Fast Tract Diet vs Paleo Diet
If you are looking for a diet plan that can help you achieve weight loss and improve your gut health, you may have come across two popular options - Fast Tract Diet and Paleo Diet. Both these diets have their own unique principles and protocols that claim to be effective in helping people achieve their health goals. In this article, we will compare the principles, benefits, drawbacks, and effectiveness of Fast Tract and Paleo Diets to help you make an informed decision about which diet might be right for you.
Comparing the Principles of Fast Tract Diet and Paleo Diet
The Fast Tract Diet focuses on regulating the intake of fermentable carbohydrates to alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders such as SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and acid reflux. It emphasizes lowering the consumption of high-FODMAP foods that are known to trigger gut symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. The goal is to limit the production of gas in the gut and prevent bacterial overgrowth. The Fast Tract Diet is not a low-carb diet but rather a customized carb counting method that assigns a numerical value, called Fermentation Potential (FP), to different foods that reflects their potential to cause fermentation in the gut.
The Paleo Diet, on the other hand, is modeled after the presumed diet of our hunter-gatherer ancestors in the Paleolithic era. It focuses on eating whole, unprocessed foods that our ancestors would have eaten, such as meat, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It excludes grains, legumes, dairy, sugar, refined oils, and processed foods that were not part of our ancestor's diet. The idea behind Paleo is that it promotes a more natural and nutrient-dense diet that can lead to better health and well-being.
Which is Better for Weight Loss - Fast Tract Diet or Paleo Diet?
Both Fast Tract and Paleo diets can lead to weight loss, provided that they are executed properly and consistently. The Fast Tract Diet may be more effective for weight loss in the short term as it restricts high-FODMAP foods that are typically high in calories and can cause bloating and fluid retention. It allows for a more customized approach to calorie intake without resorting to drastic calorie cutting as the diet is more focused on carb counting rather than calorie counting. Paleo Diet, on the other hand, promotes a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich veggies, enabling steady and sustainable weight loss over time.
Understanding the Science Behind Fast Tract Diet and Paleo Diet
The science behind the Fast Tract Diet is based on the fact that fermentable carbohydrates, such as those found in grains, dairy products, legumes, and some fruits and vegetables, can cause fermentation in the gut, leading to the production of gas, bloating, and other digestive symptoms. By reducing the intake of high-FODMAP foods, the Fast Tract Diet aims to alleviate these symptoms and prevent the overgrowth of bacteria that thrive on fermentable carbs.
On the other hand, the science behind the Paleo Diet is based on the idea that humans are genetically adapted to a diet that is similar to that of our ancient ancestors. It is believed that the human genome has not evolved much in the past few thousand years, but our diets have undergone significant changes since the advent of agriculture and modern food processing. By eating a diet that is more aligned with our evolutionary history, the Paleo Diet claims to promote better gut health, metabolic function, and immune function.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Fast Tract Diet and Paleo Diet
The Fast Tract Diet is known for its ability to alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders such as SIBO, IBS, and acid reflux. It offers a customized approach to carb counting that enables people to avoid high-FODMAP foods while still enjoying a wide variety of foods. It is also more flexible when it comes to food choices, making it easier to follow long-term. However, the Fast Tract Diet requires strict adherence to carbohydrate restriction, which may be challenging for some people. Additionally, it may not be suitable for people who have diabetes or other medical conditions that require them to be mindful of their carbohydrate intake.
The Paleo Diet promotes a diet that is rich in whole, unprocessed foods such as meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, which can provide several health benefits such as better weight management, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation. Unlike the Fast Tract Diet, the Paleo Diet does not require strict carbohydrate restriction but instead focuses on the quality of the carbs consumed. However, the Paleo Diet restricts several food groups such as grains, legumes, and dairy products that are important sources of nutrients, which may lead to nutrient deficiencies if not adequately compensated.
How to Get Started with Fast Tract Diet or Paleo Diet
If you are interested in starting the Fast Tract Diet, it's best to consult with a registered dietitian who can help you understand the principles and customize the diet plan according to your specific needs. The Fast Tract Diet book by Dr. Norm Robillard is an excellent resource for learning about the diet in detail. The book provides a list of low-FODMAP and high-FODMAP foods and assigns them an FP value, making it easy to calculate your daily intake.
To start the Paleo Diet, you need to focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods that are free of grains, legumes, dairy, sugar, and processed foods. It's best to start slow and gradually eliminate these foods from your diet to reduce the risk of feeling overwhelmed. Some tips to get started with Paleo include eliminating processed foods, choosing whole foods, consuming plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, drinking water, and getting enough sleep and exercise.
Are Fast Tract and Paleo Diets Sustainable in the Long Run?
Both Fast Tract and Paleo Diets can be sustainable in the long run, provided that they are customized according to individual needs and preferences. The Fast Tract Diet is more flexible when it comes to food choices, making it easier to follow in the long run. It also allows for occasional indulgences without compromising the overall diet plan. The Paleo Diet can be more challenging to sustain in the long run due to its restrictive nature and limited food options. However, with careful planning and preparation, it's possible to include a wide variety of foods in the diet and make it a sustainable lifestyle choice.
Foods to Eat and Avoid on Fast Tract vs. Paleo Diets
The Fast Tract Diet focuses on lowering intake of fermentable carbohydrates, including foods such as wheat, rye, barley, legumes, dairy, high-fructose corn syrup, and some fruits and vegetables such as apples and sweet potatoes. It emphasizes low-FODMAP foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, non-starchy vegetables, and some low-sugar fruits such as berries, citrus, and kiwi.
The Paleo Diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, while limiting grains, legumes, dairy, sugar, and processed foods.
How Do Fast Tract and Paleo Diets Affect Gut Health?
The Fast Tract Diet can promote better gut health by reducing the intake of fermentable carbohydrates that can cause gas, bloating, and other digestive symptoms. By decreasing the fermentation of these carbs, it may also help prevent bacterial overgrowth and improve gut motility. The Fast Tract Diet can also help alleviate symptoms of SIBO, IBS, and acid reflux, which are known to affect gut health.
The Paleo Diet can also promote better gut health by providing a diverse range of whole foods that can support the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria. The diet is high in fiber, which can improve bowel regularity and promote overall gut health. However, the restrictive nature of the diet may limit the diversity of the gut microbiome, which could negatively impact gut health in the long run.
Comparing the Nutritional Profiles of Fast Tract and Paleo Diets
The Fast Tract Diet is not a specific diet that prescribes the amount or proportion of macronutrients, but rather a customized carb counting method that can be adapted to different macronutrient ratios. However, it generally tends to be lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein and fat than the standard American diet.
The Paleo Diet can also vary in macronutrient ratios but is typically higher in protein and fat and lower in carbohydrates than the standard American diet. It is also high in several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants due to its emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods.
The Role of Carbohydrates in Fast Tract vs. Paleo Diets
The Fast Tract Diet focuses on regulating the intake of fermentable carbohydrates to alleviate digestive symptoms and prevent bacterial overgrowth. It customizes the carbohydrate intake according to the individual's tolerance, making it easier to maintain the diet in the long term.
The Paleo Diet generally restricts high-carbohydrate foods such as grains, legumes, and high-sugar fruits, but does not limit carbohydrate intake as strictly as the Fast Tract Diet. Instead, it focuses on consuming carbohydrates from non-starchy vegetables and low-sugar fruits that provide sustained energy and fiber without causing spikes in blood sugar.
The Effectiveness of Fast Tract vs. Paleo Diets for Digestive Disorders
Both Fast Tract and Paleo Diets have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of digestive disorders such as SIBO, IBS, and acid reflux. The Fast Tract Diet has been specifically designed to address these conditions by reducing the intake of fermentable carbohydrates that can cause gas and bloating. It has shown to be effective in improving gut symptoms in several clinical trials.
The Paleo Diet may also be effective in alleviating digestive symptoms by promoting better gut health through the consumption of whole, unprocessed, and nutrient-dense foods. It has also shown promising results in clinical studies in reducing gut inflammation and improving gut microbiota balance.
Can You Combine Elements of Both - Fast Tract and Paleo Diets?
Yes, you can combine elements of both Fast Tract and Paleo Diets to achieve a customized approach that suits your individual needs and preferences. By combining the principles of Fast Tract and Paleo, you can enjoy a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods that are low in fermentable carbohydrates and high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Real-Life Examples: Success Stories from People Following Fast Tract or Paleo Diets
Many people have experienced success in achieving their health goals by following either or both of Fast Tract and Paleo Diets. Some common success stories include weight loss, improved digestive symptoms, better energy levels, improved sleep quality, and reduced inflammation.
One example is a person who suffered from chronic bloating and other gut symptoms for years but saw significant improvement after following the Fast Tract Diet. Another example is a person who lost significant weight and achieved better metabolic health by following the Paleo Diet and incorporating regular exercise. These are just a few examples of the success stories that people have shared after following Fast Tract and Paleo Diets.
Conclusion: Which Diet is Right for You - Fast Tract or Paleo?
Choosing the right diet depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both Fast Tract and Paleo Diets have their own unique principles and protocols that can be effective in promoting weight loss and improving gut health. The Fast Tract Diet is more focused on carb counting and reducing the intake of fermentable carbohydrates, specifically for people with digestive disorders. The Paleo Diet promotes a whole foods-based approach that is more aligned with our evolutionary history. By comparing the benefits, drawbacks, and effectiveness of both diets, you can make an informed decision about which diet might be right for you.
