One of 20 Gene Food diet types

Modified Paleo

No refined grains, but a little feta never hurt anyone

In the world of yoga, modifying a difficult pose to suit your body’s needs is the sign of an advanced yogi.

Find out if you're Modified Paleo Browse all 20 diet types

Could you be a Modified Paleo?

Tick anything that sounds like you. 0 of 5 so far.

These are common patterns, not a diagnosis. Your diet type is assigned from your genetic results. How we do it.

At a glance

Carb style

Low-glycemic carbs

Fat style

Higher fat

Protein style

Flexible protein

40%

Fat

40%

Carbohydrate

20%

Protein

Go-to breakfast: Eggs, greens, black beans and grain free tortillas.

Quick answers

Red meat?Yes

Yes, in moderation. The Modified Paleo camp needs to be mindful of their heart health numbers and also should keep top of mind the fact that beef, while nutrient dense, is not a buffet item, it’s to be used strategically as a means to optimizing nutrition.

Keto?Yes

Yes, in theory. Modified Paleo is thought to be a keto friendly diet because these genotypes have fat metabolism that is robust. Working with a physician to make sure the genetics are predictive of blood work is key.

Carnivore?No

Nope.

Fermented foods?Depends

Green light! Modified Paleo can handle fermented foods as they are unlikely to have issues with histamine. Natto anyone? Yes, it smells terrible, and yes, it kind of tastes terrible, but we all need some vitamin K in our lives, right?

Pancakes and refined grains?Depends

Modified Paleo might rejoice seeing gluten free pancakes on the menu at their favorite breakfast spot. That is until they remember they are a Modified Paleo diet type and they can’t eat that junk.

Biggest challenge

Similar to Paleo Plus, the challenge for Modified Paleo is to take the best of the Paleo diet while discarding the rules that might not work for them. To this end, they can focus on low glycemic vegetables for adequate fiber and not overdo it with muscle meat protein. Just enough protein to maintain muscle mass is the goal, but it can be a tightrope in practice, hence the challenge.

Closest relative

Not quite you? The nearest type is Paleo Plus. Modified Paleo dieters aren’t lactose intolerant, so at least in theory, dairy is on the menu. Of course, people struggle with dairy for reasons other than lactose, so this isn’t a slam dunk, but many Modified Paleo will likely be able to get away with at least some sheep and goat dairy products as long as they aren’t loaded with sugar.