Is Paleo the Answer?

Sidesteal · August 2012

Sure, if your goal is to ramp up your cholesterol and improve your odds of developing heart disease, kidney dsease, cancer, stroke and osteoporosis.

wut?

pattyproulx · August 2012

My wife and I have been doing it for 2 years - we won't go back. I know many others who've done it, love it, and have achieved great results.

I'm betting most people commenting on it haven't tried it for more than a week.
I've done the Eat Clean Diet for over a year prior to this. Th Eat Clean Diet is basically word for word what the general consensus is for a 'healthy diet' (low saturated fats, lots of lean protein, high in complex carbs, zero processed foods, eat plenty of small meals per day, counting calories, be active).

My results have been much better with Paleo and I'm much more satiated which makes it such that I can maintain my weight much more easily without counting calories.

If you think you can sustain it, I say give it a go. It's not super easy, but in my opinion it's worth it.

CRody44 · August 2012

InfinitePoss.

Here are some websites where you can read up on Paleoi/Primal so ypu can make an informed decision.

http://www.archevore.com/
http://eatingacademy.com/
http://everydaypaleo.com/
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/
http://robbwolf.com/
http://thepaleodiet.com/

Then, if you decide to make the switch and want some serious information:

Loren Cordain “The Paleo Diet”
Robb Wolf “The Paleo Solution”
Mark Sisson “The Primal Blueprint”
Mark Sisson “The Primal Blueprint 21 day Total Body Transformation”
Gary Taubes “Good Calories, Bad Calories”

And now that you have received all the negative comments from people who probably have never tried it, go to the Paleo/Primal group on MFP. You will get direct answers to your questions from people that are living it.

GlutesthatSalute · August 2012

Depends on where you are at on your weight loss journey! A calorie deficit is all you need to lose weight! It doesn't matter if that deficit is reached through a calorie reduction or exercise. Paleo is a very good plan, however it is not the only plan that will get you weight loss. Paleo or paleo like plans where you consume whole foods as close to thier natural state will help you not only lose weight they will also help you rid yourself of a slew of other problems you may or may not be aware of.. ie allergies, intestinal irregualrity, fatigue, depression.. the list goes on and on

However for someone that has more than 20 or so lbs to lose eating this limited variety of foods can lead to diet failure.
I would recommend eating a reduced calorie diet, getting in some good old workouts that make you break a sweat and even gasp for air at times and eat a balanced diet mixed w as much whole foods as possible and slowly reduce the processed foods until you are acclimated to the changes. Good luck

BTW I am a Certified Personal Trainer w Nasm and have been over weight myself before so I can tell you from the science aspect and also the first hand aspect

LuckyLeprechaun · August 2012

Processed foods like cheetos, corn flakes, special K bars, are not good for anyone whether following a paleo lifestyle or not though. You dont have to go Paleo to go unprocessed.

I question the first sentence, vigorously.

You don't have to go unprocessed to be healthy, and stay healthy.

wellbert · August 2012

Also, what is "modified paleo"?

I am thinking the same thing..

Its a way to say you're paleo and then not follow it strictly.

Eat more whole foods, feel fuller, eat less cals, lose weight... you can even throw moving more into that plan. Paleo is not THE answer, it's not a miracle diet. Eating at a deficit is how you lose weight. If you don't have a gluten intolerance or dairy intolerance then you don't need to eliminate them.

so basically, more a modified SAD than modified PAleo.

I won't say that Paleo.Primal is the answer for everyone... But I broke a year long plateau by changing to Primal, and eating the same calories. Feel WAY better too. YMMV.

bcattoes · August 2012

I tried paleo for a day...until I realised it took me 8 hours to plan one meal and I couldn't buy the ingredients at normal stores.

really? Its not that hard to get a free-range steak and serve with some veggies...come on now!

In some areas it is. No grocery, butcher or health food stores in my area carry organic or grass fed beef, pork or turkey. The local Kroger (grocery chain) has just started carrying organic chicken. Prices start at $6.99 a lb. for bone-in skin on legs (only). Chicken is the only organic meat available without driving many miles, or buying from the internet which is very expensive.

Tyson boneless skinless breasts are $2.99 lb and regularly go on sale for $1.99. (not looking for an argument on the ills of Tyson, just showing how price is prohibitive for some).

pattyproulx · August 2012

Processed foods like cheetos, corn flakes, special K bars, are not good for anyone whether following a paleo lifestyle or not though. You dont have to go Paleo to go unprocessed.

I question the first sentence, vigorously.

You don't have to go unprocessed to be healthy, and stay healthy.

Curious to know which of those 3 you'd consider 'good for you', so much that you would 'vigorously' disagree with the poster.

All 3 of those are crap. That's not to say you can't be healthy and still eat them, but you're deluding yourself if you think those are good for you.

rebeccap13 · August 2012

Also, what is "modified paleo"?

I am thinking the same thing..

Its a way to say you're paleo and then not follow it strictly.

Eat more whole foods, feel fuller, eat less cals, lose weight... you can even throw moving more into that plan. Paleo is not THE answer, it's not a miracle diet. Eating at a deficit is how you lose weight. If you don't have a gluten intolerance or dairy intolerance then you don't need to eliminate them.

so basically, more a modified SAD than modified PAleo.

I won't say that Paleo.Primal is the answer for everyone... But I broke a year long plateau by changing to Primal, and eating the same calories. Feel WAY better too. YMMV.

Doubtful. Were you diligently tracking calories while you weren't on paleo, as in measuring everything you ate and sticking to a deficit consistently? There is a difference between eating more as in volume of food and eating more as in caloric intake. Yes, with paleo, just like MOST minimally processed diets, you will feel fuller because you are eating mostly nutrient dense foods vs. calorie dense foods. Whole foods diets make overeating more of a challenge, therefore decreasing caloric intake.

mushroomcup · August 2012

If the question is "What causes every thread to turn into a pissing match?" then yes, Paleo is the answer.

Love how you got that in first. I lol'd. :P

wellbert · August 2012

Also, what is "modified paleo"?

I am thinking the same thing..

Its a way to say you're paleo and then not follow it strictly.

Eat more whole foods, feel fuller, eat less cals, lose weight... you can even throw moving more into that plan. Paleo is not THE answer, it's not a miracle diet. Eating at a deficit is how you lose weight. If you don't have a gluten intolerance or dairy intolerance then you don't need to eliminate them.

so basically, more a modified SAD than modified PAleo.

I won't say that Paleo.Primal is the answer for everyone... But I broke a year long plateau by changing to Primal, and eating the same calories. Feel WAY better too. YMMV.

Doubtful. Were you diligently tracking calories while you weren't on paleo, as in measuring everything you ate and sticking to a deficit consistently? There is a difference between eating more as in volume of food and eating more as in caloric intake. Yes, with paleo, just like MOST minimally processed diets, you will feel fuller because you are eating mostly nutrient dense foods vs. calorie dense foods. Whole foods diets make overeating more of a challenge, therefore decreasing caloric intake.

I've meticulously counted calories for 3 years, actually.

Strive2BLean · August 2012

Call it what you want but eliminating processed foods is the best thing you can do for yourself. Fresh fruits/veggies, lean protein, nuts is the healthy way to eat. I recently eliminated all manmade carbs and have busted my 6 month plateau. just remember if you can't hunt it, pick it, gather it you shouldn't eat it. It becomes second nature after awhile and you feel so much healthier. Good luck.

pattyproulx · August 2012

Also, what is "modified paleo"?

I am thinking the same thing..

Its a way to say you're paleo and then not follow it strictly.

Eat more whole foods, feel fuller, eat less cals, lose weight... you can even throw moving more into that plan. Paleo is not THE answer, it's not a miracle diet. Eating at a deficit is how you lose weight. If you don't have a gluten intolerance or dairy intolerance then you don't need to eliminate them.

so basically, more a modified SAD than modified PAleo.

I won't say that Paleo.Primal is the answer for everyone... But I broke a year long plateau by changing to Primal, and eating the same calories. Feel WAY better too. YMMV.

Doubtful. Were you diligently tracking calories while you weren't on paleo, as in measuring everything you ate and sticking to a deficit consistently? There is a difference between eating more as in volume of food and eating more as in caloric intake. Yes, with paleo, just like MOST minimally processed diets, you will feel fuller because you are eating mostly nutrient dense foods vs. calorie dense foods. Whole foods diets make overeating more of a challenge, therefore decreasing caloric intake.

I actually have counted calories diligently for Paleo vs the Eat Clean Diet, and I can confidently say that for me, I lose much more easily with Paleo, at the same calorie amount. My wife was the same - whether she was eating 1200 calories, 1400 calories, or 1800 calories on the eat-clean diet she could not get the weight to drop below 150 (this while doing Insanity) . She changed to Paleo and is now under 140 and still dropping - though still not as fast as she'd like.

This is what has worked for us. Not saying it's the same for everyone.

jofjltncb6 · August 2012

Call it what you want but eliminating processed foods is the best thing you can do for yourself. Fresh fruits/veggies, lean protein, nuts is the healthy way to eat. I recently eliminated all manmade carbs and have busted my 6 month plateau. just remember if you can't hunt it, pick it, gather it you shouldn't eat it. It becomes second nature after awhile and you feel so much healthier. Good luck.

I'd call it JERF...

...but you can still expect others to jump on this crazy "just eat real food" diet of yours and explain to you in glorious detail how it is such a horrible approach. (Perhaps if only you'd add more "heart healthy grains", they would approve.)

(But seriously, congrats on your progress.)

Edit: to fix a close parenthesis deficiency.

catholic_chick · August 2012

I would say if you truly want to know the answer to your question do the research. What you are getting here is opinions. They are great to read, but don't mean a hill of beans. Look at the science of both. I have read tons of research on the web and have purchased books on the topic of paleo/primal/whole 30 as well as Thrive (a book for vegans) - because all sides have valid points. I do what I feel is best for my body type - but if you don't do the research you won't be able to defend your position on why you are choosing to eat what you are eating. And I don't mean defend your position to your friends or the "nutritionists" on this site. I mean, you need to defend your position internally and accept what you are doing. You are talking about a life change, not just a diet if you truly want whatever you decide to do to make a difference.

iWaffle · August 2012

Also, what is "modified paleo"?

Modified Paleo

Actual Paleo

1989Angela · August 2012

Wow, Cant a guy ask a question;-)

But seriously, I am not sure why this would be a controversial question, it seems pretty legit to me.

And let me point out a couple of things.

First, I obviously know that reducing calories is a huge part of losing weight but I am looking for more than just weight loss. I am looking for a way of eating that will help me lose, and maintain when I get to my goal, and also feel healty as well.

Secondly, I was looking for other ideas as well.

Thanks!

caribougal · August 2012

I just can not understand why the same people immediately jump on to bash paleo/primal as soon as someone posts a question. And, it's always the same people.

Whatever.

If you want to learn more about paleo/primal, ask the people who are having success (or struggling) in the Paleo group.

For me, it's been great. I lost weight years ago on Atkins, and kept it off for a long time. My weight crept back on when I stopped paying attention to what I ate, and let my inner candy freak take charge. Oh, and having 2 kids wreaked havoc on my gut. My trainer recommended the zone diet to me (because he offers it to everyone), and I tried that for about 2 days until my head started to explode from counting "blocks". I had been vegetarian in the past and found that I was always hungry, and that made it hard to resist overloading on rice, bread, and pasta.

So then I researched Paleo/Primal, and I decided Primal Blueprint made a lot of sense to me. I'm at high risk for diabetes due to twice having gestational diabetes, siblings and parents with diabetes. I know that I am very carb-sensitive. When pregnant, I took my blood sugar readings before and after every meal, and got a very clear sense of exactly which foods caused a blood sugar spike and worse, which foods kept my sugar high for longer periods of times. A diet/lifestyle which keeps carbs in check seems to work best for me.

For me, Primal is lots of fresh veggies, berries, seafood, and meats. I'm eating healthier breakfasts at home instead of buying junk on my way to work, packing my lunch more (and saving money), and have introduced healthier veggie side dishes to my family. They call it the Primal Blueprint because the intent is NOT to try to eat exactly how paleolithic people ate, which of course is ridiculous, but to use their diet as a blueprint to help guide decisions in the modern world.

I'm lucky to live where eating organic and local is sort of a given... it's a town full of athletes and very health conscious so we have just about anything you could ever want in terms of organic, grass-fed, pastured, fair-trade, shade grown, blah blah blah.

Paleo/Primal also resonated for me because I really like meat, but hate supporting CAFOs. After reading books like Omnivore's Dilemma and The Botany of Desire (great read!) by Michael Pollan, and Animal, Mineral, Vegetable by Barbara Kingsolver, I was really motivated to eat organic, locally-produced and humanely raised food. Paleo/Primal is not only about calories and carbs, but about quality.

On my way home, if I want pastured eggs, there are several local farms or even just families with backyard coops and signs on their lawn selling eggs. I don't mind spending $5 for eggs when I know that $5 is staying within the community, not going to a CAFO, and those eggs will have bright delicious yolks and taste great. Same for pork and beef. In the fall I plan to support a local farm and buy 1/2 a cow and 1/2 a pig, have it butchered locally, and the meat will last a year. I buy fresh whole chickens from a local farm, and the taste and texture of a pastured chicken is amazing. I didn't think I would really taste the difference, but man... BIG difference.

The first week on Primal was hard, no lie. Your body has to adjust to having less easy sugars to burn. But 1 month into it, I've lost 8 lbs, 3% body fat, feel great, satiated, and like I've been eating more delicious foods than I did before. I used to crave something sweet after every lunch and dinner. Now my sweet tooth is pretty much gone, and fruits and berries, especially now in season, taste plenty sweet and delicious to me. For me, I feel like I'm eating healthier, eating way more veggies than I did before (the space on my plate that used to have the pasta/rice/beans/bread now has veggies), and eating good food. I know I would be losing faster if I could be as disciplined and excited about working out as I am about eating.

My sister is eating vegan, and gave me the whole China study spiel. I researched it. I also read the studies debunking it. I'd rather eat every delicious recipe at www.nomnompaleo.com (and from her amazing iPad app).

Final word... oogah moogah (caveman speak for "time for dinner"). Now where did I leave my club.

mmapags · August 2012

It's just the latest diet trend, after low-fat, low-carb, now it's "primal" or "paleo," follow "Grok". :laugh:

I don't know where you've been for the last 20 years but it's hardly "the latest trend". Paleo simply pulls together simple principles that have been known for decades... that "white" foods are hugely caloric, that too much sugar isn't good for you, that your body needs lean protein & good fats, that hydrogynated fats are crap etc. Exactly what of that comes as such a huge revelation??

.
Legumes being poisonous would be a huge revelation. If it were true.

I don't know if they're poisonous or not...

...but I do know that the more I eat 'em...

...the more I toot.

That's because they contain saccheride compounds that are not digestible by humans. They also contain phytic acid which inhibits the aborbtion of minerals in the gut. This is the primary rational for eliminting them on a paleo diet. That and they are a food that was not available in the paleo era supposedly.

There are preparation tecniques that can minimize these effects. For example, soaking in water and slight solution of vinegar can leach out much of the phytates and help leach out some of the saccarides. Bottom line is occaisional intake is just fine

sherronh · August 2012

When ever i eat paleo for a week at a time I notice how much less bloated I am and How my stomach is WAY thinner. I also lose weight with it and have used it to rev up stalled weight loss.

Its not for everyone but personally I believe its better then a "everything in moderation diet" because of all the nutrients you receive.
I dont understand how people can look down paleo because they decided to skip the bread and the junk food. SIGH

mmapags · August 2012

On this forum you will always have two camps of eaters, those who think clean eating matters and those who think that as long as you stay under your calorie limit, any **** goes.

You make up your own mind.

And where would those of us that believe you eat at a deficit to lose weight and you eat healthy, whole, nutrient dense food for healthwithout eating paleo, fit it to your pigeonholed categories? I think you'd find there are more of those around here than you think. The world, and MFP, is not make up of only paleo dieter and those who think any **** goes as long as you stay under calories. Lot's of stops in between.

sonshinelady · August 2012

Just recently read up on this myself. TRUE paleo is no rice, wheat, potatoes and much more...these plants were considered WEEDS in the beginning. So...read up and decide. I have a cousin that was over 300 pounds last spring...didn't recognize him so obese. Earlier this year he delivered pizza to my door from nearby pizza place...and he was small like a young teenager again. (he's about 24 years old). I about fell over...asked him what he did to lose so much weight and look so buff in the past year. He said he ate ALL natural foods. NO processed. Simply fresh fruit, fresh veggies and meat. NO pop either. He said he lost weight so fast...and he began feeling good and then joined a gym after 60 pounds weight loss. He's gone from 312 pounds to 175 in less than a year. And he's buff to boot! .... Alll natural...similar to paleo. I'm sure there are some modifed versions of paleo out there. Research as you make your decision. It's healthy, I know that.

CMcD1445 · August 2012

i have numerous friends who do the Paleo and OMG they have some amazing results! I use some Paleo recipes and i find them to be quite fulfilling

I agree. I recently switched and I'm feeling pretty optimistic.

InfinitePoss · August 2012

I think Paleo is the answer for people who are predisposed to gaining weight more easily in general. If you have people with insulin resistance, diabetes, or other hormonal disorders in your family thats often a sign. Carbs matter for some people more than others, but processed food isnt good for anyone. The difference between Paleo and just clean eating is grains. If you feel good when you eat sprouted whole grain bread, brown rice, or oats. Keep eating those things, but if they make you feel tired or keep the scale from moving, dump them. Basically its worth a shot, but some people see better results than others.

Processed foods like cheetos, corn flakes, special K bars, are not good for anyone whether following a paleo lifestyle or not though. You dont have to go Paleo to go unprocessed.

Thank you for this response is this is what I was thinking.

I do have a history of diabetes in my family but I have dodged the bullet so far. I do tend to be predisposed to gaining weight. I was not over weight growing up and I was in what most would consider excellent shape in my twenties and early thirties but I had to bust my rear in terms of exercise to maintain.

I have not had any issues eating whole grains and I am not suggesting that there is anything wrong with these foods but I am starting to think it would be a heck of a lot easier to meet my goals by cutting processed foods as much as possible and really cutting my carbs.

InfinitePoss · August 2012

InfinitePoss.

Here are some websites where you can read up on Paleoi/Primal so ypu can make an informed decision.

http://www.archevore.com/
http://eatingacademy.com/
http://everydaypaleo.com/
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/
http://robbwolf.com/
http://thepaleodiet.com/

Then, if you decide to make the switch and want some serious information:

Loren Cordain “The Paleo Diet”
Robb Wolf “The Paleo Solution”
Mark Sisson “The Primal Blueprint”
Mark Sisson “The Primal Blueprint 21 day Total Body Transformation”
Gary Taubes “Good Calories, Bad Calories”

And now that you have received all the negative comments from people who probably have never tried it, go to the Paleo/Primal group on MFP. You will get direct answers to your questions from people that are living it.

Thanks for all of the information I will check these site out. I already have Robb Wolf's book but I have only read a small portion of it so I will probably give it a read. I was just looking for what people have experienced and their opinions.

I honestly never anticipated so much debate and emotion from such a basic question.

Kara_xxx · August 2012

I just can not understand why the same people immediately jump on to bash paleo/primal as soon as someone posts a question. And, it's always the same people.

Whatever.

Indeed. :yawn:

mmapags · August 2012

InfinitePoss.

Here are some websites where you can read up on Paleoi/Primal so ypu can make an informed decision.

http://www.archevore.com/
http://eatingacademy.com/
http://everydaypaleo.com/
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/
http://robbwolf.com/
http://thepaleodiet.com/

Then, if you decide to make the switch and want some serious information:

Loren Cordain “The Paleo Diet”
Robb Wolf “The Paleo Solution”
Mark Sisson “The Primal Blueprint”
Mark Sisson “The Primal Blueprint 21 day Total Body Transformation”
Gary Taubes “Good Calories, Bad Calories”

And now that you have received all the negative comments from people who probably have never tried it, go to the Paleo/Primal group on MFP. You will get direct answers to your questions from people that are living it.

Thanks for all of the information I will check these site out. I already have Robb Wolf's book but I have only read a small portion of it so I will probably give it a read. I was just looking for what people have experienced and their opinions.

I honestly never anticipated so much debate and emotion from such a basic question.

Heck, this was tame as Paleo thread go!

bcattoes · August 2012

That's because they contain saccheride compounds that are not digestible by humans. They also contain phytic acid which inhibits the aborbtion of minerals in the gut. This is the primary rational for eliminting them on a paleo diet. That and they are a food that was not available in the paleo era supposedly.

There are preparation tecniques that can minimize these effects. For example, soaking in water and slight solution of vinegar can leach out much of the phytates and help leach out some of the saccarides. Bottom line is occaisional intake is just fine

I don't "bash" the Paleo diet. But I will bash nonsense like this.

Because a food contains elements not digestible by humans does not make the food unheahlty Fiber, after all, is not digestible by humans.

Phytic acid (also found in many nuts and seeds) does inhibit absorption of some microtnutrients. There is also evidence that it may lower the incidence of colon cancer and protect against other inflammatory bowel diseases. It also inhibits temporarily the enzyme amylase and therefore the conversion of starch to sugar and the rise of the blood glucose level can be significantly suppressed.

Many healthy foods contain substances that inhibit absorption of necessary nutritients. Spinach, for example, contains oxalate which inhibits absorption of calcium.

Botton line is there is plenty of scientific evidence that legumes are healthy. And there are very few, if any, foods available now that were available in the paleolithic era.

bcattoes · August 2012

InfinitePoss.

Here are some websites where you can read up on Paleoi/Primal so ypu can make an informed decision.

http://www.archevore.com/
http://eatingacademy.com/
http://everydaypaleo.com/
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/
http://robbwolf.com/
http://thepaleodiet.com/

Then, if you decide to make the switch and want some serious information:

Loren Cordain “The Paleo Diet”
Robb Wolf “The Paleo Solution”
Mark Sisson “The Primal Blueprint”
Mark Sisson “The Primal Blueprint 21 day Total Body Transformation”
Gary Taubes “Good Calories, Bad Calories”

And now that you have received all the negative comments from people who probably have never tried it, go to the Paleo/Primal group on MFP. You will get direct answers to your questions from people that are living it.

Thanks for all of the information I will check these site out. I already have Robb Wolf's book but I have only read a small portion of it so I will probably give it a read. I was just looking for what people have experienced and their opinions.

I honestly never anticipated so much debate and emotion from such a basic question.

Since you did ask for alternatives, I would also suggest checking out this website for an alternative evidence based approach to nutritious eating.

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/

Good luck on whatever choice you make. :flowerforyou:

mmapags · August 2012

That's because they contain saccheride compounds that are not digestible by humans. They also contain phytic acid which inhibits the aborbtion of minerals in the gut. This is the primary rational for eliminting them on a paleo diet. That and they are a food that was not available in the paleo era supposedly.

There are preparation tecniques that can minimize these effects. For example, soaking in water and slight solution of vinegar can leach out much of the phytates and help leach out some of the saccarides. Bottom line is occaisional intake is just fine

I don't "bash" the Paleo diet. But I will bash nonsense like this.

Because a food contains elements not digestible by humans does not make the food unheahlty Fiber, after all, is not digestible by humans.

Phytic acid (also found in many nuts and seeds) does inhibit absorption of some microtnutrients. There is also evidence that it may lower the incidence of colon cancer and protect against other inflammatory bowel diseases. It also inhibits temporarily the enzyme amylase and therefore the conversion of starch to sugar and the rise of the blood glucose level can be significantly suppressed.

Many healthy foods contain substances that inhibit absorption of necessary nutritients. Spinach, for example, contains oxalate which inhibits absorption of calcium.

Botton line is there is plenty of scientific evidence that legumes are healthy. And there are very few, if any, foods available now that were available in the paleolithic era.

And where did I say that they weren't? I'm neither defending nor "bashing" either legumes or a paleo diet. I was merely explaining why the poster I quoted said they got gas and why some advocates of a paleo exclude legumes. You might want to take a deep breath and settle your butt down there sparky.

Is Paleo the Answer?

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