Newbie Advice

abaldi0506

Hello. I am new to the primal/paleo way of living. I'm not new to dieting and I don't believe this is a diet, but a lifestyle change for me. I'm in a little different situation as that I am almost at my "happy" weight (4 lbs away) and am in good health (no medical conditions - except for hypothyroidism). I enjoy exercise (boxing, running, weight lifting). But I've been here before. What I'm hoping now is to educate myself and change the way I was living for good (and not just for a year and then back to bad habits. I'm on day #2 of eating primal and so far so good. It wasn't a huge step for me to go primal, as I was eating pretty low carb anyway. But I was eating grains and artificial sweeteners and other not-so-healthy-but-low-cal foods. So, I'm trying to buy local veggies,meat and/or organic. I subscribed to a primal meal plan to help guide me until I know what to eat on my own. I think the hardest part is that I won't be able to convert my husband or 3 boys. They are bread and pasta guys all the way and quite frankly need to gain weight and fat (they are the fortunate ones in that area). But they will benefit from my dinner meals.

So - any advice for this newbie??

What about drinking beer? I used to be a beer a day person, but a few years ago when I lost most of my weight I stopped drinking completely. I haven't missed it much, but on occasion I still like to have a beer. Unfortunately I don't like wine (red or white) - so that's out.

Akimajuktuq

Even if your other family members need to gain weight they likely won't benefit from a poor diet (imo grain/sugar based). Illness, rotting teeth, autoimmune disorders, later on heart disease, cancer etc. But if you set the example they may eventually join you when they start feeling crappy, or your boys will have valuable information that might come in handy later on in their lives. My child is 7 and while I allow her a bit of leeway, I'm cautious because I'm working to heal her cavities and keep her behaviour manageable.

If you are giving up wheat (that's the only thing I never eat) beer will be an issue. Not to mention that it's high in carbs which act very much like sugar in the body. Alcohol of any kind is not beneficial but it's totally up to you what and how much you consume. If you can enjoy it moderately without problems than fly at it. Me, I love my wine and it causes me problems. I have to keep reassessing my relationship with it.

Sounds like you are on a good path. There is no one way to be Paleo/Primal. Do what works for you. :flowerforyou:

abaldi0506

I know I won't give up beer for life, but I've been able to limit to only occasionally. I could go months without one beer. I know it's a "wheat" - so that's my concern now - where before it was just calories, which I now know was incorrect thinking.

Thanks for the advice. I'm excited to reap the benefits of this new lifestyle.

Chaskavitch

There are gluten-free beers somewhere out there. I don't drink beer, though, so I can't tell you if they taste good I also don't know if they still count as a "wheat", because I don't know how they're made. Just putting the info out there!

I am not great at sticking to primal/paleo, although I'm trying, but most of the dinners I make fit into that category. My husband, however, says he doesn't feel satisfied if there aren't enough "carby things" in the meal, so I usually make him some rice on the side, or buy a loaf of bread I know he likes and freeze it, then thaw just enough for him. I'm sure with kids too you won't have a problem with bread going bad, but freezing it does make it easier to not eat it yourself.

You sound like you've got a good idea of how to get started. Is there anything specific you wanted advice about? There are a lot of people on this forum with good advice

SerendipitySkye

Hi....my name is Skye. I am not sure that I have any great advice for you except that going Paleo/Primal is the best thing that ever happened to me. I am still 30 pounds away from my goal, but I have never felt better in my entire life. Auto-immune issues are disappearing....anxiety and depression feelings (that had no real cause) are a thing of the past. It has blessed my life tremendously.

I follow it 100% and my diary is open if you would like to add me so we can encourage each other along the Paleo/Primal journey.

Akimajuktuq

I forgot to mention that I tried gluten free beer last summer. I found it disgusting BUT I also only like the darkest of ales normally. I managed to drink 3 of the 6 by sheer force over 3 weeks. I'm sure in some places there are many to try but where I was this summer there was just the one (can't remember the brand).

@SerendipitySk: Anxiety and depression do have a cause and it's often malnutrition, metabolic disorder, or whatever you want to call it. They are real symptoms of real physiological problems. The brain is very much affected when our body is not nourished properly (eat all those healthy saturated fats!). My depression and anxiety have been almost completely resolved by changing the FOOD only.

17JayR

Gluten-free beer is usually made with a base of sorghum or sometimes barley (with the gluten removed somehow) but can also have rice, corn, buckwheat, fruit, honey or other sugars as part of the fermentables. They do range in style from pilsner to a red lager in lagers and pale ale to a brown in ales, but I have never seen a porter or stout in gluten-free.

SteamClutch

In my past life before Paleo/primal I drank beer and even brewed my own from time to time. I will take a sip of my son's beer if they really like it and want me to try it, but not even half an ounce. I have found a great substitute that is getting very common in restaurants and pubs that I can enjoy while others consume beer and that is Hard Apple Cider, these are most always gluten free and no issues at all for me.

abaldi0506

thanks everyone for the advice. I was going to post another question today - but will tack it onto this. What do you drink during a normal day? I used to drink 1-2 diet cokes a day - but stopped drinking it when I went "primal". So now all I drink is water and natural tea. That may get old after awhile. I would like some variety, but not sure what? So - I do need help with this please.

shortnsassy1981

I drink water with fruit or cucumbers in it for added flavor.