If you have been thinking of trying the Paleo diet, now is the time. Founder Loren Cordain Ph.D. just released a new cookbook that softens the blow of the strict food guidelines, according to CBS.

Cordain’s new book promises to make the trendy, yet challenging, diet more palatable. The cookbook is reflecting the seven basic principles of the Paleo diet:

• higher protein
• lower carbohydrate
• higher fiber
• higher potassium and lower sodium intake
• moderate to higher fat intake
• increasing intake of more alkaline foods
• higher intake of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and plant phytochemicals.

Since the diet is so restrictive, some find it daunting to even consider. But the new cookbook is broken down into sections that include breakfast and brunch, appetizers, snacks and beverages, salads, slaws and vegetable sides and treats. Cordain is hoping that this new presentation of the diet makes it easier to stay on-track and inspired.

But not everybody is applauding or giving praise to this “new” diet. Even experts have given the thumbs down to this diet that has people avoiding entire categories of foods like dairy, grains and legumes, claiming that people would be missing out on key vitamins and minerals.

The diet is based off the idea of eating everyday modern food groups that mimic the food groups our ancestors ate tens of thousands of years ago. Cordain, and many others, claim that the Paleo diet will not only help you stay in shape, but more importantly, it could reduce your risk of chronic illness including heart disease and diabetes.

Sometimes what we hear or read about being better for our health is not enough for us to makes changes in our lives. But with stars like Jessica Biel and Megan Fox openly talking about the success they have had on the diet, more and more people are becoming interested in the Paleo diet.

The Paleo diet is not to be taken lightly. Those with motivation to remain healthy, fight off disease and even alleviate symptoms of current disease, can follow the diet, but not without effort. The diet requires a lot of planning and dedication to stick to it. But those that are adhering to this regimented lifestyle claim that there is no better way to eat.