The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

[AuburnAlumni]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

Damn, 200-300 is "normal" for you? lol

That's typically a months worth for me. Ha.

And I was just wondering if you started incorporating some "wild game" to your diet like the book mentions. And do you use any of the recipes from the booK?

Or are you more of an "assembler" like me? Cook my protein, and just eat some greens and a fruit with it and call it a day. No cooking at all really. lol

I've gotten some deer from some buddies who hunt. I don't hunt so I have to look for game. It's fairly expensive but it is much leaner than the fatty corn fed beef in most supermarkets.

I spend a lot of money on food (even before going Paleo) because it's important to me. Not that it isn't for someone who can't afford to spend 800-1000 bucks a month on food, but I look at food and what I put into my body as a critical component in my life.

I'm not gonna put some 2.00 fast food burger in my body just to save a few bucks. My food is my fuel and 90% of your physique, energy, and strength comes from your DIET...not your workouts.

I'm 33 years old, 220ish (hover between 217-225) and about 8% bodyfat right now. That is a direct result of both my workouts and because I only put high quality food in my body.


But if you money is an issue, the cheapest (and leanest) cuts of protein to eat would be chicken and turkey. I get Salmon for around 8.99 a pound at Costco and Tri Tip Roast for 5.49/lb.

I'll give you what I ate today for example....

Breakfast
-Baked Salmon Fillet
-Bowl of Blueberries, Rasperries, Blackberries
-Banana

Meal #2
-Baked Salmon Fillet
-Salad (Celery, Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach Leaves, Broccoli Florets, Asparagus, Carrots) tossed in olive oil and lemon juice
-2 Clementines (Citrus Fruit)

Meal #3
-Tri Tip Roast (Marinated in Marsala Wine/Olive Oil/Spice mixture)
-Roasted Carrots and Onions
-Apple

Meal #4
-Jumbo Shrimp
-Salad tossed in Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
-Apple
-2 Clementines

Meal #5
-Salmon Fillet
-Salad tossed in Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

Meal #6
-Salmon Fillet
-Apple


I eat a TON of Salmon. Best protein source on the planet.

I've gone from 228 to 217 in about 5 weeks. My bodyfat has gone from 10 to 8%. That's with zero cardio...just weight lifting.

I can say without a doubt that I'm going Paleo for life. My digestion problems are gone, my energy levels are constant, my strength is great in my workouts, and I'm getting lean as hell.

[EnigmaNemesis]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

Sounds exactly like the diet I went on last year... and dropped 45+ lbs in about 2-3 months. Just doing pushups and walking.

The diet was the trick, and when I mean diet, I do not mean TEMPORARY BULL****... I mean dietary needs for long term health and life.

I felt so much better, way more energy, could function on 5-6 hours sleep with no issue... up at the asscrack of dawn no issue.

And like you, weight just shed off, and overall I felt better. Got a little lax over the winter with the girl I was with, but now I am back on track again with this. And doing heavy weight training. Bulking up and shedding fat.

Not a fan of Salmon baked, so I cook the filet in a skillet with olive oil, coated with sazon and adobo. Taste amazing, just cook it 3-5 minutes on each side, so it stays so tender and juicy. Mouth watering.

I also got a bamboo steamer for some tilapia over salad, etc.

Also lots of water... zero nasty soft drinks and processed sugar crap. Lots of clean filtered water. I have well water where I live, but I also have a nice Berkey Stainless Gravity filter I have water run through and constantly recycled. The nutrients can not get to you without proper clean water.

This is the one I have that I got off this site...

http://www.morethanalive.com/RB

Absolutely phenomenal site for healthy living needs, and exceptional customer service from my experience.

[TMagic]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

@ AA...

I guess being 220 adds up. You got 40 pounds on me. I'm about 180, 9% BF. Lol.

I'm not eating crap food. But I still am amazed that you spend that much on food. Gee whiz. I eat pretty well and probably spend half that amount. If that.

Have you looked into any co-ops? A guy that I was talking to said he could get a box of fruits and vegetables that will last him a week for about 25 bucks and the same for some proteins. All organic too.

[KG]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

I'm assuming oatmeal is a no-no?

[AuburnAlumni]

I'm assuming oatmeal is a no-no?

You'd assume correct.

[MachoFantastic]

AA I'm just curious where you get any calcium (for bones and teeth) in a diet like this?

I don't know about this diet, but real "pre-modern men" would have gotten a huge portion of their calcium from insects, which was of course a major part of their diet.

[EnigmaNemesis]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

I don't know about this diet, but real "pre-modern men" would have gotten a huge portion of their calcium from insects, which was of course a major part of their diet.

Insects have more phosphorus than calcium. Which will cause it deficiency if overdone.

You can get plenty of calcium from fruits and vegetables. And even take supplements.

Collard Greens, Kale, Cabbage, Oranges, Almonds, etc.

Reduce your sodium intake. Increased sodium in the blood can cause your body to compensate by pulling more calcium from your bones to maintain balance. Cut back on your salt intake and your bones will stay strong.

Eat your veggies. In addition to their calcium content, many vegetables and fruits are good sources of potassium. According to the NIH, this mineral may help decrease calcium excretion in people who eat high sodium diets— particularly in postmenopausal women.

Don’t overdo the protein. As with sodium, the body’s reaction to excess protein can weaken bones. If you’re on a high-protein diet, be doubly sure you’re getting the recommended amount of calcium daily—at least 1,000 mg.

Exercise. Weight bearing exercise, like walking, step-aerobics, running, and hiking put stress on your bones, causing your body to respond by making them stronger.

Get ample amounts of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps improve calcium absorption. Food and sunlight are your two sources for vitamin D. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, “for bone health, an adequate intake of vitamin D is no less important than calcium.” Food sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, tuna, and fortified breakfast cereals. According to the NIH, ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back (without sunscreen) is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D.

[MachoFantastic]

Insects have more phosphorus than calcium. Which will cause it deficiency if overdone.

The way I understood it was that a lot of wild insects contained less phosphorus and more calcium due to their diet.

You can get plenty of calcium from fruits and vegetables. And even take supplements.

I know, but I wasn't talking about this diet, I was talking about actual historic man. Believe or not, but cavemen didn't have access to calcium supplements. They also didn't have access to most of the fruits and vegetables that we have now; anything except for berries, grasses, and roots would have been unavailable in any substantial amount.

As far as the bit about not overdoing protein, while it may not be true to the real cavemen's diet, is absolutely true. The Inuit people for instance consume more calcium than pretty much anybody, but they also have the highest rate of bone degradation of the entire world, since they consume ridiculous amounts of protein and pretty much nothing else.

[Jonesy]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

Still doing this AA?

I recently read 'The Primal Blueprint' by Mark Sisson and it's some interesting stuff (very similar to the Paleo Diet I assume). I have slowly been gravitating to this type of eating for a while now and I'm thinking of going into it fulltime.

This is his recommended food and exercise pyramids:

FOOD

Spoiler

EXERCISE

Spoiler

[RockinDaMike]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

Funny you put up those pyramids. I been eating like that for the past 2 weeks and feel great. I just got over a foot injury so during that time I pretty much let go and started eating like crap again and started eating meat and junk.

When my foot got better, I went ahead and got serious with my health again. I was suggested by a friend to take an blood drawn allergy test to see what foods I'm allergic to. He was claiming that I might be allergic to certain foods which don't necessarily give you a traditional allergic reaction like skin rashes but can cause other reactions like headaches, bloating, stomach aches. When i went to a specialist they say that is true and can cause your body to use tremendous amount of energy to digest which causes those reactions and also gives you a tougher time to lose weight in which case the foods I'm allergic to caused fatigue,bloating and headaches.

I was shocked what I was allergic to: Yeast (all breads, beer, wine), Eggs (which also means most pasta), Crab, Oysters, Pickles, cranberries, mushrooms, milk, cheese, cayenne pepper. Pretty much everything that is good in this world.

I was devastated (especially seeing beer on the list) but explains so much of what I was going through eating these type of foods. I would mainly get bloated, get tired and knock out.

So for the past month I've had almost zero of what I'm allergic too. For the first two weeks I admit I tried pretty much anything bad that I wasn't allergic to like Chinese and Mexican food minus cheese.

I pretty much stopped that for the past two weeks and I've consistently juiced the following veggies and fruit in the morning: apple, kale, spinach, celery, lemon, cucumber. I mix in organic husk fiber to replace the fiber i'm taking out by juicing.

2 hours after that half cup of unsalted almonds or sunflower seeds.

In another 2 hours I'll have a chicken salad (2 or 3 oz of chicken) with celery and carrots.

In another 2 or 3 hours I'll have more almonds or seeds with an apple

In another 2 or 3 hours I'll have dinner and its been different types of salmon, cod, halibut and also chicken breast with big side of veggies (today 5 spears of aspargus) and 1 cup of rice.

That's about 1800 calories right there. I'll also have 1 protein shake if I'm working out so that's about 120 calories. I'll also throw in another fruit like a banana or pear.

Verdict: I seriously have not felt better in my life. I wish I knew a lot longer what I was allergic to because it explains so much my whole life struggle to lose weight and going through headaches and feeling like crap.

I thought it would be tough to calorie count but I make it a game now to keep it under 2000 calories and its been easy using an app on my phone. I've also incorporated more exercise in the last month. I lift heavy 3 times a week, cardio for 4 and also I do yoga on the days that I don't lift.

I'll admit, its not easy but I'm trying my hardest. I pretty much made my mind think of all the foods that I used to LOVE and think its poison now. Some of my friends think its weird but it helps me take away any cravings I have for it. Hard part to is I quit going out to eat and that's taking a damper on my social life but I don't care, priority number 1 is health and I have to accomplish my goal before I do anything else.

[AuburnAlumni]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

Still doing this AA?

I recently read 'The Primal Blueprint' by Mark Sisson and it's some interesting stuff (very similar to the Paleo Diet I assume). I have slowly been gravitating to this type of eating for a while now and I'm thinking of going into it fulltime.

This is his recommended food and exercise pyramids:

FOOD

Spoiler

EXERCISE

Spoiler

Yup, I'm still a Paleo. Been over a year now.

I've gotten to where I don't even want rice or potatoes. Maybe once in a blue moon I get a craving. But I feel guilty as hell if I eat it.

I stick almost exclusively to fruits, veggies, lean meat, nuts, and olive oil. That's it.

I posted some beach pics in the picture thread. It's definitely helping me stay lean year long. I hover around 215-220. I just eat until I feel full too. No real calorie counting. Why? Because if you eat tons of veggies and fruit, the fiber will naturally fill you up and you'll keep your weight in balance without having to think about it...just as nature intended.


The reason our society is growing fatter by the day is due to the highly processed crap people shove in their pie hole, the 700 calorie Super Gulp sodas that have no nutritional value, and the complete lack of physical activity.

I'll be Paleo for life most likely. I simply feel and look better on it.

[Jonesy]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

Nice, def seems to be working for ya.

What do you have for breakfast these days?

What about booze?

[Phobia]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

I got a couple simple question for you AA. This tends to be the thing that hurts me the most with eating health.

First, I was always really in shape through out high school and college due to sports. I hovered around 170 (5'11") from high school (18) to about two years ago (29). I am now 31 and starting to develop some weight gain which I never had before. I am up to 180 and wanting to slim that back down and add more muscle.

I have a bunch of equipment at home to do most of the exercise to remain "in shape", where I falter is my eating. Living in Louisiana it is Crawfish, shrimp/crawfish etouffee, gumbo, fried everything, boudin, meat pies, graveies etc etc. I am sure you know what I mean.

I bounce here and there to eating "better" and cleaner. Then it becomes too hard to maintain due to my life style. I have to get up for work early (6am) and I get home late (6pm). When I get home I have things around the house to tend to, yard work, remodeling projects, obligations with friends, etc etc. During work, I am 100 miles a min running all over doing 10 different things.

1) How do you maintain a meal plan with a high pace life style such as mine?

2) How do you maintain a meal plan with a life style that is constantly changing and different (No real routine)?

3) What are your tips and advice to maintain some sort of healthy eating structure for me?

[AuburnAlumni]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

Nice, def seems to be working for ya.

What do you have for breakfast these days?

What about booze?

Booze is obviously bad. The less the better. I do drink..but not that often.

My breakfast is usually some lean protein (eggs/egg whites or chicken, etc.) and a banana with a cup of berries, handful of nuts, etc.

[AuburnAlumni]

Re: The Paleo Diet..I'm a convert.

I got a couple simple question for you AA. This tends to be the thing that hurts me the most with eating health.

First, I was always really in shape through out high school and college due to sports. I hovered around 170 (5'11") from high school (18) to about two years ago (29). I am now 31 and starting to develop some weight gain which I never had before. I am up to 180 and wanting to slim that back down and add more muscle.

I have a bunch of equipment at home to do most of the exercise to remain "in shape", where I falter is my eating. Living in Louisiana it is Crawfish, shrimp/crawfish etouffee, gumbo, fried everything, boudin, meat pies, graveies etc etc. I am sure you know what I mean.

I bounce here and there to eating "better" and cleaner. Then it becomes too hard to maintain due to my life style. I have to get up for work early (6am) and I get home late (6pm). When I get home I have things around the house to tend to, yard work, remodeling projects, obligations with friends, etc etc. During work, I am 100 miles a min running all over doing 10 different things.

1) How do you maintain a meal plan with a high pace life style such as mine?

I travel 100% of the time in my main profession as a computer medical software consultant. The key is preparation. Make meals ahead of time. Plan out your day. Plan out your meals. If you don't have a plan..that is what leads to inconsistent eating and grabbing "quick" stuff like fast food and junk food.

2) How do you maintain a meal plan with a life style that is constantly changing and different (No real routine)? Realize that you are busy and plan accordingly. If you think you'll be gone from the house for a long period of time, pack some healthy snacks in your car....apples, oranges, bananas, walnuts, almonds, etc. Pack a small cooler in your backseat with lean chicken or grapes, etc. Again...be prepared. Plan ahead. Even if your day changes, you know that you'll be busy. Have stuff on hand to keep you from grabbing chips or a hamburger and ruining your diet.

3) What are your tips and advice to maintain some sort of healthy eating structure for me?

Planning, planning, planning. Shop for your groceries on Sunday, make meals ahead of time in containers for quick access so you don't have to think about it. Keep sustainable, healthy snacks on hand. Apples, nuts, etc. are always easy.

NEVER RUN OUT OF FOOD!!! That is where you'll fail. That is where you'll run to McDonald's or the gas station. Always have supplies on hand.

Eat as clean as possible. Avoid sugar like the plague. Avoid processed food. The less ingredients the better. Whole food sources are your friend. Water is the only thing you should drink. Don't "drink" calories. Fiber is your friend. There is no fiber in a 3 liter coke...but there are TONS of calories and you won't feel full.

Get your butt off the couch and move. That's pretty much it.