try to keep processed products to less than 20% of my overall diet. Why? It is easier for my digestive system to process whole products, and I don't want to put chemicals and engineered preservatives etc into my body...they make it more difficult for my body to be healthy.