Paleo

balston2010

I keep hearing about the Paleo diet. Has anyone tried it?

RTricia

great for at least busting through a plateau - but if you can do it as a lifestyle too - KUDOS!!!

jamk1446

Lots of people. There's a Group now.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/37-primal-paleo-support-group

AdAstra47

I was diagnosed with a metabolic disorder, and the treatment my doctor gave me is eating a low-carb, high-protein diet. Which ends up looking a lot like the Paleo diet. I've lost over 50 lb so far and never felt healthier in my life. You can use the "search" function to find paleo groups and conversation topics here.

The basic concept is that the human body evolved over millions of years, but we've only had agriculture for 5-10,000 years. Not very long at all, in evolutionary terms, not long enough for our bodies to adapt to this drastic change in our diets. So the idea is that we should stop eating so many carbohydrates (wheat, corn, rice etc) and eat more like our paleolithic ancestors (lots of meat, eggs, leafy veggies, berries etc). I don't know if this theory is correct, I'm neither an anthropologist nor a medical doctor. But the biochemical science does support the idea that we should be trying to get more of our calories by burning fat & protein, rather than carbohydrates, especially people like me who have a genetic tendency towards obesity and insulin issues.

Just be aware, there are a lot of well-meaning people who don't understand that not every diet works for every metabolism. And because a particular diet or lifestyle worked for them, they think every other diet is wrong. So sometimes the vegetarian / vegan folks can get into big fights with the paleo / primal folks. Just ignore any mean-spirited stuff, or anyone who tells you that it's wrong or unhealthy. As I said, most people mean well, but ultimately, what will work for you just depends on your own personal metabolism.

Feel free to message me if you'd like more information about it, helpful hints, etc. But I'd definitely check out the threads on here, there are many smart people who can explain it better than me. I'm still not even sure about the difference between paleo & primal...
Also check out http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-blueprint-101/

nanodot

I'm on it, as is my family, and we are very happy with it. It requires thoroughly changing how you eat - but once you have the new habits, you do not want to go back. The food is delicious and you feel great.

I would especially recommend that people give it a try, who have a metabolism that mishandles sugar. If they have prediabetes or insulin resistance, or diabetes in the family, or severe carb cravings and bingeing, its definitely worth a try. On this way of eating I do not obsess over sugary foods or end up bingeing anymore.