I was a modern vegetarian runner, he was a paleolithic meat-loving functional exerciser – when we first met, we could not have been more different. Paleo/Primal style eating now has quite a few different flavors now but five years ago, it was new and with its exclusion of all grains, was also quite controversial. Whether it was from a genuine interest in the science behind this new philosophy or because I’ve always had a thing for men who want me to change everything I am to be with them, I decided to give it a try. As those of you who’ve been with me since the beginning know, I’ve done the 30-day Primal Blueprint challenge, as described by Mark Sisson, three times now. Twice I wrote about my experiences and it got a whole chapter in my first book. Short version: It did not go well for me. And yet Mark Sisson and his site Mark’s Daily Apply remain one of my favorite sources for intelligent, well-researched health and fitness information. Here’s why:
1. Don’t fear the dietary fat. When I first started my journey to lose the baby weight after my 2nd son was born, the country was still in the schizophrenic grip of the low-fat diet espoused by the American Heart Association colliding with the low-carb craze. I had no idea what the best way to eat was and had grown up priding myself on minimal fat intake. Reading Mark’s articles on the benefits of fat – saturated included! – were a huge paradigm shift for me. I started incorporating more fat into my diet and have seen physical and mental benefits because of it.
2. Whole foods rule. There was a time in my life that I thought a low-carb protein bar was the healthiest thing I could eat. Reading The Primal Blueprint (among other books and sites) helped me change my focus from tracking macronutrients to being more concerned about eating foods in their most natural form.
3. Chronic cardio is not the best way to exercise. This last point has been life-changing for me and I have Rachel Cosgrove and Mark Sisson to thank equally for this. Coming fresh off my double-cardio Experiment (it was exactly what it sounds like and ended with a stress fracture, a burgeoning eating disorder and a gain of 10 pounds), I came across Mark’s article “Case against cardio” based on his experiences as an elite triathlete. In it, he dismantles the conventional wisdom that the best way to get fit is to run, cycle, swim or do some other form of traditional “cardio”. He isn’t saying that we shouldn’t ever run again, but he is saying that continually pushing through long punishing workouts can be very detrimental to your health.
The Whole Grains Thing
Now, back to the whole “it didn’t end well for me” part. The Primal Blueprint asserts that humans have not evolved enough yet to eat grains and because of this eating grains causes all kinds of problems from systemic inflammation to allergies to bloating to chronic fatigue syndrome. The science from Sisson, Taubes, Wolfe, Eades and others is compelling (and trust me I have read it all. Twice.) and I won’t say they’re wrong on this. Unfortunately I also can’t say they are right. For me this is the who-killed-JFK of nutrition. For every Mark Sisson success story, there is a Bill Pearl (a vegan bodybuilder) rebuttal. I’ve gone back and forth on this so many times that I think I may just have to conclude that I’ll never know.
What I do know is that every time I have tried to remove all grains from my diet I have felt worse and not better. Whether that’s because of my mental issues (restricting makes me nutso) or because I’m addicted to carbs (taking out whole grains always leads to me bingeing on sugar) or perhaps that I’m half ruminant and more evolved than other humans, it doesn’t work for me. It may be a matter of finding the nuance – i.e. that genetically engineered wheat is bad but “ancient” grains are good – or it may just be time for me to let this one go. Honestly I eat very few processed grains – my servings are things like a handful of barley thrown in soup or cracked wheat berries on salad – and my body seems to like it. It’s kind of like when I quit being a vegetarian. I still eat a lot of vegetarian meals but now I don’t worry about craving the occasional piece of meat. Intuitive Eating works for me and I’m healthy and happy.
21-Day Primal Challenge
Grain issues aside, I have learned a ton of valuable things from Mark Sisson. In addition to the three big ones above, I’ve gotten a ton of recipes off his site (including how to cook offal), got workout ideas and even competed in a brain challenge but my favorite thing about his writing is how well-researched it is. Not many people take the time to delve into the science themselves and examine the data and the conclusions and I have learned in depth about everything from what blood pressure readings really are to understanding the glucose pathway. And I will add that he has been nothing but kind and patient with me in our e-mail exchanges.
So I was super excited to see he just launched his newest book The Primal Blueprint 21-Day Total Body Transformation. I haven’t read it yet but I’m sure it is up to his usual high standard and I can’t wait to check it out. This week only (10/18-10/24) Mark is offering a whole bunch of freebies to people who buy his book. If you are already Primal/Paleo or just curious, definitely check out his new book! And be sure to read his site – it’s a goldmine of information even if, like me, you’re not primal.
Do you have a nutrition or fitness question that you just can’t resolve no matter how much you read up about it? Have any of you tried primal or paleo style eating?
Disclosure: The above link is an Amazon affiliate link so I do get a small kickback (a few cents) if you buy Mark’s book through my site – this is not the reason I am promoting his book however.
I tried going Primal/Paleo a while back, and it didn’t work for me, either. But I have cut waaaaaaaay down on processed grains, as they don’t sit well with me. I think we all need to find the balance that works best for us. We’re all unique. Some thrive on a Primal diet, while others swear by a vegan raw diet. Whatever floats your boat and keeps you healthy and happy, right?
I think we need to get over our insecurities: if something works for me but doesn’t work for the guy next door, it doesn’t mean I’m wrong. Just different. I hate that food is morality in this day and age. I don’t think it’s any of my business what my neighbor eats, unless he wants to to tell me (or he starts a fire in his kitchen). I’m more than happy to listen!
“I think we need to get over our insecurities: if something works for me but doesn’t work for the guy next door, it doesn’t mean I’m wrong. Just different.”
My thoughts exactly!!!
Yeah, I’m all about finding what works for you and your body and I don’t think that is necessarily the same thing for everyone.
Thanks so much for writing a post about this! Recently, I have been feeling a little discouraged about the fact that there are so many intelligent, educated, and healthy people who espouse completely different diets. How am I supposed to know what to eat? I’ve been coming around to the fact that I may just need to try a little self-experimentation. The only problem with that is that I think I am incapable of completely eliminating something like wheat from my diet, even if only for a few weeks. I rebel against the idea of diet restriction! So instead, I think I’ll have to try some little tweaks here and there as I strive towards a natural, whole foods diet.
I really appreciate or perspective about the confusion caused by all this. It’s good to know I’m not alone 🙂
Nope, definitely not alone!! Have you read the Intuitive Eating books? They were life-changing for me. They’re all about teaching you to listen to your body and what it needs rather than looking to outside sources for advice
I haven’t but they sound great! I’ll check them out, thanks!
As a vegan, I really love his site. The quality of the fats (I’m actively eating coconut now!), the stopping of chronic cardio, exposure to different types of foods (he got me into sweet potatoes…LOVE sweet potatoes now). Plus, I love how he doesn’t talk down to the reader when going into the science *cough* dr oz *cough* but still keeps it relatively simple. Reminding us about the importance of play/getting outside, sleep, squatting (and its relation on how we’ve totally screwed up how we defecate). I’m even considering going (sham)poo-less because of an article he wrote. He may not have convinced me to stop being vegetarian (I’ve actually gone vegan since I first discovered his site…and my caveman feet), but I do carefully choose and soak my grains/legumes.
I probably won’t ever consider going primal (seriously, surviving on only quinoa for protein?, because really, no such thing as a primal vegan, I MAY go back to being vegetarian, but I have generations of family I’d be letting down if I ate meat). However, if you DO eat meat, I think an experiment should at least be done. Go for quality, pastured meat/dairy, cutting out processed foods, minimizing anti-nutrients in nuts and eliminating grains/legumes, really consider WHY we’re eating the foods we eat, it’s all beneficial. Even if you end up not *staying* primal, at least the taste buds will have adjusted to not eating the processed junk, and more of the plate will be dedicated to nutrient dense foods (veggies) and not filler (free bread sticks, anyone?)
Too funny – I thought I was the only vegan who loved his site! While I’m not vegan anymore (obv), I still find a lot of value in what he rights. And good point about the quality of animal products.
I know that the guy from Zen Habits, a vegan, also follows him.
I’m pretty sure Sisson’s vegan fan base is a lot bigger than he thinks =)
I cannot reconcile vegetarianism and paleo- and meat is not coming back for me.
If I did both paleo and vegetarian, I’d have to live pretty much exclusively on vegetables and nuts. I would be so depressed, and honestly….I know I need carbs for my brain to work (and like many people, my preference tends toward having a working brain).
Plus, I love full-fat dairy and fruit. A lot.
I don’t think there is any way to be “primal” and “vegetarian” because the two are mutually exclusive but there is some common ground between the two, particularly veggies. And there are a lot of primal folk who are into dairy as well (although not all of them). I too LOVE fruit:))
The carbs-for-brains things is true, but not quite that literally. Our brains don’t run on bread. *smile* The glucose that our brains require can be ‘made’ from our dietary fat and protein. (In other words: even we low-carb peeps still have fully-functioning brains!)
I went Primal about 4 months ago. It’s been interesting.
Physically, I feel a million times better with more energy and mental clarity and less mood swings and anxiety. Also no cravings. Thumbs up!
Socially, having to tell people that are cooking for me for that I don’t eat this this this or…that, is a real bummer. I’ve become ‘that’ person at the dinner party. It makes me want to just be ‘normal’, even though the ‘normal’ way of eating obviously doesn’t serve my physical wellbeing. Makes me sad. Thumbs down.
Still sorting out what this will mean for my future with the Primal lifestyle.
I’m so glad you’ve found what makes you feel best!! And yeah, I’ve been “that” person quite a lot too and it doesn’t feel good. But I do think you need to eat what makes you feel best no matter what other people say. Everyone’s different and I think a lot of people will recognize the change in you and be happy that you are happy. (ANd some won’t but that’s another discussion;))
I will make my own food to take to parties/dinners, and know how you can ‘hack’ foods to make them paleo friendly. There are pretty much always salads, and meats, which is perfectly primal. If all else fails, make sure you eat a big meal before going out so you only have to graze… I have also found linking my dietary choices to health really helps, i.e. grain intolerance, and hinting at the not so lovely consequences of eating grains will help people understand and be a lot more accommodating to your choices. Plus, it’s like vegetarianism once was, and now that is so widely accepted.
I made a whole bunch of primal food for a picnic yesterday, and everyone loved it, even if they didn’t know it was primal, I was happy, they were happy and everyone wins!
When I first went Primal I felt awful. It’s the low carb flu that can just make you want to turn back. But once you find a balance of fruits and veggies, meats, nuts and potatoes that works for you, I’ve found it to be the easiest diet out there to maintain.
A hard part for me still is eating fruit only occasionally. I LOVE APPLES with nut butter on them!
I would have a hard time limiting fruit too. So glad you’ve found what works for you!
Found MDA earlier this year (through your site actually!) and got into the Primal lifestyle, particularly the eating part – high fat, high protein, low carb, no grains. Absolutely and totally loved it. More alert, more energetic, brighter, happier, healthier. Lost weight, lifted heavy (so heavy I’m now powerlifting), built muscle. Went on holiday overseas and lost the plot. Beer, mmmmmmmmm. Came back to Oz and lost the plot even more over Winter (I’m so not a cold weather person)(Yes, I know, we have it easy and I’m a sook LOL).
Now I’m trying to get on the Primal straight and narrow again. It seems to be more difficult to give up the grains this time around but it’s slowly getting easier as the weather warms up.
It’s tough sometimes when you’re eating out (restaurants, friends etc) but it can be done. I just choose the best I can (the Primal 80/20 rule).
Sorry to rabbit on so much but (obviously) I think it’s wonderful. As previous posters have written, we all need to be respectful though and I wouldn’t even think of criticising or chastising anyone for whom it DIDN’T work.
I have been Primal for 6 months, and I feel really good. I have always been a carb addict, but I was falling asleep on my way home from work (while driving), had no energy to get through my day, and just felt “off”. Found Mark’s site and decided to try it. I have finally lost the stomach bloat I have had all my life. I have more energy, and recovering from long runs is so much better.
I will say I’m not 100%. I have a cheat once a week, and I’m fine with that. I have learned to incorporate more, healthy, fats into my eating…and I make better food choices. Will I always follow this way of eating? Maybe, maybe not. It’s up to each of us to decide (or find out) what works best for us.
Heather! “alling asleep on the way home from work (while driving) was one of my bizarro symptoms that I fixed by going Primal/Paleo too! I think it was part of the greater “insulin resistance” problem.
Through your site, I found MDA and have been primal for about 6 weeks. It’s been amazing for me – my GI tract is so much happier without grains/legume in it. The blood sugar control and not HAVING to eat every two hours is still weird to me. I do still eat some dairy (hard cheeses and greek yogurt – full fat is the most delicious substance ever). I don’t even miss grains or legumes except around cookies on occasion. I do miss consuming rampant amount of sugar during certain times of the month though.
I honestly think even better than the GI changes (3x a day or more down to nce a day – and with formed stool -something I could literally NEVER recall having – TMI, perhaps but it’s all true!) has been the fact that my adult acne is clearing up – FINALLY. And my bacne is reduced greatly. Less inflammation, yo!
That being said – I really do think the effectiveness of Primal/Paleo is VERY individual. Some people are more sensitive than others. And some people can afford to buy grass fed, organic meat and organic veggies/fruit – which helps immensely! Sorry to ramble, but this is a subject that, thanks to you, has made a HUGE positive impact on my life (and my husband’s and my mom’s…and maybe my aunt’s, etc) – so you know, thanks!
I too find lots of great info on Mark’s site, and some of the principles of primal eating make great sense to me. Whole foods? Sensible exercise? I’m there!
But there’s a lot of it that doesn’t make sense to me, based on research I’ve read–or at least not unless you twist the studies to say what you want them too. So many primal advocates START with the premise that whatever cavemen did is best, then work backwards to try to scrape up evidence that these practices are always best for modern humans. Cavemen lived such short lives, I find their practices to be interesting but not necessarily relevant to keeping me healthy and fit and sane in my 50’s, and hopefully many more decades to come. I’d rather see what research says on any given subject (i.e. beans, good or bad?) than start with a particular premise. Well, unless it involves chocolate.
There’s a cultish flavor to the whole thing too, or maybe it just seems that way to me. It’s like it’s “cool” or something to be primal; there’s an “in” group and those who disagree are to be mocked and pitied, like we’re just uneducated sheep who are unable to do anything but follow conventional thinking. (And this isn’t Mark I’m talking about, but some of his followers).
So you tried his plan 3 times?? Kudos for really giving it a chance.
I like a lot of info found on Mark’s site: the emphasis on whole foods, the analysis of how scientific studies get misreported in the press, etc. I also find that when I focus on whole foods and lower my carb intake to a more moderate level (though not quite the low levels he espouses on MDA) that I do feel better, and I love my Vibrams.
The thing that bothers me about MDA is, as observed by commenters above, the morality that is assigned to food and the cultishness of “being Primal.” People who eat a SAD diet are sneered at, the MDA tribe sounds kind of like a bunch of snobs who believe themselves to be infinitely more enlightened than the unwashed hordes, and I’m sure I’ve seen grains referred to as “poison” (so: if you eat grains, you are willingly ingesting poison!). I think a while back Mark had a whole post on how to “prepare” oatmeal to make it “safe” to eat. Anything that goes to that extreme on food, and feels so creepily judgmental, makes me wary.
So you’ve gone over to the dark side ::-)
To quote the now ancient group, The Eagles,” Who is gonna make, it, we’ll find out , in the long run!”
I love that you called yourself half-ruminant and that you know what that means. I don’t eat much for grains, save my cookie addiction, and I love his site too. He can get a bit preachy though, and I kind of feel like he hawks his products a bit too much on the blog, bt otherwise, the man knows his research, and for that I can’t fault him.
In the end, for me, eating whole foods – mostly veggies with some fruit, protein, and homemade cookies (hehehe) thrown in – is what works for me. I’ve been eating like that for a couple years, and I haven’t gotten sick. *knocks on wood*
i LOVE his site but have yet to try it for an extended period of time! i see th e book is on kindle too! and i have gift card do i am buying it! thanks! will definitely try the challenge!
I’m pretty much vegan (I fall off the wagon occasionally) and gluten free, and I also love Mark’s site for the quality of information he presents. I had an ED in my teens and 20s, so my eating habits and attitude towards food have always been kind of abnormal. Things are better now, though, and I’ve become a whole-hearted advocate of plant fats, especially coconut oil, which seems to moisturize my skin from the inside out.
I love Mark’s site! I truly believe that being Paleo/Primal is a great thing. That being said, Mark is pretty cool about it being 80% for most people – he realizes we live in the real world!
I’m still working on my diet these days. I’m definitely carb and sugar sensitive and I feel so much better when I eat along his lines. I don’t think I’ll ever be 100% Primal, but I do my best to try and make 2 meals a day Primal or Paleo. It helps me a lot.
Oh and I love condiments – even though I realize they are full of “bad stuff” and sugar and carbs, I don’t think I’ll ever be making my own ketchup or mayo or bbq sauce.
I really am with the second comment. I really don’t like when people tell me it is there way or the highway. I have seen this a lot in the Paleo arena when they really get down on others that don’t go for what they are saying although that happens with all of this stuff. But what works for one is not what will work for another beyond, dare I say, that food is at least 75% of weight loss. 😉 BUT for me, if a doc said I had to eat this way or that way for long term health because I had a health issue, I would.. but long term, not for me. I love some of my grains way too much & I know how to portion control & eat whole foods vs. processed yet I still want to enjoy now & then. Unless it is life threatening, not going that way.
I will say that a while back, I read some articles on certain ways of eating & it did not rank Paleo that well BUT again, to each their own!
Again, our universes collide. Love the Primal lifestyle, but don’t anyone touch my oats! Tried like without grains, it was awful. Bring on the butter, eggs, and beef, but I’ll take them with a side of quinoa, thanks.
Great post! You just reminded me that I need to check out his site again, I visited a while ago and want to go back…everything is very well researched and explained. I am like you though, if I try to cut out whole grains…I go nutso for sugar.
Gosh, who knows? I really do think that everyone has an eating style that just works for them better than others. I tend to not eat a lot of grains, except popcorn pretty much daily. I could live without bread or other starches about 80% of the time but I love them very much when I do have them. I still do have an innate fear of fat and consume nut butters/fats on a daily basis but in quarter-servings at a time. So I guess that leaves mostly proteins, veggies, some fruit and dairy. Oh, and a little bit of chocolate- but that’s not a grain, right 😉
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