If you haven't heard of the Paleolithic diet by now, you've probably been living under a rock. The hottest new trend in the diet industry takes a page out of the history books – or rather, prehistory. The Paleolithic diet – otherwise known as the Paleo diet – has everyone asking, “What would a cavewoman do?” {relatedarticles}

Before jumping aboard this pre-civilization diet, it helps to know the ins and outs of the lifestyle. Below are 5 things to know before going Paleo, including what to eat, what to avoid and what's so great about the plan.   

1. It's the Least-Civilized Diet on the Planet 

The Paleo diet is stuck in the Stone Ages – and that's the point. This diet and lifestyle takes its name and inspiration from the Paleolithic era. During this prehistoric time period, humans – in this case, cavemen – relied on hunting and gathering for subsistence. Foods typically were consumed in their raw and natural state, and there was no agriculture or processing of which to speak.