This is a great article that I just read by paleolifestyle.com. I thank them for writing it, and I would like to share it with you as well as my comments on each “Myth”.
Myth #1: Paleo is low-carb
Truth: Paleo is about avoiding modern food toxins, not about restricting carbs. The earliest incarnations of Paleo were low-carb, based on incomplete information about what hunter-gatherers actually ate. Now we know that humans can be perfectly healthy on a wide range of carb intakes – non-toxic carbs like potatoes and white rice are perfectly acceptable on Paleo.
My comment: Yes some carbs are acceptable for high intensity athletes but should be eaten in moderation. Rice is still a highly processed food. If you have to eat, enjoy the full grain and avoid microwavable, ready to eat or quick cook options. Better yet, just make cauliflower rice, you won’t miss the real rice! White Potatoes again should be eaten in moderation as they can have adverse affects on your metabolism, especially if you are trying to lose weight or have diabetes. My thought is if you are an active fit person indulging in some white potatoes once in a while will be fine! Here is a great article about white potatoes and paleo, by Marks Daily Apple: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/paleo-potatoes/#axzz2SpAlwACj
Myth #2: Paleo is expensive
Truth: Modern processed food is expensive. Say you’re buying breakfast for the week. You could either buy a box of granola ($5) or two dozen eggs ($1.50 per dozen, so $3 total). You could buy a gallon of milk ($3.50) to go with your granola, or a bag of spinach ($2.50) to cook into your omelet. Some strawberries for your granola ($3.50) or some onions for your eggs ($1.50). Paleo actually saves you money!
My Comment: True and False: Eating Paleo is more expensive when compared to eating cheap ready to eat meals. You all know that there are some pretty “cheap” foods out there, but that is also why our society suffers so much from obesity! Fast Food, ready to eat meals, etc are laden with fat and calories. I saw a commercial the other day for Kentucky Fried Chicken, they have a $1.99 meal on Mondays that is chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy and a biskit. You can’t cook a meal for that, but look at how many calories you are consuming and how greasy and carb loaded it is. Better to plan ahead with a roast in the crockpot than to eat a quick meal that is bad for you.
Myth #3: Paleo is about imitating cavemen
Truth: Paleo is about choosing and eating the best food for your health, regardless of what was or wasn’t available in the actual Paleolithic. Evolutionary science is just a starting point for research. Nobody is actually trying to imitate a caveman.
My Comment: Yes we get the name “Paleo” from the Paleolithic time period in which we say we are mimicking the way we eat. But in reality we don’t really know for sure what they ate or how they ate. We actually eat as close to “clean” as possible, avoiding processed foods when and how we can. For some people eating Paleo also means avoiding dairy. If you can tolerate dairy and enjoy it then by all means be sure to include good quality, hormone free, grass fed products in your diet.
Myth #4: There is only one “Paleo diet”
Truth: Paleo is individual. Some people feel fine with dairy; others prefer to avoid it. Some people eat low-carb; other people eat high-carb. There is no one “correct” way to do Paleo; the right way is the way that works for you.
My Comment: Oh my this is the BIG ONE! NO..there isn’t one Paleo diet! I tell this to everyone all the time! Every Paleo enthusiast will have their on thoughts on what is right and what isn’t. You have to do what is right for you! It is important that you do the 30 day strict, and then you can re-introduce items slowly to see how your body reacts to them. If you love and can tolerate peanuts and other legumes, you can indulge once in a while, same goes with dairy. Remember most of us Paleo enthusiasts live by the 80/20 rule. 80 percent of the time we eat strict, and 20 percent of the time we indulge in foods that we wouldn’t call “Paleo”, like dairy, peanuts or beer J
Myth #5: Paleo is about weight loss
Truth: Paleo is about health. For some people, health means losing some extra fat. For others, health might mean gaining muscle to improve their athletic performance, or maintaining their weight during a serious illness. The weight loss stories are impressive, but Paleo is much more than that.
My Comment: Totally agree! Those that are overweight will find that if they change the way they eat they will lose weight, especially if combined with an exercise program, which of course I recommend Crossfit.
Do you have any other concerns? Let me know about them and I will see if I can help you find the answer. Remember, the key is to do the research and experiment and find out what works for you.
