Paleo?

lablamires

Alright, I've been a little afraid to post this because I heard it will start "forum flame wars," but I've just heard different things about it and I was wondering exactly what it is and why it may be good/bad for you. What are the pros/cons? Have any of you tried it?

Sorry in advance for any arguments this thread may cause....

lablamires

bump

Veslus

If you want detailed information as to why paleo is good for you, you're probably better off checking out google. But I'll give you some of my personal pros and cons:

Pros:
-Bacon.
-More energy
-I wake right up in the mornings now.
-I feel better when I'm putting healthy stuff in my body.
-Weight comes off pretty easily, especially at first.
-Encourages you to cook at home since it's easier that way.

Cons:
-That initial carb flu blows.
-My wife had some minor lactose issues to start with, but after months of not regularly dairy it's evolved into a full lactose allergy. This also happened to my best friend. I, however, had no issues with dairy to start with and can still cheat with it just fine.
-Going out to eat and being paleo good can be difficult depending on what restaurant you end up in.
-If you don't devote enough time to food prep, it can really suck.

I guess to sum it up, if you have any issues with eating grains or dairy to start with, paleo is a great lifestyle. I would definitely say it's not for everyone though. I eat paleo and I love it. My wife and I stopped eating paleo for a while and realized we were miserable. Since we've gone back, we've definitely noticed how much of a difference eating paleo makes for us.

lablamires

If you want detailed information as to why paleo is good for you, you're probably better off checking out google. But I'll give you some of my personal pros and cons:

Pros:
-Bacon.
-More energy
-I wake right up in the mornings now.
-I feel better when I'm putting healthy stuff in my body.
-Weight comes off pretty easily, especially at first.
-Encourages you to cook at home since it's easier that way.

Cons:
-That initial carb flu blows.
-My wife had some minor lactose issues to start with, but after months of not regularly dairy it's evolved into a full lactose allergy. This also happened to my best friend. I, however, had no issues with dairy to start with and can still cheat with it just fine.
-Going out to eat and being paleo good can be difficult depending on what restaurant you end up in.
-If you don't devote enough time to food prep, it can really suck.

I guess to sum it up, if you have any issues with eating grains or dairy to start with, paleo is a great lifestyle. I would definitely say it's not for everyone though. I eat paleo and I love it. My wife and I stopped eating paleo for a while and realized we were miserable. Since we've gone back, we've definitely noticed how much of a difference eating paleo makes for us.

Thanks for your response Yeah, I don't drink milk anyway (I actually have almond milk in the fridge) so I figured it might be remotely easy to cut out the rest of the dairy and I've been trying some paleo recipes lately that I really like but I could see how it would be hard to eat out.

Acg67

Alright, I've been a little afraid to post this because I heard it will start "forum flame wars," but I've just heard different things about it and I was wondering exactly what it is and why it may be good/bad for you. What are the pros/cons? Have any of you tried it?

Sorry in advance for any arguments this thread may cause....

Pros - Get to join the cult of paleo, may also be accepted to the cult of crossfit

Cons- Unnecessary for weightloss and health (medical reasons not withstanding), wheat, legumes and dairy are pretty tasty

Sonicz90x

Pros: Mostly whole, minimally processed foods

Cons:

-Arbitrary food restriction
-Eating according to a silly title
-No benefits of grains, legumes, and dairy

These are facts. Food choice, energy levels, etc will come down to the individual's preference and how they respond.

micheleb15

Why do you want to try it if you don't know much about it?

Sonicz90x

Alright, I've been a little afraid to post this because I heard it will start "forum flame wars," but I've just heard different things about it and I was wondering exactly what it is and why it may be good/bad for you. What are the pros/cons? Have any of you tried it?

Sorry in advance for any arguments this thread may cause....

Pros - Get to join the cult of paleo, may also be accepted to the cult of crossfit

Cons- Unnecessary for weightloss and health (medical reasons not withstanding), wheat, legumes and dairy are pretty tasty

This is literally no joke. Paleo and Crossfit go hand in hand with their holier than thou preachings. People that follow them literally get washed into thinking their way is the only way and if you're not doing them then you're wrong. More harmful than helpful to the fitness industry IMO.

lablamires

Alright, I've been a little afraid to post this because I heard it will start "forum flame wars," but I've just heard different things about it and I was wondering exactly what it is and why it may be good/bad for you. What are the pros/cons? Have any of you tried it?

Sorry in advance for any arguments this thread may cause....

Pros - Get to join the cult of paleo, may also be accepted to the cult of crossfit

Cons- Unnecessary for weightloss and health (medical reasons not withstanding), wheat, legumes and dairy are pretty tasty

Wheat would definitely be the hardest part of going paleo in my opinion.

lablamires

This is literally no joke. Paleo and Crossfit go hand in hand with their holier than thou preachings. People that follow them literally get washed into thinking their way is the only way and if you're not doing them then you're wrong. More harmful than helpful to the fitness industry IMO.

Weird. Well, I know this calorie counting and exercising I've been doing works... So Paleo is definitely not the only way.

explosivedonut

Another con: anthropologically inaccurate diet.

The diet itself might be fine, but it certainly isn't "caveman" or "what we used to eat back then."

Timshel_

Pros - Get to join the cult of paleo, may also be accepted to the cult of crossfit

Cons- Unnecessary for weightloss and health (medical reasons not withstanding), wheat, legumes and dairy are pretty tasty

QFT.

lablamires

Why do you want to try it if you don't know much about it?

Well, I had heard about it (mostly good things, honestly) but I didn't really know any details about what "eating paleo" entails. I knew they didn't do wheat or dairy, but I didn't know about the legumes (which I've learned on this thread) I'm also just looking for people's personal experiences/opinions on the Paleo diet. Honestly, I was only thinking about trying it for about a month, just to see if I could do it and If I really felt any different/better, and if I did then I would consider continuing it.

Sonicz90x

This is literally no joke. Paleo and Crossfit go hand in hand with their holier than thou preachings. People that follow them literally get washed into thinking their way is the only way and if you're not doing them then you're wrong. More harmful than helpful to the fitness industry IMO.

Weird. Well, I know this calorie counting and exercising I've been doing works... So Paleo is definitely not the only way.

Paleo is merely a means to an end. People's success is not a product of Paleo per se, but rather much simpler principles that aren't necessarily exclusive to it.

Inb4 I get jumped by an angry caveman for sacrilege of the word.

Veslus

Weird. Well, I know this calorie counting and exercising I've been doing works... So Paleo is definitely not the only way.

Exactly. We eat that way because it works for us and fits well in our lifestyle. We've weighed the pros and cons and found that, for our situation, the benefits are worth giving up a few foods we knew we shouldn't be eating that often anyway.

micheleb15

Why do you want to try it if you don't know much about it?

Well, I had heard about it (mostly good things, honestly) but I didn't really know any details about what "eating paleo" entails. I knew they didn't do wheat or dairy, but I didn't know about the legumes (which I've learned on this thread) I'm also just looking for people's personal experiences/opinions on the Paleo diet. Honestly, I was only thinking about trying it for about a month, just to see if I could do it and If I really felt any different/better, and if I did then I would consider continuing it.

Like you said, counting calories and working out works for you (as it does for most), so stick with what you know. No need for extremes.

pennyllayne

I have been mainly paleo for a few years, but I have always had an aversion to many grains anyway. I knew I had difficulty digesting them but I ate them because I thought they were ever so good for me, but when I found out that they actually offer very little in the way of nutrients compared with other foods and contain substances that block the absorption of certain minerals and contain things that irritate the gut I didn't hesitate to cut them out completely. I am also quite carb sensitive and I stopped believing that I somehow needed refined carbohydrates and realised they are not very good for you. I also had major issues with sugar and cutting it out has helped me lose weight and feel better.

There is absolutely nothing bad about paleo. It's simply about eating whole nutrient dense real foods and minimising stressing out the digestive system with hard to digest foods and toxins. Some people might find it difficult or restrictive, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with having some flexibility and having not so good for you foods on occasion. It's great for people who are suffering with their health and have sensitive stomachs or digestive problems. It's also very freeing to accept that saturated fat is not bad for you and low fat foods are not the amazingly wonderful healthy foods many people think they are. I feel very satisfied with my meals and they keep me going for long periods. When you don't have to make space in your diet for refined grains you have more space for healthy proteins and fats.

I would add though that I don't claim to follow a strict paleo diet because I don't like to follow labels. I have naturally gravitated towards a paleo style diet because I find it the best for my body and I allow myself to go off track occasionally if I really just want something "bad".

lablamires

Why do you want to try it if you don't know much about it?

Well, I had heard about it (mostly good things, honestly) but I didn't really know any details about what "eating paleo" entails. I knew they didn't do wheat or dairy, but I didn't know about the legumes (which I've learned on this thread) I'm also just looking for people's personal experiences/opinions on the Paleo diet. Honestly, I was only thinking about trying it for about a month, just to see if I could do it and If I really felt any different/better, and if I did then I would consider continuing it.

Like you said, counting calories and working out works for you (as it does for most), so stick with what you know. No need for extremes.

I agree with the no need for extremes (like have you heard of people who dip cottonballs in orange juice and eat them? Gross.) but I actually like some of the recipes I've tried for the Paleo diet, and was just wondering if I'd actually like the whole diet itself. Which would be the point of me only trying it for a month. If I decided I didn't like it, I would go back to just simply counting calories and exercising.

pennyllayne

This is literally no joke. Paleo and Crossfit go hand in hand with their holier than thou preachings. People that follow them literally get washed into thinking their way is the only way and if you're not doing them then you're wrong. More harmful than helpful to the fitness industry IMO.

Weird. Well, I know this calorie counting and exercising I've been doing works... So Paleo is definitely not the only way.

It's actually pretty easy to gain weight on a paleo diet if you overdo it with fats as they are so calorie dense, so calories still matter and if you have a tendency to overeat or gain weight easily you'll still have to watch your intake. But, for many people, eating this way is much more satiating than a standard diet high in processed and refined grains and is certainly healthier.

bcattoes

Con - cuts out legumes which are some of the healthiest foods there are.

lablamires

Weird. Well, I know this calorie counting and exercising I've been doing works... So Paleo is definitely not the only way.

Exactly. We eat that way because it works for us and fits well in our lifestyle. We've weighed the pros and cons and found that, for our situation, the benefits are worth giving up a few foods we knew we shouldn't be eating that often anyway.

This is the only reason I've been thinking of trying it... Because the recipes I've tried are delicious, and I feel like I get more nutrition from those recipes than from my regular meals. I also think it may fit well in my lifestyle.

jillmarie125

ok- here are my thoughts on Paleo. It's a really strict plan that is wonderful for people with health issues. It has helped many friends of mine when medicine wasn't. I think it can also help someone who is having trouble controling their diet thru moderation. I have used it for that and on day 2 of a Whole30 right now. I know my ticker only says 1 pound lost but I have lost 75. I have done Paleo ( i just hate labels so i cringe as I type out Paleo) for a few weeks to get my mind back in the game. I still struggle with moderation. So being really strict for a few weeks helps me.

I just want to say that I have trained with a competitive crossfitter for over a year and have trained in crossfit gym for a few months. It has never been mentioned to me to follow Paleo. Yes I know most of the people there do, I have not been given the kool-aid i guess. I guess I am a lucky one.

micheleb15

I would add though that I don't claim to follow a strict paleo diet because I don't like to follow labels. I have naturally gravitated towards a paleo style diet because I find it the best for my body and I allow myself to go off track occasionally if I really just want something "bad".

Define "bad."

lablamires

I have been mainly paleo for a few years, but I have always had an aversion to many grains anyway. I knew I had difficulty digesting them but I ate them because I thought they were ever so good for me, but when I found out that they actually offer very little in the way of nutrients compared with other foods and contain substances that block the absorption of certain minerals and contain things that irritate the gut I didn't hesitate to cut them out completely. I am also quite carb sensitive and I stopped believing that I somehow needed refined carbohydrates and realised they are not very good for you. I also had major issues with sugar and cutting it out has helped me lose weight and feel better.

There is absolutely nothing bad about paleo. It's simply about eating whole nutrient dense real foods and minimising stressing out the digestive system with hard to digest foods and toxins. Some people might find it difficult or restrictive, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with having some flexibility and having not so good for you foods on occasion. It's great for people who are suffering with their health and have sensitive stomachs or digestive problems. It's also very freeing to accept that saturated fat is not bad for you and low fat foods are not the amazingly wonderful healthy foods many people think they are. I feel very satisfied with my meals and they keep me going for long periods. When you don't have to make space in your diet for refined grains you have more space for healthy proteins and fats.

I would add though that I don't claim to follow a strict paleo diet because I don't like to follow labels. I have naturally gravitated towards a paleo style diet because I find it the best for my body and I allow myself to go off track occasionally if I really just want something "bad".

You sound like me. I struggle really bad with sugar as well.
Thanks for your post. It helped a lot. I would probably be a lot like you in the fact that I would allow myself to go off track occasionally for a party or what not, and not be strictly "Paleo" but apply a lot of it's eating principles to my lifestyle.

pennyllayne

I would add though that I don't claim to follow a strict paleo diet because I don't like to follow labels. I have naturally gravitated towards a paleo style diet because I find it the best for my body and I allow myself to go off track occasionally if I really just want something "bad".

Define "bad."

I would define "bad" as foods that have low nutrient value and high in calories and anti nutrients and that cause stress to the body. E.g. refined and processed foods.

pennyllayne

I have been mainly paleo for a few years, but I have always had an aversion to many grains anyway. I knew I had difficulty digesting them but I ate them because I thought they were ever so good for me, but when I found out that they actually offer very little in the way of nutrients compared with other foods and contain substances that block the absorption of certain minerals and contain things that irritate the gut I didn't hesitate to cut them out completely. I am also quite carb sensitive and I stopped believing that I somehow needed refined carbohydrates and realised they are not very good for you. I also had major issues with sugar and cutting it out has helped me lose weight and feel better.

There is absolutely nothing bad about paleo. It's simply about eating whole nutrient dense real foods and minimising stressing out the digestive system with hard to digest foods and toxins. Some people might find it difficult or restrictive, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with having some flexibility and having not so good for you foods on occasion. It's great for people who are suffering with their health and have sensitive stomachs or digestive problems. It's also very freeing to accept that saturated fat is not bad for you and low fat foods are not the amazingly wonderful healthy foods many people think they are. I feel very satisfied with my meals and they keep me going for long periods. When you don't have to make space in your diet for refined grains you have more space for healthy proteins and fats.

I would add though that I don't claim to follow a strict paleo diet because I don't like to follow labels. I have naturally gravitated towards a paleo style diet because I find it the best for my body and I allow myself to go off track occasionally if I really just want something "bad".

You sound like me. I struggle really bad with sugar as well.
Thanks for your post. It helped a lot. I would probably be a lot like you in the fact that I would allow myself to go off track occasionally for a party or what not, and not be strictly "Paleo" but apply a lot of it's eating principles to my lifestyle.

A lot of people struggle with sugar. I get heart palpitations and uncontrollable urges to binge and I just cannot stop. I can't have a small piece of chocolate, I have to have the whole bar. It's actually awful. I do occasionally have sugar because I have a real sweet tooth and it's so hard to get anything indulgent and sweet that doesn't contain sugar. I'd much rather use raw honey but it is very expensive. I would say that eating "junk" foods occasionally is much better for your body than eating some every day as long as it's within your calorie goal. Your body never gets a break, you know? I'm sure I'd have diabetes by now if I hadn't majorly cut down on my sugar. I can handle it better if I do plenty of exercise after eating it, but that can be a hassle.

Glad I could be of help

AsaThorsWoman

I think different diets work differently for different people.

I personally find Paleo to be perfect for me, but I do primal like Marks Daily Apple, and I have dairy.

I recently went off of my Primal style eating to try a TDEE style diet and rapidly gained weight.

I know TDEE has plenty of scientific research supporting it, and others have had success with it, so I'm not saying it's terrible and doesn't work. I'm saying it's terrible and doesn't work FOR ME.

On TDEE I felt my life was wrapped in numbers, and it felt very unnatural to me.

I don't truly believe I was designed to eat 1,600 exactly every single day.

Some days I was force feeding myself, some starving. I like Paleo.

With Paleo I eat when I want. No one cares if I have 1,200, 1,400 or 1,600 kcal in a day.

With Paleo, it's way easier for me to stay within my calorie goal, so it's really working TDEE and Paleo ideas!

A lot of people hate the word "Paleo" because it is true that with enough number crunching and calorie restriction, you are bound to lose weight. For me personally that was HARD.

If I went over my calories I had to skip dinner or gain a couple of pounds, and my family was NOT happy about that.

It's true that the Paleo diet isn't Paleolithic, that's marketing.

That doesn't change the fact that for ME choosing Paleo foods, recipes, and lifestyle is tremendously rewarding for weight loss, energy levels, and quality of life.

Some of the smartest folks on here are hard core IIFM, TDEE and Paleo.

I'm sure their way works like a charm for them.

I'm not negating their success or their research.

I am sharing my own story. It works for me.

I'm relatively simple. I'm not calculating macros and calories all day because I am a single mom with a full time job.

It's so simple.

I just pick a recipe, cook it, eat it, log it, and 9 times out of 10 I'm below the calorie goal, low-carb, and losing weight.

Good luck.

AsaThorsWoman

It is worth noting I am VERY allergic to gluten and came to Paleo from an already gluten free diet.

So, I am allergic to wheat, I live without legumes and other grains (easily!) and have dairy.

AsaThorsWoman

I completely agree with SonicZ90X.

This is the friendliest Paleo thread in the history of MFP, BTW.

AllOutof_Bubblegum

Pale-NO.

If it helps with health conditions you have, then go for it I guess. But don't assume it's inherently "healthier" than a regular sensible diet.

SezxyStef

I researched it, I have family who are partners in a cross fit gym and is hard core...and he tried to convert me...he really did...

but the thought of no grains/dairy totally turned me off...

I don't like being restricted in any sense...

And to top it all off he fell off the paleo wagon...my brother who has gluten issues...eats pretty much primal...which is fine for him as he has medical conditions.

I personally cannot see people doing this type of eating for life...they may do it for a while but they all eventually fall off the wagon. Even my brother does and it causes "actual pain" because he craves certian foods so much he is just willing to put up with it...(mind you he has meds for those occassions which help calm things down...*cough medicinal cough*...

I researched it, talked to those doing it, chose not to. I definately prefer to eat whatever I want as long as it fits...