paleo diet

</thread>

I tried paleo for a few months, once you get past the first week of carb withdraw symptoms (tired/cranky/headache/foggy head) I actually felt extremely well, energized, slept a lot better.
Ultimately though, I found it unsustainable... Just TOO much time in the kitchen for me. I know a lot of people love it, though!
I did learn some lovely recipes I still make. Mm, paleo pancakes.

To follow up Need2's point, I agree with the following (for me), but found that doing it had nothing to do with doing paleo or not, which is part of why I don't see the point of paleo:

jasperdog52554 wrote: »

1. Eat whole foods

As for:

4. Rice is not addictive nor does it cause me to overeat, unless topped with Chinese food
8. My biggest lesson- I don't have to be fanatical. I spent a lot of time and money the first time buying ingredients to make ketchup and homemade mayo. While maybe not awesome for you, store bought mayo will not kill me. Unless someone calls the paleo policeAlso, that just tends to make things tastier, which can lead to me overeating (there's a real pattern here)

I wholeheartedly agree (I also, personally, will never overeat pasta, unless for the toppings, bread, or legumes). I didn't do it on paleo, but in the past I was really into "eating naturally" (probably my version of clean eating, although I never used that term) and was really obsessive about making everything myself, not buying packaged, not even buying canned tomatoes out of season or canned beans or dried pasta. It was overkill for my lifestyle. Now I do some of that stuff if the product is actually more to my liking or its fun, but I don't drive myself crazy.

Again, though, this is why I don't see the point of paleo -- cutting out whole grains and rice (I rarely eat it, but I think it's fine) and legumes and dairy weren't necessary. If they react badly for you, cut them out, absolutely, but not because of some theory about what people ate a certain number of years ago (which is likely wrong).

4. I need to eat less sugar, even "natural" ones. Sugar is not good for me

Cool. Not the case for me, and I'd probably continue to eat the same amount of fruit and sweet potatoes and plantains on paleo as I do now (for some high sugar foods).

6. Roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash taste like candy after a while. Seriously, I got some a little dark, and I swear it tasted like a burnt marshmallows, yum!
7. I will over eat nuts, so only bring to work in portioned out bags.

Agree that roasted sweet potatoes and winter squash are delicious and that I can easily overeat nuts.

Other things I personally like about paleo are the focus on the sourcing of meat, eating more game when available, eating the whole animal. If one is going to eat lots of meat, as many into paleo do, these are good things to think about. Of course, one doesn't have to be paleo to think about them!

@lemurcat12 just curious, do you follow a "woe" or are you a IIFYM or something else?

I really would like to be an "everything in moderation girl when I grow up.

I am Paleo roughly 60% of the time.

I try to eat mostly "paleo." I've found that when I stick to meat/fish, veggies, fruit, and natural sugars (like fruit sugars and honey) that I feel better. I have more energy, no bloating, no heartburn, no upset stomach, etc. When I eat a lot of simple carbs like white sugar and bread, or if I eat greasy things, I don't feel as good physically or mentally, and my clothes won't fit as well- even if I'm still losing weight!!! I do believe in "everything in moderation" but I have an extremely hard time moderating. My mind likes to justify things, and I end up stressed out trying to figure out things like "Can I have that ice cream? Did I earn it? Just one scoop, or two? What if I go for a walk first, or eat salad for dinner?" The simplicity of paleo "rules" cuts out the debate, and actually decreases my stress levels as a result.

That being said, I now make exceptions. I'll drink on weekends, or order whatever I want if I'm eating out (which is rare), and I'll splurge if we have a get-together with friends. But during the week, and for most weekend meals, I stick to the foods that make me feel good- that happens to be pretty much paleo. While it may be too strict for some people, I appreciate the simplicity, have enjoyed finding new recipes, and I feel so much better that it's something I actually WANT to follow.

I like that paleo gets people to focus on whole foods...I dislike how it then turns around and makes certain whole foods off limits. I could never do it...I love legumes and they are a core staple of my diet...but apparently they're "bad"...I think they're an excellent source of quality nutrition.

Taliko wrote: »

I tried paleo for a few months, once you get past the first week of carb withdraw symptoms (tired/cranky/headache/foggy head) I actually felt extremely well, energized, slept a lot better.
Ultimately though, I found it unsustainable... Just TOO much time in the kitchen for me. I know a lot of people love it, though!
I did learn some lovely recipes I still make. Mm, paleo pancakes.

Paleo isn't low carb unless you want it to be.

http://ultimatepaleoguide.com/paleo-diet-food-list/

Kazzy,
Moxie42 is right. Paleo has come to mean different things to different people. Please see the link I shared above regarding the Paleo Diet. Starchy vegetables like squash, white potatoes, beets, and sweet potatoes are forbidden. Most fruit are acceptable, but you are told to limit your intake if you want to lose weight. Everyone on Paleo is not trying to lose weight. Paleo is a lifestyle for some.

Here is an excerpt of a quick reference guide:


EAT

Grass-fed meats
Fish/seafood
Fresh fruits
Fresh vegetables
Eggs
Nuts
Seeds
Healthy oils (olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado, coconut)


DON’T EAT

Cereal grains
Legumes (including peanuts)
Dairy
Refined sugar
Potatoes
Processed foods
Overly salty foods
Refined vegetable oils
Candy/junk/processed food