PALEO: pros, cons and whatever else you may think?

It's a very healthy way of eating. I'm not sure why the people who want to eat McDonald's and Taco Bell all day keep arguing in this thread. Maybe it's to make themselves feel better, who knows, just eat the way that makes you feel good, and ignore the others.

As evidenced by "it's dumb" for paleo. And yet, they think they are super supportive of others. And that "clean" eaters are the primary folks into shaming others. Go figure.

Paleo is dumb because it prohibits (shames) certain foods.

There is nothing wrong with any of the foods the paleo diet recommends. The problem is the foods it prohibits.

You and Barbellgirl are shaming certain foods. I'm putting down a diet that prohibits certain foods.

Food shaming is bad.

Paleo approved bacon wouldn't be cured, preserved, smoked, etc. in anything but Paleo-approved ingredients, so yes, I'd say that most people would say that Paleo approved bacon ISN'T processed.

I've stated MANY times that "durr caveman wouldn't have eaten that" is NOT the reason behind our food choices; again, you're getting bogged down in the caveman thing rather than looking at the science we base our choices on. I doubt you could find a single person who follows Paleo who says that the only reason they do it is because cavemen did; most would point to the fact that there IS some science to show these foods could be unhealthy. You CAN'T say they're perfectly healthy foods because there's science that shows they're bad, some that shows it could be bad, and yes, some that shows they're fine. That doesn't make them fine - that makes them undecided. We chose not to eat them; you choose (presumably) to eat them. That doesn't make your lifestyle any better than mine because you decide if it's not proven bad then it's healthy. What about the reverse - if it's not proven healthy then it's bad? Both are wrong in my opinion, but that's exactly the kind of logic you're arguing here.

It's a very healthy way of eating. I'm not sure why the people who want to eat McDonald's and Taco Bell all day keep arguing in this thread. Maybe it's to make themselves feel better, who knows, just eat the way that makes you feel good, and ignore the others.

As evidenced by "it's dumb" for paleo. And yet, they think they are super supportive of others. And that "clean" eaters are the primary folks into shaming others. Go figure.

Paleo is dumb because it prohibits (shames) certain foods.

There is nothing wrong with any of the foods the paleo diet recommends. The problem is the foods it prohibits.

You and Barbellgirl are shaming certain foods. I'm putting down a diet that prohibits certain foods.

Food shaming is bad.

Paleo approved bacon wouldn't be cured, preserved, smoked, etc. in anything but Paleo-approved ingredients, so yes, I'd say that most people would say that Paleo approved bacon ISN'T processed.

It's a very healthy way of eating. I'm not sure why the people who want to eat McDonald's and Taco Bell all day keep arguing in this thread. Maybe it's to make themselves feel better, who knows, just eat the way that makes you feel good, and ignore the others.

As evidenced by "it's dumb" for paleo. And yet, they think they are super supportive of others. And that "clean" eaters are the primary folks into shaming others. Go figure.

Paleo is dumb because it prohibits (shames) certain foods.

There is nothing wrong with any of the foods the paleo diet recommends. The problem is the foods it prohibits.

You and Barbellgirl are shaming certain foods. I'm putting down a diet that prohibits certain foods.

Food shaming is bad.

So any way of eating, or nutritional recommendation that says certain foods are less healthy than others and should be chosen less often is bad? You've just now prohibited pretty much every body of nutritional science as well as every way of eating - good job!

Actually read my post again. I'm not shaming any food, I'm shaming the people (you might be one of them) that are constantly trying to make people feel bad for their choices. You have your way of eating and if someone wants to follow a paleo eating lifestyle what's it to you?

I don't feel threatened. I don't care if anyone follows a paleo eating style, either.

I care about intellectual honesty and misinformation.

You care quite a bit. Zealots often do. The recently converted are often zealots.

I already stated above that processed foods has a certain meaning in the common vernacular that does not include any kind of food preparation. If you prefer to argue based on other meanings instead of actually discussing the merits or drawbacks of Paleo then I'm not going to bother indulging you.

I wonder if you asked someone on the street whether soaking a food in preservatives for weeks should be considered "processing" what they would say.

And by the way, the "drawbacks" of Paleo are that it prohibits a whole bunch of delicious, perfectly healthy foods for no reason whatsoever other than "durr caveman wouldn't have eaten that."

Paleo approved bacon wouldn't be cured, preserved, smoked, etc. in anything but Paleo-approved ingredients, so yes, I'd say that most people would say that Paleo approved bacon ISN'T processed.

I've stated MANY times that "durr caveman wouldn't have eaten that" is NOT the reason behind our food choices; again, you're getting bogged down in the caveman thing rather than looking at the science we base our choices on. I doubt you could find a single person who follows Paleo who says that the only reason they do it is because cavemen did; most would point to the fact that there IS some science to show these foods could be unhealthy. You CAN'T say they're perfectly healthy foods because there's science that shows they're bad, some that shows it could be bad, and yes, some that shows they're fine. That doesn't make them fine - that makes them undecided. We chose not to eat them; you choose (presumably) to eat them. That doesn't make your lifestyle any better than mine because you decide if it's not proven bad then it's healthy. What about the reverse - if it's not proven healthy then it's bad? Both are wrong in my opinion, but that's exactly the kind of logic you're arguing here.

Paleo approved bacon wouldn't be cured, preserved, smoked, etc. in anything but Paleo-approved ingredients, so yes, I'd say that most people would say that Paleo approved bacon ISN'T processed.

You're literally wrong. This statement is factualy wrong, logically wrong, pragmatically wrong, and vernacularly (is that a word?) wrong.

Bacon is pork belly that has been soaked for an extended period of time in a preservative solution. There is no definition of the word processing for which this is not processing.

And I guarantee you that Paleolithic people didn't soak their pork belly in preservatives and then smoke it.

I've stated MANY times that "durr caveman wouldn't have eaten that" is NOT the reason behind our food choices; again, you're getting bogged down in the caveman thing rather than looking at the science we base our choices on. I doubt you could find a single person who follows Paleo who says that the only reason they do it is because cavemen did; most would point to the fact that there IS some science to show these foods could be unhealthy. You CAN'T say they're perfectly healthy foods because there's science that shows they're bad, some that shows it could be bad, and yes, some that shows they're fine. That doesn't make them fine - that makes them undecided. We chose not to eat them; you choose (presumably) to eat them. That doesn't make your lifestyle any better than mine because you decide if it's not proven bad then it's healthy. What about the reverse - if it's not proven healthy then it's bad? Both are wrong in my opinion, but that's exactly the kind of logic you're arguing here.

The appeal to science is specious. This didn't start with someone excluding a bunch of foods from their diet because science said they're bad, followed by that person noticing "hey this stuff we're left with is how Paleolithic people ate!" It was the other way: it was someone deciding that a "Paleolithic" diet is good, forming a list of good and bad foods, and then trying to find science to support it. Problem is that it's not even how Paleolithic people ate.

There is SOME science that shows that red meat - even lean, grass fed beef - is unhealthy. Causes cancer and heart attacks.

Hi Stef.

I have been by way of eating Paleo for almost a month now. It has worked out well for me. However, I was a fairly healthy eater to begin with. I'm not 100% strict Paleo. I hate to call it a "diet" when it's really a way of life, like vegetarianism etc.

The concerns I had before I started was making sure I was getting the proper nutrients. I was worried this was going to be super-strict and just plain "undoable." It couldn't be further from the truth when done properly. I did a TON of research and spoke with fitness folks and those with a ton of nutrition knowledge.

I found this to be so much easier than I ever thought it was going to be. I was never a big meat eater in the first place so I eat meat once-in-a-while and when I do I try to get either the best cuts I can or grass fed beef. Good meat doesn't need a lot of seasoning but I often use sauteed mushrooms (done in coconut oil), onions and garlic as toppers. No bun. I found they just get in the way and are too filling! I want to enjoy the burger! I eat a lot of fish, veggies, and fruits.

I don't drink much alcohol but when I do, if I do, I'll try to have wine and organic if possible. But limited. Beer is not on the list, wine is a big compromise. "The list" is what you put on it...there are many "guidelines" that can help you though if you need them.

Generally Paleo is no dairy, no grains (flour etc...you can sub almond and/or coconut flour) or refined sugar.

I love coffee but have always drank decaf coffee (which is ok but also "bending the rules" a little bit with almond milk) and it's probably a few times a week.

I really wanted to try Paleo to see if it worked with my body and the way it works/processes food. Digestion issues are prevalent in my family so this is something I was willing to try so as to curb issues. It has helped. Not 100% but good is good. So I'll take it. A bonus is I've lost weight without really trying. Not quickly....but still losing. yay!

I do still crave things like pizza and sugar but I've found ways around it (dark choc hershey kiss once in a while, no biggie.)

I continue to use MFP to help me keep track of nutrients and to stay on track.

I highly recommend it if it works for your body. Not your lifestyle. Yes...it's a bit more expensive initially but a ton less expensive than doctor visits.

Good luck!

Paleo people didn't eat bacon. Or baked goods of any kind.

Go to any bookstore and look for the diet/nutrition section. There are literally thousands of different diet books written by so-called "experts" (Suzanne Somers :laugh: ) touting the latest and greatest weight loss phenomenon. All claim to be healthy. Many claim quick, long-term weight loss. Logic: If even ONE of these "diets" truly and REASONABLY worked on a sustainable level, then the diet/nutrition section would hold maybe 10 books instead of thousands. I'm not saying that none of these work. Most do: for the short term. I've tried many of them. 10 lbs here, 40 lbs there. But like many have said on here - any plan that severely restricts or eliminates certain food groups will set you up for failure. Every pound I lost on any one of these diets was eventually gained back.

Carbohydrates are not the enemy. The amount and type that we choose - that is the enemy. I am totally for eating as 'clean' as possible. I don't like to eat processed foods as a rule but sometimes it's simply convenient. Whole grains such as oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice, wheatberries can be bought plain in bulk. So can dried legumes such as lentils and all types of beans. They are GOOD FOR YOU, filled with nutrients and fiber. Whole grain breads are OK...as is whole grain or quinoa pastas. The key is to measure and weigh. It's a pain in the *kitten* but with anything like that, it's all about portion control.

There is no magic bullet. No magic pill (stay AWAY from those things. They don't work and can really cause health damage). Unfortunately the old fashioned way of counting calories and EXERCISE is the only way to get the weight off and keep it off. I've lost 18 lbs so far. Slowly...about 1 lb. a week. I'd love to lost 5 per week but I know from past experience that weight lost that quickly is weight that will be regained.

Exchange out the 'white' foods for whole grain alternatives. White sugar needs to go as well. There are many recipes out there for healthy desserts for those who have a sweet tooth. And it's OK to eat them......in moderation. As a planned treat. Try to avoid fast food. Even the salads are calorie traps but they are better than the burger and fries. Subway is pretty good and offers nutritional information.

Use portion control. In the beginning weigh and measure. Like I said, it's a pain in the *kitten* but when I started doing it I realized just how off my portions were. Too much healthy food can put weight on as well. If I splurge and eat tortilla chips, if it says 13 chips, I ONLY eat 13 chips.

Change up your cardio - bike, walking, crossfit, kickboxing - variety is the key. strength training is also a must. And for me, I've added yoga. Great for flexibility, balance and toning.

Look at this: I just wrote a diet book. Maybe I can publish it and add it to the masses at Barnes & Noble. The $$ it makes would look great in my bank account. :bigsmile: Seriously, good luck everyone. I wish you all success and good health.

It's a very healthy way of eating. I'm not sure why the people who want to eat McDonald's and Taco Bell all day keep arguing in this thread. Maybe it's to make themselves feel better, who knows, just eat the way that makes you feel good, and ignore the others.

What about us whole grain and legume eaters? I've made it to a healthy 52 yo by eating these things daily. Never had hypertension, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, bloating, hormone problems, or any other chronic medical problem. When you stick to a Paleo Diet for 30 years or so and can say that, then come back and argue how much healthier your diet is than mine. Come tell me how these beans and peanuts are killing me.

I did a vegan diet for the better part of the last 20 years. Tons of whole grains and legumes. It didn't end up being the healthiest thing for me.

"Tons of food" is rarely healthy for anyone. I'm kidding, of course. But a certain diet not being the healthiest for you, does make the foods you ate as part of that diet unhealthy for anyone else.

I am curiousas to why one would choose to follow a diet for 20 years if it was causing health problems, though.