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.  

According to Paleo diet experts, humans lived on this hand-to-mouth nutrition plan from about 2.5 million years ago until about 10,000 years ago. This is when modern agriculture first started to develop, and the hunting and gathering lifestyle went by the wayside. Proponents of the Paleo diet say humans weren't given enough time to evolve to our modern way of eating. {relatedarticles} 

The Paleo diet seeks to get adherents as close to the pre-civilization eating plan as possible. Those on the Paleo diet eat as their human ancestors did, relying on fruits, veggies, healthy fats and lean meat. Proponents argue that many modern-day maladies can be traced to humans' post-agricultural and post-industrial lifestyle. Diabetes, arthritis and depression rank among the list of diseases that some Paleo enthusiasts believe are linked to modern diets.  

2. "Meat" the Heroes (and Villains) of the Paleo Diet 

The meat-centric Paleo diet plan encourages followers to get more hands-on in the food chain. Hunting for wild game and fishing are the preferred ways to bring home the bacon – so to speak – but one needn't be a sportsman to be Paleo. If tracking down a deer or snagging a trout simply isn't possible, turn instead to store-bought meats and fish, but only those of the free-range, organic and antibiotic-free variety. As for fish, opt for wild-caught and not farm-raised. 

Also on the approved Paleo menu are; organ meats (liver, kidneys, etc.), eggs (ideally organic and cage-free), certain fats (lard, coconut oil, tallow), and a variety of fresh fruits and veggies. Because this diet is all about doing things as nature intended, it pays to seek out organic produce that is in season and has been grown as close to home as possible. 

Foods that are allowed in moderation include; nuts, seeds (like sesame and sunflower), tea, wine, spirits, honey (but only in the raw state), coffee and chocolate. 

The Paleo diet shuns all highly processed foods, including refined sugars and carbs. On the no-go list are all types of grain, bread, pasta, cheese, milk, yogurt, other dairy products, sweet potatoes, potatoes, yams, legumes (beans, peanuts, and peas), corn oil, soybean oil and processed meats (including bacon or hot dogs that have been made using additives and nitrates). 

 3. It's Not Just About What's on the Plate 

One of the keys to becoming fully entrenched in the Paleo lifestyle is to work out the way a caveman (or cavewoman) would. This means following a fitness plan that mimics how our ancestors moved. {relatedarticles}

Short sprints can simulate running away from predators or chasing down prey. Callisthenic moves like push-ups, squats and lunges help to work a variety of muscles that would've come in handy in the pre-civilization days. Pull-ups mimic the moves that would've been necessary to get oneself up into a tree to forage for fruits and certain nuts. 

4. Good Enough for Your Ancestors, but is it Good Enough for You? 

The Paleo diet eliminates many of the foods and beverages that are considered to be junk food. By dropping those empty calories and consuming a less processed diet, some followers may experience weight loss. This is particularly true for those who pay close attention to caloric intake and work to burn more calories than are consumed. 

The jury remains out, however, on whether the Paleo diet is itself specifically a key to weight loss. There have been few published reports that look exclusively at the Paleo diet's efficacy in weight loss. 

Those who follow a specific Paleo diet plan – such as the one outlined in the reference book The Paleo Diet – may approach the program in phases. The first level allows for a few cheat days and non-Paleo meals, while the higher levels are more restrictive. This plan is designed to help ease newbies into the program in the interest of long-term commitment and results. {relatedarticles}

Lactose- and gluten-free options abound on the Paleo diet. For this reason, the Paleo diet may be an optimal choice for those who suffer from wheat or dairy allergies or intolerances. The diet may even help allergy sufferers to identify troublesome foods in cases where symptoms disappear as the diet progresses. 

Another factor to consider is cardiovascular health. Scientific studies are still limited at this point, but some researchers have found that a Paleo diet may help to reduce blood pressure and lower bad cholesterol levels. There is the consideration, however, that the diet includes lots of red meat and fats that have been linked to some forms of heart disease. 

 5. The Potential Downside of Going Paleo 

The Paleo diet is restrictive, eliminating many convenience foods that act as the go-to in the typical American diet. The menu may also get pricey -- organic and free-range produce and meats tend to cost more than conventional and fast foods. Though the diet rates high on the satiety index, some followers may be bummed to miss out on comfort foods like mac ‘n' cheese and mashed potatoes.   {relatedarticles}

Going Paleo may not work for every person, but knowing what comes with the territory is the first step in making that decision. It pays to consult a personal physician before digging into the Paleo plan or any new diet and exercise program.