According to enthusiasts Paleo isn’t just a "diet" – it’s a lifestyle; applying the principles of how our ancestors lived to our modern lives in order to take back control of our health and live a life of optimal wellness. Paleo is a way of life and a balanced approach to returning to eating the most natural foods available, straight from their source.
I didn’t mean to "go paleo". It wasn’t some conscious decision that I was going to eat this way. I already ate a conventionally healthy diet. I thought the Paleo diet sounded restrictive and was all about eating lots of meat with no wholegrains. What would I do without my muesli and yoghurt, or Vogels bread? It’s just another diet I thought. I already eat healthy. I don’t eat processed food, or drink sugary drinks.
Up until two years ago I believed in the 'everything in moderation’ path, and I had never had a weight problem, so I thought, "if nothing is broken, there's no need to fix it". As a personal trainer and group fitness instructor I exercised a lot! I was tired a lot sure, but coffee and a nice glass of Central Otago (NZ) pinot helped with that, :). But then my world came tumbling down; everything (that I thought at the time) that could go wrong did. I lost a lot all at once: my marriage, my unborn child, my house, my business, the people that I thought were friends, and my identity, and I spiraled into adrenal fatigue and depression. I spent a couple of years self-medicating with alcohol and my energy and health plummeted. Something had to change.
So to cut a long story short, I changed my life, including my eating habits, and changed my family to the Paleo way of eating and we have never looked back. It plus other lifestyle changes were the catalyst in my return to physical and mental health. If you are thinking of changing to this way of eating, here are some myths you might have heard about Paleo.
Myth 1
It’s restrictive. Sure, you can’t eat grains, dairy and sugar, but trust me; once you remove these things and look at what you can eat you won’t miss them at all. By removing all processed food from my diet and eating whole real food, I have actually opened up a whole new range of flavours, foods, and recipes that I never would have tried before. The Paleo way of life is not at all restrictive; there is no counting calories or cutting down meals to the point that you’re constantly hungry, and weight loss is a bonus.
Myth 2
It’s a diet high in meat and saturated fat, and therefore increases the risk of heart disease. Everyone is different and what foods work for you might not work for your friend. A paleo approach to eating encourages eating organic, pasture-fed-meats, wild seafood from unpolluted waters, free-range poultry, organic fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy sources of natural fats.
Myth 3
It lacks vegetables and fruits. Some people with a paleo approach to diet could be classed as 80% vegetarian. Do what works for you and what makes you feel good. Listen to your body and experiment and you will find what works. Eating a mostly plant-based diet with some substantially raised meat, fish and poultry works well for me.
Myth 4
It’s lacking in B vitamins. B vitamins have an important role in changing carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. Wholegrains are promoted as being the best source of B vitamins, but B vitamins occur naturally in whole, unprocessed foods such as eggs, organ meats, poultry, and vegetables.
Myth 5
There is a one-size-fits all paleo diet. There is no one paleo diet for all. The principles are the same, the real whole food way is the same, but how the diet is adapted to suit someone depends on a lot of individual factors. Experimenting with what foods work for you is important. Find out what foods energise you and what foods make you feel bad. In a nutshell, eat delicious, nutrient-dense real food that nourishes your body and mind.
So, yes, I went "paleo" – it’s not a fad diet, it’s a healthy, sustainable, nutrient-rich, delicious way to eat. I have been helping people for the last few years change their eating habits and I am amazed everyday at the health improvements (whether physical or mental) of my clients.
The most profound thing I have seen is how eating real food helps so many people heal their relationship with food, lower inflammation in the body, lose weight, and other health benefits including helping to lift depression.
Not convinced? Give it a try for 21 days. Maybe you can go full out and adapt the paleo way straight away, or you may need to gradually adopt this lifestyle, but each step forward is one step closer towards a longer, healthier, happier life.
Need help transitioning to eating clean (paleo)? I'm just an email away and I'd love to help anytime or try our FREE 7 day introductory program. This program incorporates the principals of the paleo way of eating with recipes and meal plans, plus video workouts for all fitness levels and lots of education on living well. Give it a try today!
