Paleo?

tiffanyrutter

I have been eating Paleo for a few months now and have seen great results but am finding that it is hard to sustain. I understand the premise behind it as I've read the book and everything under the sun, however, I also see alot of conflicting information regarding needing dairy and whole wheat products. Can anyone give me some advice/information or opinions that may help in this area?
Thanks!

alaskaang

You don't need dairy or wheat to be healthy. For the most part, I eat Paleo. 100% no wheat/gluten, 95% of the time no other grains, processed food, or sugar, and I limit dairy. I shouldn't eat dairy at all, but haven't completely given up cheese. We still eat rice and potatoes. For me, it's the easiest way of eating ever. I love to cook and was never much for processed food anyway.

ETA: You might want to check out the Paleo or Gluten Free groups here as you'll find more support. There are quite a few here that are very anti-paleo and adamant that you need grains.

caribougal

What about Paleo is hard for you to sustain? That might help those of us with experience to provide suggestions. For example... I try to avoid anything with added sugar. However, I will enjoy a square or two of super dark chocolate if I want it. And, if I choose to "off-road' with a sliver of (crust removed) pecan pie like I did last night at a friend's house (and which my body is rejecting today), it's a conscious choice to enjoy, not to "cheat" by giving into a crazy craving. I try my best to order Paleo at restaurants, but don't go crazy if I can't be perfect.

You can make Paleo work for you. If you don't want to eliminate dairy and you're not lactose intolerant, then you may want to follow more of a Mark Sisson "Primal Blueprint" style of eating. You can choose to be grain free 100% of the time, or allow yourself your favorite grains when you choose to "treat". I try to stay away from grains, but I don't feel the same way about legumes. I really think hummus is great and still eat it every once in a while. I love lentils, and if someone else is cooking them, I will happily enjoy a serving. No one has happened to cook me lentils, but conceivably... It could happen!

No one needs to be perfect 100% of the time... it's about finding what works best for your body and shooting for what is sustainable for the long-term.

Good luck.

drmerc

If you find it difficult or unenjoyable I would not continue to eat paleo, there is no real need to do so

Chief_Rocka

If you have digestive issues with wheat and/or dairy, you should avoid them. I wouldn't recommend doing so arbitrarily, especially if you're finding the diet difficult to adhere to.

BondBomb

What kind of results have you seen?

Cliffslosinit

Is Paleo real?? Like an Italian restaurant or something.

caribougal

If you find it difficult or unenjoyable I would not continue to eat paleo, there is no real need to do so

I agree. I wouldn't recommend any eating approach that is difficult or unenjoyable. Paleo can be a very healthy way of eating, but if it takes the fun out of eating for you, then I would recommend against it. I personally love eating this way. My food is delicious, varied, and filling. I've been happy with my results, both on the scale and the NSVs. I don't have to count points or blocks or eat anything that is tasteless or "light" or "non-fat". To me, that was difficult and unenjoyable. I also find it much easier to eliminate foods that I tended to overeat (i.e., bread, rice, pasta, candy, cakes, crackers) than to try to moderate them. I personally find it easier to just think "I don't eat that anymore" than to play the neurotic game with myself that "I'll only eat one", and then feel like I'm depriving myself because "just one" is hard.