03 July 2012

To Paleo? Or not to Paleo?




It's no secret that I'm not a very healthy eater. This is not for lack of trying; I just tend to have a little more self-control on the working out part of a healthy lifestyle versus the eating part. I have a couple of friends that have successfully tried and stuck with the slow-carb, or 4-hour-body diet. I've been looking into this diet over the last couple of days and even attempted to try it, but I have to admit that this lasted for about 12 hours. I just cannot cut out fruit the way this diet requires!

But it is a sincere desire of mine to take better care of the body God has given me. We only get one, people! So now, I'm looking a little deeper into the Paleo Diet. Have you heard of it? If so, what are your thoughts? I would love, love if any of you would like to share your experiences with me. 

I like that with this diet, you can eat fruit. Some paleo dietitians allow sweet potatoes because they are root vegetables; others ask for you to stay away. I'm a big potato person and since regular potatoes aren't allowed, I like that I could allow myself a sweet potato every now and then. And wine? Allowed (yay!). In small quantities, of course, but still allowed. Amen! (See a list of Paleo foods here.)

So please, share your thoughts on this diet with me. I'm really looking for a healthier lifestyle, not to loose a whole bunch of weight. And if 10 pounds falls off, I won't complain. :)

12 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 3, 2012 at 7:18 PM

    Long time reader, first time commenter...

    My sister does the Paleo for purely practical reasons: she likes to feed her family healthy foods. They don't always follow the meat rules, but she has noticed more energy and overall, a healthier body weight.
    I personally eat a more fruit based diet in the summertime, simply because fruits are all in season ;) I'm personally not a "diet" person, in the sense I don't like being "told" what I can/cannot eat.

    I think when push comes to shove, you know what's best for you (and Luke). I say try it out, worst case scenario is you find new fruits/lean meats you like and you don't lose any weight ;)
    Good luck! I look forward to seeing what you decide and if you decide to do it, I look forward to following your journey.. :)

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    1. Sara HintonJuly 3, 2012 at 7:21 PM

      Thanks so much Anonymous! I really appreciate your input. And I will definitely let you know if I decided to try it out. Thanks for reading!!

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  2. EmilyJuly 3, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    I have comtemplated paleo several times over the past year or so. The hardest thing for me has been thinking about all the yummy family recipes that I would have to change or no longer eat. For me, I decided to take baby steps. We have been trying to eat more fresh foods, for the most part, instead of so much processed food. For me, this was a big enough step to start with. I read more labels, pay attention to ingredients, and buy more fresh fruits and veggies (verses canned/frozen). So far, this has been a good change for us. And I can always tell a difference in how I feel when I try to grab something quick, rather than taking the time to cook actual food. I have a friend who is a cross fit trainer/nutrition expert who would have tons of resources if you're interested. He actually goes into people's homes, cleans pantries, and teaches them how to eat paleo. Good luck!!

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    1. Sara HintonJuly 3, 2012 at 10:17 PM

      Thanks Emily! I definitely think it helps when your hubby is on board. It sounds like you two have found what works for you. I hope Luke and I can too! I definitely want to be a healthier eater. :)

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  3. Jane {In The Pink & Green}July 4, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    Hi Sara--my husband and I have been doing the Paleo diet for the past 5 months or so and we've really liked the results! I'd highly suggest reading the book The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolfe as it explains a lot of the science behind the diet. My husband was actually the one who really wanted to start doing the diet because he wanted to lose weight...I was initially a little bit resistant to the idea of cutting out dairy/bread/carbs, but eventually I got on board and we've been really pleased with the results. I feel so much healthier when I eat this way and like I'm giving my body the nutrition it needs. It's not like we were eating super unhealthy before but I'd have like yogurt and granola for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, and then pasta for dinner--so lots of carbs! Once you eliminate those things from your diet, you're forced to incorporate a lot more fruits/veggies/healthy proteins in to your diet. Now we eat so much fresh produce and I feel like my blood sugar stays a lot more stable throughout the day. Plus, my husband has lost 50 lbs in the past 5 months, and I've lost about 15 lbs! However, we don't follow the diet 100%--when we're at home we do pretty much, but on the weekends/when we travel, we tend to indulge and eat non-Paleo foods--but overall, I think using this philosophy for eating as our overall framework has been really positive for us! It's a little hard at first, but it gets much easier once you get used to it so I'd definitely give it a try! :)

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    1. Sara HintonJuly 4, 2012 at 8:20 PM

      Jane, thanks so much for sharing your experience! I've been told that it really helps when your significant other is on board and it sounds like you two have really done this together. I can't wait to try it!

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  4. AnonymousJuly 4, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    Hi, Sara.

    I started the Paleo diet about a month ago, and I just wanted to share my experience thus far in order to persuade you to join the team! The results are already eminent in every way I could have anticipated, from cravings for non-Paleo foods to the leanest body I have ever had. I have always tried to eat as healthily as possible, avoiding high-glycemic carbs, excess fats, processed sugars, etc., but the Paleo diet is a new interest. I was initially intrigued by its adherence to an historical and evolutionary integrity. I mean, why didn't I think of that? Eating the way our bodies are meant to, rather than loading up on the convenient, processed and imperishable things for which we aren't evolved. As far as cravings go, the hardest thing for me to deny myself is, by a landslide, the wheat and grains. Bread, granola, oats, quinoa, farro—I used to live for these foods! And I have cut them out cold turkey. The upside to all this hard, grueling discipline is that the results are stark. I haven't measured by BMI or anything, but I can tell you right now my body fat is down considerably, my energy is up, my endurance is growing, and my mind is satisfied and active. I stick to veggies as much as I can, but I do tend to overindulge in fruits, as you seem to expect yourself to do. No worries! Eat your watermelon this summer! Just supplement it with some veggies. And I have also already dipped into the allowance of sweet potatoes, banking on the literature claiming them to be just fine. Short story? I disagree with those reports now, having tried it. Of course, all the authors of Paleo eating I have encountered suggest an occasional cheat meal, so if you love sweet potatoes like I do, incorporate them there.

    So, in a nutshell—If you eat Paleo, work out consistently and challenge yourself, great things will happen!

    —Nick

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  5. KatieJuly 4, 2012 at 7:54 PM

    i'm really good at the working out part and eating mostly healthy, except I eat a lot of sweets! i've heard of that diet but have never tried it! I'm trying to limit my sweets more for my healthy eating!

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  6. momto8blogJuly 5, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    I have heard of this diet...mostly from magazines. i cook every night a medeterrian diet...red wine, olive oil, lots of colors...and lots of flavor..works for us...but some recipes are time consuming.
    I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.
    good luck!

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  7. LindsayJuly 5, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    I don't have any personal experience with this (me + any sort of diet = disaster before it even starts) but a girl I work with is doing it and I think she likes it. She says she's doing it more for gaining muscle than for trying to lose weight. And she looks really good!

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  8. Kristen ThornburgJuly 5, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    One of my best friends is on the paleo diet and she loves it. She says she has so much more energy now. I don't have personal experience with that one, though. I am on an 90% raw vegan diet. I will have a sprinkle of cheese here or there, or a cheat day. But I only eat raw food except for a little at dinner with whatever I make for my family. (Husband doesn't want to be 100% raw, but I always make vegan meals). I have SO much energy and stamina... and I've only been doing it a little over a week!! I know most people in this country probably think I'm crazy but I get to eat as much as I want and whenever I want because everything I put in my body is healthy and healing!!! :) :)

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  9. BeccaJuly 6, 2012 at 9:40 AM

    Sounds like a healthy diet. I know my chiropractor mentioned limiting milk and bread products for health, and that diet looks like it does. I'm no expert, but I am trying to eat healthier myself. :)

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Let me know your thoughts! I love comments. :)

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