PMC

Paleo ratio with one line per participant starting with the Paleo ratio at baseline and ending at Paleo ratio at 12 weeks. Grey lines represent participants of the Paleolithic diet only group and black lines participants of the Paleolithic diet and exercise group.

Energy density of popular diet schemes. Our version of the Food Triangle may be used to compare popular diet schemes for energy density. For example, the relative energy density of a Paleo- versus vegan-style diet, which nearly mirrors the opposite sides of the Food Triangle, is shown. Furthermore, a “Western diet,” which is more heavily weighted toward foods at the base of the Food Triangle, is predicted to result in maximum energy accumulation of dietary fat. While not considered part of the whole foods integrated into the Food Triangle, excess refined oil, sugar, and grain (e.g., flour) adulterants may drive any of these diet schemes to unintentional chronic overnutrition. While either side of the Food Triangle is predictive for excess energy, it may also be used to predict overnutrition of dietary amino acids and fats and undernutrition of phytonutrients and dietary fiber.

Daily calorie intake at baseline and 12 weeks. One line per participant starting with kcal intake per day at baseline and ending with kcal intake per day at 12 weeks. Grey lines represent participants of the Paleolithic diet only group and black lines participants of the Paleolithic diet and exercise group.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids ratio (PUFA/SFA ratio) with one line per participant starting with the PUFA/SFA ratio at baseline and ending at the PUFA/SFA ratio at 12 weeks. Grey lines represent participants of the Paleolithic diet only group and black lines participants of the Paleolithic diet and exercise group.