My stars, you people have opinions! 41 comments and counting on my “Primal Problems” post and every single one of them well thought out, passionate and informative. And that’s not even counting the incredible number of you who e-mailed me about this. It’s taken me all day to read and process them all in my mind, much less reply. So Thursday’s report on TinkerBell Goes to the Y (you’re gonna love it!) got pushed to Friday so I can address all my primal thoughts.
First of all I want to say thank you with all my heart to every single one of you who took the time to type out a response to me. Your support and information has been overwhelming – but in a good way – and I feel incredibly blessed to have such great readers.
Now. To clear up a few misconceptions:
1. I’m not trying to denigrate the Paleo diet in any way. It obviously works, and works well, for many people. The folks, both posters and commenters, over at Mark’s Daily Apple have long provided me with a wonderful amount of healthy recipes, interesting studies, and well-researched points of view. Nothing I say here is intended to take away from that.
2. I was coming into the Primal Challenge as a long-term vegetarian (and previously a vegan). BUT I didn’t eat a lot of grains. I’ve never been a huge grain person. I also avoid processed “vegetarian” food like the plague. I don’t do soy burgers or chick’n or any of the like. I guess you could say I was a primal vegetarian? (If they existed?) I’d have my bowl of oatmeal in the morning and occasionally some quinoa or couscous but by and large my carb intake came from fruits, vegetables and lots and lots of legumes (I’m superfun at parties;)). Before starting Primal I averaged between 100-200 grams of carbs a day. So for the primal experiment I decided to have 100 be my upper limit and try to stay as low as I could. That’s, I think, where I went wrong. Well that and trying to do it while I was PMS’ing.
3. Many of you asked what my purpose in doing this experiment is. You all know I love a great experiment but really, and I’m a bit ashamed to admit this, it was because I really wanted to lose those 10 vanity pounds. The ones I gained back during the over training debacle. I wanted to fit in my jeans again. This is not the healthiest mindset so it is no wonder that my eating disorder thoughts made a come back. The bottom line is that I am healthy as I am now and I need to give up that ridiculous goal. Thanks to all of you who called me out on that.
Mark Sisson’s Response
Mark (of the famous abs and MDA) responded in a very kind e-mail to my binge problem. He made some excellent points so I thought I would just share his whole e-mail:
First off I want to say that I am sorry to hear that you and a couple of your readers are having a difficult time making the transition. And I want to thank you for presenting your personal experience with the Primal Health Challenge. It perfectly highlights the fact that everyone’s transition into the Primal Blueprint lifestyle will be unique. It also gives me an opportunity to analyze how the Primal Blueprint has been presented to my readers. If I haven’t been clear about certain aspects of the PB I want to do so now and in all future posts.
First I’d like to get some of the minor points out of the way. And I say minor because, in the context of such an extreme binge, nitpicking about some of these details feels unimportant and petty. Nevertheless I think they should be addressed to avoid confusion.
You mention that you still miss dark chocolate. Dark chocolate along with cheese, wine, fat and some dairy are all Sensible Vices, and sensible vices are wholly a part of the Primal Blueprint. Being 100% Primal still means being able to indulge in these from time to time without guilt. We have always tried to make clear that making minor compromises to your diet can be a very healthy part of living Primal. And on top of that many of the so called vices aren’t vices at all.
This brings me to fruit. We’ve always said that fruit should be eaten in moderation. If you are craving some sugar or simply just want to eat a plum. By all means eat a plum and enjoy every last bit of it! But as long as you are going to try to follow the guidelines of a particular health philosophy there will inevitably be, by definition, some boundaries. The Primal Blueprint suggests a particular amount of carbohydrates from one day to the next (from roughly 100g to 150g/day). With this range in mind it probably makes sense, at least when you are first starting the PB, to consider the amount of sugar in fruits. Eating a few bananas each day alone would get you close to that recommendation. But, as myself and many PBers can attest, once you settle into these eating patterns you don’t have to worry or concern yourself with these fine details. It all comes out in the wash as they say.
You say, “And the depressing post-script to all this is MDA informing me that even one “bad carb day” will set you back to the very beginning, as far as switching to fat-burning for fuel and achieving ketosis. Just lovely.”
Again we want to be clear. Indeed, if your goal is to lose weight and to do it quickly we suggest getting under 100 grams a day to achieve ketosis. We don’t suggest being in a constant state of ketosis (unless you need to lose large amounts of weight/fat), hence our generally higher carb recommendations. But it is simply a matter of fact that if you eat a large amount of carbs, taking you out of ketosis, you will be side-lining your original intentions. Let me also point out that I did a post called The Context of Calories just a few days ago that postulated that it isn’t so much what you eat on a day-to-day basis as it is what your macro-nutrient intake is on a week-to-week or month-to-month basis. Hopefully this is a positive post script to your carb binge.
Additionally, and I apologize if my Worker Bees and I didn’t make this clear, the Primal Health Challenge was really intended for those that have been following MDA for some time, had made many major lifestyle changes already, but weren’t 100% Primal. We did a follow up post to make it clear that easing into it, giving it time to work, backing off in the event you hit an exceptional rough patch and other similar tips were all important parts of making the transition. I understand that for someone that hasn’t eaten meat for years (“I only ate red meat once and wanted to throw up for hours afterward…”), was eating a good deal of grains, and has had a history of eating disorders, to go 100% Primal would be a serious change in dietary habits – one that probably shouldn’t be done cold turkey.
If making this transition is too difficult and is causing you to revert back into unhealthy eating patterns by all means stop now. This is NOT what the PB is all about. It isn’t about forcing people to do things they don’t want. It isn’t even about restricting people’s diets. In fact, we see it from a different point of view entirely. Yes, there are some foods to try to avoid completely if possible, but the Primal Blueprint diet is full of delicious fat, clean meats, and a cornucopia of fresh, endless vegetables and even a fair amount of fruit. We see the PB as opening up a world of natural food possibilities to its participants. Possibilities that in their past diet of pale, nutrient devoid bread, pasta, grains sweets and processed junk food they hadn’t realized were an option. If at any point you feel deprived on the PB program, any number of snacks, including indulgences, sensible vices and fruit are there for eating – again without guilt. I suspect that many people, still fearing fat, deprive themselves of important fat or protein calories that could make the difference in energy levels day-to-day. This is certainly not intended to be a starvation diet.
Let me start off my final, and most important point, with a quote from you:
“But maybe it’s not me that’s broken, maybe it’s the diet. Or maybe it IS me. I don’t know.”
I like to think it is neither. That it is the system that is broken instead. A system that has trained millions of Americans to eat in a completely unnatural way. A system that has gotten so far away from eating like our ancestors that most people don’t even know what what that looks like anymore. A system that has trained its subject to burn and rely on sugar as its primary fuel source. A system that results in poor body image, advocates crash and fad dieting and encourages unhealthy eating patterns. It is a system that many have spent years, lifetimes even, a part of and to break free from it is no easy task. I don’t want to claim that you are the prime example of this in anyway. With that said, every American to some degree has been influenced. I like to think the Primal Blueprint brings a message of hope in the midst of this defunct system. That it uses our primal past to guide us into making informed and healthy life decisions in the future. I’ll be the first to admit that the Primal Blueprint is a radical concept to some. It is a radical departure from the status quo, from the USDA Food Pyramid, from Conventional Health Wisdom et al. But being so radical in nature means that the transition – the pulling yourself out of this system – can be extremely difficult for some. There is an additional message of hope I’d also like to offer up. It is the message of hope that many others that have been partaking in this challenge as well as friends, family, and colleagues of mine that have been living the Primal Blueprint lifestyle for years can attest to. That for some the transition is easy. For some there were some hurdles. For some it was nearly impossible. But that for those that stuck with it there is a healthy life on the other side.
Now for some practical advice:
1. If you have too difficult a time eating meat don’t do it. Can you do fish? How about eggs, protein powder?
2. Understand that Sensible Vices are part of the program and that informed and decisive compromises are welcome. The Primal Blueprint is more than just a diet. It involves stress management as well. There needs to be a balance here. If certain aspects of the diet are causing you undue levels of stress then this needs to be addressed.
3. And I say this as kindly as possible, maybe the 100% Primal Health Challenge is too much for you right now. It seems to me that you may be, along with your two readers who have written you, the type that needs more time easing into the PB. Back off if it, and if you see the PB message and health philosophy as compelling and wish to continue to give it a try makes smaller changes. Up your carb intake. Keep eating your oatmeal and other foods that you enjoy at the beginning. And then one by one over a matter of weeks if not months add food items that fit the PB and begin eliminating those that don’t. This may be a much more realistic plan for you.
4. I’d be interested to see what your daily diet is like. If you would like I’d be happy to take a look at your macro and micro nutrient intake and give my advice. Maybe there were some easy fixes or misunderstandings. As I have my clients do, go to FitDay.com, keep a daily diet journal to get a break down of your eating habits and send me over the results.
I wish you the best in whatever decision you make. As I said at the beginning of the challenge, the Worker Bees and I are here for support so please stay in touch. We care about your well-being and want only the best for you.
See? One of the nicest people on the Internet.
Anyhow, after processing all of this, I’ve decided to take a break from the Primal Diet. Which isn’t to say I’m going to go whole-hog American Diet and eat white bread and mac-n-cheese for every meal. I am a very clean eater. I’m just not going to stress about my macronutrient ratios for the next few days. I have an appointment with my therapist on Friday (you can’t be this kind of crazy without a good therapist!) and after discussing it with her, I’ll decide what would be healthiest for me to do after that point. Right now I’m thinking I will probably not be returning to the Primal Blueprint as written but will go back to eating as I was previous but with the addition of fish, seafood and maybe the occasional free-range chicken;)
Thanks again for everyone’s concern and support. Reading all your comments and e-mails just made my whole day:)
After I got sick, I basically fasted for 40 hours. Now that my stomach has shrunk a bit, I have to be extremely conscious of what I am putting inside of it. I want it to be the most nutrient dense food I can find. And so far I have been successful. And feel good. Really, really good.
Have you heard of kombucha? I just got a job at an organic restaurant with lots of vegetarian/vegan options (JOY!) and am learning so many new things. I am sooooooo content – now I find myself sneaking bits of my roommate’s chopped up melon and NOT her chocolate. 🙂
That was very considerate of Mark to get back to you in such detail, and gave me some things to think about as well.
What a nice fella!!!!
Glad you are taking care of yourself, as well.
Wow, very comprehensive response! I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself, and I hope all the stress and anxiety goes away quickly!
Wow do you know how much happier you sound already? I’m so pleased!
Hope things continue falling into place.
TA x
returns again and again to the photoshoot of your BAD SELF looking for those ten flabby pounds.
squints.
nope. nothing 🙂
xo xo,
Miz.
+1 on Mizfits' comment, you look healthy and strong in your Bollywood Dance & Turbo Kick photos.
Mark's answers are very down to earth, and leave people with more options than I had thought the PB was offering. What a good response!
Having a few friends who are ex-vegetarian, switching back over to meat caused them some discomfort.
If you consider doing this experiment again, try ramping up your meat consumption before the test official starts.
Just my two cents. Love your blog.
By the way, in no way do you look like you have put on weight.
Yea for you Charlotte! I’m proud of you for realizing that you need to back off! It’s not worth the stress!
I’m still really enjoying the primal challenge in my modified version of 180g of carbs per day. So why don’t you just train for a marathon with me and eat more carbs?
He does seem like a really nice guy! It sounds like you have a good plan. And I have to agree with others about the 10 pounds. You look awesome!! I can’t imagine where you would take 10 pounds off.
BTW, I left you a question on my blog. 🙂
yeah i cant believe some of the stuff he said (even if it was in the nicest way possible.)
the sugars in fruit are natural sugars and dont effect your body the same way added sugars do. to limit fruit, even a little bit, is completely unneccessary and depriving you of vital nutrients and fiber.
ketosis is a toxic state. when you cut your carbs your body cant burn fat properly so it releases toxins that make you sick. even a little bit of ketosis is bad- it releases free radicals that cause cancer and all sorts of disease.
ugh. just eat healthy people. fruits veggies lean protein and whole grains. life shouldnt be this hard.
http://www.groundedfitness.com
Woah- on the Primal Blueprint one of the objects is to TRY to reach ketosis? That’s a bad bad idea. I’m with Kelly on the ketosis and fruit sugars view- much as I like Marks blog I just can’t agree with something that promotes ketosis.
But I’m glad that you’ve managed to sort this out and that you’re going to talk about it with your therapist and all; good luck!
The Primal Blueprint isn’t about ketosis, but does admit that if your primary goals are to lose weight, lowering your carb intake to ketosis levels will get the job done quicker. The PB actually advocates a much healthier low-carb intake in the range of 100-150 g of carbs a day. Fruit is fine and dandy in almost all regards, but if you are trying to stay within that range you will have to consider the sugar found therein. Vegetables offer the same if not better nutrient value in many cases, but without the higher sugar levels. So to recap, the PB does not advocate not eating fruit, nor does it suggest living in ketosis is the healthiest way to live. Things aren’t always black and white – healthy living choices and decisions should be placed in the correct context, and are often times a matter of degrees and fall within a range of possibilities.
I agree with Kelly (Every Gym’s Nightmare). He did say things very politely, but I just flat-out disagree. And I think that PB is dumb.
There, I said it.
And I’m not sure how he is advocating protein powder as part of the PB… so whole-grain bread is a no-no, but protein powder is okay? Last time I checked, protein powder wasn’t found in nature or consumed by our ancestors…
Sagan and EGN, where do you get the idea that ketosis is somehow toxic or a “bad bad idea”? Not only is it NOT toxic, it’s a normal mode of energy production (one of several) under certain circumstances. If you read my “Context of Calories” post, you’ll see that ketosis is going on in all of us to some degree all the time. You can ramp it up by lowering carbs to the point at which ketosis becomes a primary mode of energy production. The only reason I don’t max out on ketosis is because I like my current status regarding body composition. If I were significantly overweight, I’d look to ketosis as a legitimate means of expediting my fat loss without suffering through a starvation diet. One of the best things about the PB is understanding how the body responds to different foods and being able to consciously direct different metabolic pathways based on how and when you eat and the types of exercise you do.
Kelly, I think you’re confusing ketosis with ketoacidosis.
Also, Charlotte (and other commenters), I recommend reading Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes for an excellent review of the science behind a lower-carb/PB-style diet.
i was in a state of ketosis once and my doctor warned me about its harmful effects. it effected my thyroid and my kidneys. ketosis means that there are simply not enough carbs to break down fat properly. thats what ketones are.
i just dont think people shouod spend so much time worrying about following such a strict diet plan. if you truely wanted to eat like our ancestors we would hunt and gather and eat what we grow. i dont think they wasted anytime counting how mnay grams of sugar or carbs they were eating. it shouldnt be so hard. you can spend all that mental energy on reading to the blind or saving puppies…from burning buildings.
yeah the protein powder thing gets me too.
and it freaks me out that people know my name when i dont post it. im flattered 🙂
http://www.groundedfitness.com
I don’t think our “normal” metabolic state has a name, other than normal metabolic state.
If ketosis was good for you, we wouldn’t have given it a name, it would be called normal 🙂
Mark- from my understanding of ketosis, which is what my nutritionist/nutrition prof told me (and I’m going to acknowledge that I’m no nutritionist myself but this IS what I’ve been taught), it is basically the equivalent of the body eating away at itself. Carbs are a necessary fuel and when theres not enough carbs, that when the body starts the ketosis process and then you’re burning fuel taken from your muscles.
Again, I’m no nutritionist. So please someone correct me if I’m wrong. But I can’t see in any way how ketosis is healthy for the body.
ha, dr j, couldnt have said it better.
im so not a big fan of low carb diets. you drop weight fast because you arent providing your body with ny energy (carbs) so it strip protein from your muscles to use as fuel, which means it doesnt get used for repairing tissue- its primary function.
AND your brain runs 100% on carbs. your brain doesnt use protein even when it has to so you get loopy and suffer memory loss.
carbs are necessary o burn fat. if you are not eating enough carbs and are in the ketosis stage, you cant properly burn fat. its a fact. that half broken down fat (ketones) floats around your body and causes problems. ketones=toxins. a simple google search shows that.
http://www.groundedfitness.com
Sagan, Dr.J, I can see I have some work to do. This is a common myth: that somehow ketosis is bad or abnormal. From my point of view, excessive glucose metabolism is far more dangerous (and that’s a big factor in the huge rise of type 2 diabetes). There is no minimum RDA for carbs at all. The body makes 200 grams a day from fat and protein. Some populations (like Inuit) live on a zero carb diet for months at a time their entire lives and have very low rates of CHD and cancer. Zero type 2 (as long as fat intake is high). Recent studies show that there are antioxidative benefits to encouraging ketosis. If you have the time, please read this review from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. http://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/site/pdf/Manninen-JISSN-1-2-7-11-04.pdf
The abstract for those who want the Cliff Notes
ABSTRACT : During very low carbohydrate intake, the regulated and controlled production of ketone bodies causes a harmless physiological state known as dietary ketosis. Ketone bodies flow from the liver to extra-hepatic tissues (e.g., brain) for use as a fuel; this spares glucose metabolism via a mechanism similar to the sparing of glucose by oxidation of fatty acids as an alternative fuel. In comparison with glucose, the ketone bodies are actually a very good respiratory fuel. Indeed, there is no clear requirement for dietary carbohydrates for human adults. Interestingly, the effects of ketone body metabolism suggest that mild ketosis may offer therapeutic potential in a variety of different common and rare disease states. Also, the recent landmark study showed that a very-low-carbohydrate diet resulted in a significant reduction in fat mass and a concomitant increase in lean body mass in normal-weight men. Contrary to popular belief, insulin is not needed for glucose uptake and utilization in man. Finally, both muscle fat and carbohydrate burn in an amino acid flame
from the Mayo Clinic:
When we run out of glucose stores we start burning body fat. Although this sounds good, it causes a build-up of a byproduct called ketones. This is called ketosis, and it causes headaches, irritability, and strain on the kidneys. Ketosis is also associated with heart arrythmias and the heart stopping.
Since Mayo Clinic has been doing ketogenic diets for epilepsy, I’m surprised you would find that old-school AMA BS anywhere on their site. I looked but didn’t find any. Can you point to where??
from WebMD:
Unhealthy metabolic state (ketosis). Low carb diets can cause your body to go into a dangerous metabolic state called ketosis since your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. During ketosis, the body forms substances known as ketones, which can cause organs to fail and result in gout, kidney stones, or kidney failure. Ketones can also dull a person’s appetite, cause nausea and bad breath.
So it’s not Mayo Clinic (I didn’t think they would speak ill of ketogenesis) but WebMD. Look, those articles are written by nurses, RDs (who espouse 60% of total calories from grains) and old-school AMA folks who mean well, but haven’t kept up with the science. So much has changed in the past few years. That’s why I do Marksdailyapple. I feel someone has to be educating people as to what’s going on in the new science of exercise and diet, and help explain and interpret, as opposed to regurgitating tired old (and wrong) information. I can see that, for now, you are dead set against seeing ketosis as a natural mode of energy production (did you read the Journal piece I linked?). We will have to agree to disagree on this. When embarking on any new plan, you should definitely understand and “embrace” the science. Clearly this is not a dietary approach you would feel comfortable with. I do wish you you the best in your own pursuits. There are no “wrong” choices here…just choices. We’ll all live great lives either way. Cheers.
and the mayoclinic.
i guess i just dont know where you are getting your information. whats your background? i just worry when people come on fitness sites and tout restrictive diets. i know the writer of this blogs past, and many of the readers on here and its dangerous. i just worry. i tend to believe doctors and nurses and nutrtionists and reasearch and the USDA more than a blogger that owns a supplement business (did cavemen eat those?). that wasnt an attack- it sounded rude, i dont mean it that way. its just where i tend to go for health information.
you sound a lot happier just in one post. Glad you’re looking out for YOU and not sticking to an unhealthy experiment.
Charlotte’s diet already sounds really healthy. From a meat-eater’s perspective, I’d think adding the occasional fish wouldn’t hurt though.
As for the other thread going on: I don’t agree that ketosis is “bad”. Ketosis is just defined as excess fat metabolism–excess simply meaning more than “normal”. Everybody already metabolises some fat (or else we’d all grow fatter every day). What’s “normal” though? If somebody loses fat weight, did they go through ketosis? They lost more fat than “normal” people though! As far as toxicity goes, the human body handles some toxins–they’re everywhere in the environment. Again, we have the concern with “excess” toxins that overloads the body’s ability to handle toxins. This line varies among people and all the smartest researchers and doctors can’t come to a consensus on how much is too much. And looking at diabetics, we can agree that too much blood sugar can be toxic too. For this, there are general guidelines as to what constitutes “too much”.
If you ask a typical person now for a “normal” diet, you get lots of fast food and junk food. If you asked a typical person for a “normal” diet 200 years ago, you get a probably sensible diet with grains, fruits, vegetables, meats. If you ask a typical caveman “normal” you probably get mostly meats, vegetables and some fruits.
I have a quick question for everyone: what is the best heart rate monitor I can buy according to price and quality? Thanks!
I have been following the Primal Blueprint for the past two months. I eliminated grains about five months ago. I wanted to eliminate anything sweet including fruit at least for a few months. I found it impossible. A friend suggested that it might be remedied by adding ALA alpha lipoic acid supplement. I bought a time released variety and within 24 hours had no desire for anything sweet (at all). So now I am 100% compliant. While I’m still wondering if it just the placebo effect, I don’t want to take any chances for a while. Thanks.
1) There’s no scientific reason why Alpha Lipoic Acid would reduce a “sweet tooth”. But, hey, if you feel it’s doing you some good, it sure can’t hurt.
2) Why is it so many people think the Primal Blueprint calls for elimination of fruit? We simply say that it IS a form of sugar and certain types ought not to be consumed in large quantities on a regular basis if you are consciously trying to cut carbs. OTOH, if you feel yourself needing a quick carb fix, fruits are a lot better than candies, energy bars, cookies, etc.
I think people are forgetting that the Primal lifestyle doesn’t call for the ousting of all carbohydrates. Healthy versions of carbohydrates are on the Primal food pyramid, albeit in far lesser proportions than the average American consumes. I think you would be hard pressed to find a doctor that would be critical of a diet that is based around lean proteins and green vegetables.
Also, it’s hard to argue with the results, look what it’s done for Mark: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/high-fat-diet-no-cardio-washboard-abs/
yes that's commonly the way – people confuse "low" for NO!
I think they are trying to point out everything in moderation (which is something every doctor would advocate)
Carbs IN MODERATION
meats in moderation
fructose sugars in moderation.
Don't people want a healthy diet? You'd be surprised how many people get healthier insides by eliminating grain. Many of the world's population are intolerant (probably without knowing they are) to various grains, although us Scots have been eating oats for a good 1000 years. Usually it's okay for us. Again if you are fitting in 100-150g of carbs, a little porridge can be counted in. Load it up with chopped fruit, seeds, nuts, whatever you like.
Let's not be silly about the whole thing. This is not the Atkins diet, it is a sensibly worked out plan that incorporates the major food groups in healthy portions to provide the body with fuel.
I think the reason the PB guys sell protein powder is because some people cling fastidisouly to I MUST have breakfast or i MUST have this and those kinds of things make the transition easier – as Mark probably well knows. THe actual purest form of the diet wouldn't allow for it and you can be orthodox and follow the plan to the letter, or allow yourself a little leinecy if you need more flexiblity in your diet. Hence th protein powder.
Nutrionally, although the PB advocates fruits and vegs – what you have to remember is what the human race have done to this rich, fertile planet – which is now becoming increasingly devoid of nutrients in the soil. This is why supplements are important – in Caveman's day the soil would have been very rich and he would have got all of his nutrients through that. Now it's a well documented fact we can't get all we need from our depleted soil.
Very sad – this is why we should all eat local and organic – none of this flying beans from kenya to the UK and mass growing them.
Not started PB yet but very clear of my objectives so looking forward to getting organised. just clearing out my cupboard of rolls, crumpets, english muffins, cereal bars etc!
I just started my own blog and tackled a "weeknight version" of this salad tonight. Thanks again for the motivation and the great reads!
I just finished reading TPB. I started the primal diet a couple of months back after my girlfriend convinced me that it would help my bipolar symptoms. Wow, was she right! I’m a believer in the primal way of life. It’s not a diet or a passing fad–it’s a life-change that makes so much sense for me. Along the path of learning about the primal way, I learned that depression is an inflammatory disorder. What causes inflammation in our bodies? Carbohydrates, of course! I was poisoning myself with every piece of bread or bowl of cereal; it made no difference that they were whole grains. Eating right isn’t the only change I made. Routine exercise, meditation and regular sleep patterns have become the norm making insomnia, fatigue and stress a thing of the past. This book really does offer the tools one needs to change your life! I highly recommend it!
I’m on day 4 of lifestyle changes inspired by The Primal Blueprint. However, I’m not eliminating dairy or peanut butter 🙂 I’m still eating about 1 apple a day, plus berries. The rest is eggs, chicken, spinach salad and other meat.
I have had bad acid reflux for about 7-8 years (I’m 33). I’ve tried various cures. Prilosec eliminates it, but I don’t wish to be without stomach acid for my whole life. I found that an Apple a day helped alleviate some acid reflux, but I still suffered. Alcohol and coffee make it much worse, but I can’t seem to eliminate these vices.
Since eliminating grains, my acid reflux has vanished. I have still been drinking coffee and red wine. It’s only day 4, so I’m not jumping for joy just yet, but so far I’m loving it.
I’m 5’10” and 175 lbs, and I’m hoping to lose about 8 pounds of fat or so.
Yay! Sounds like it’s really working for you! Congrats on getting rid of the heartburn and staying drug-free!
I admire your honesty in your posts. I too suffered from an eating disorder a few years ago and I know in certain situations, like when I’m stress or overly focused on achieving something, these tendencies will return. Saying that, I’m doing a week of Paleo starting from today, but less so for weight loss and more so because a number of the people I train with are eating very plain and boring foods because they aren’t being imaginative on this diet. Mark @MDA is a real inspiration and I think that the PB diet makes more sense than Paleo…but remember, one step at a time, and sometimes I want choc-mint icecream so I have it, and i love it 🙂
I really like what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve included you guys to my personal blogroll.
It’s absolutely predictable that many would be so closed off to such a scientific approach to nutrition(Primal)–everything seems as contentious as politics anymore.
Forget the journals, studies, coherent responses in the community, etc… just look at all of the testimonials of people who have been helped just by eliminating foods that spike insulin(grains). Such a simple change that is unthinkable to most. My diabetic uncle stopped eating grain and is no longer diabetic. My autistic 3 year old nephew stopped eating wheat and is much better behaved and now sleeps at night. Look at how delicious all the primal foods are. Notice that it seems natural to eat them. Notice that those who adhere to a strict primal lifestyle are chiseled greek statues(with perfect blood work). Notice how the entire nutritional community is slowly seeing the light re: fat.
The best testimonials come from veggie converts..
My father stopped eating bread after I gave him “Wheat Belly”. He just turned 70 and now weighs less than his senior yr of HS. Little things peak his interest that never did: he’s got his mojo back. No more IBS, skin problems or memory difficulties. He doesn’t have to take a TUMS after every meal. He sleeps at night. He is thriving and enjoying copious amounts of…gulp…BACON.
Ketosis is “toxic”? That’s the most convincing statement since, “cuz I said so”.
Want to be impressed by a great fitness experiment, people? Come to the next primalcon or ancestral eating symposium…more abs than jersey shore.
At least the author tried!
Wow! At last I got a website from where I be able to actually obtain helpful information concerning my study and knowledge.
That episode or attack lasted for more than an hour and once it subsided and I could think clearly I was determined to find a
way to stop whatever was triggering the attacks and eliminate these episodes from my life.
Try these tips to see if you can spot a panic attack starting, and use the techniques suggested above to stop
it before it gets a hold of you. In this, you wouldn’t have minor issues of your health if you will learn to eat healthy and fresh foods. Change to a healthier lifestyle – Go to bed and wake up early, keep from eating junk foods and foods that contain stimulants which contains nicotine, caffeine and alcohol.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer
for your site. You have some really good posts and I feel I would
be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d
love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Kudos!
Pingback:Primal blueprint diet reviews