A Dietitian’s Perspective on Everything Paleo

by: Jen Jones

My first experience with the Paleo Diet went a little something like this:

Kevin (my husband): “The trainers at CrossFit recommend I follow the Paleo Diet.”

Me: “What the heck is the Paleo Diet?”

Kevin: “Lots of lean protein, veggies and fruit. No sugar or carbs including beans, peanuts or peanut butter.”

Me: “That’s crap.”

Fast forward about a year. I personally have prescribed to CrossFit myself for over six months, and some things have begun to change. After having a long conversation with both Scott and Lin about the diet while in the On Ramp class, I was still not convinced about this new “fad” diet, but I took one recommendation to at least reduce the amount of added sugar and bread I was consuming and see how my tendonitis plagued wrists felt a few weeks later.  Within a week, the range of motion in both wrists was almost as good as the relief I received after getting cortisone shots. A Paleo believer? Not quite.

There are a few things I’ve learned since becoming a dietitian over 10 years ago:

1) Most people have no idea what I actually do on a daily basis (no, I don’t write menus for hospitals and cafeterias)

2) Reading the latest diet books is just as valuable as reading the latest nutrition research journals

3) Everyone from my next door neighbor to Oprah think they have all the answers when it comes to food and nutrition.

Let’s focus on the latter.

I opened The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf with a big sigh, but was pleasantly surprised with the amount of information and effort put forth to show the science behind his reasoning. While I could do without some of the comments relating to dietitians and nutrition scientists (Robb I would love to discuss the difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis. Give me a call anytime 292-0447), I really found the material thought-provoking and accurate to what occurs with digestion and food in the body. The Paleo Diet by Dr. Cordain, is also a good read with less of the science background, but still spells out the meaning of what the Paleo diet really is. While small difference do exist between what the two recommend for everyday eating, the underlying theme of eating what was available during the Paleolithic Age remains the same. Both reference the Agricultural revolution as the breaking point for which we as humans have set ourselves up for disaster with preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes and other autoimmune disorders.

I struggle with this point more than any other because as you look towards other major progressions of our history, for example the Industrial Revolution, we see how progress has been positive and we’ve adapted when necessary.  Where would we be today if not for these major inventions and developments? Isn’t evolving all about growing and adapting to changing environments? Are we expected to believe that our bodies and digestive systems could not have evolved to better process sugars, dairy, beans, etc?

While these are still questions I debate when considering the Paleo diet, overall the diet is consistent, wholesome, adequate and in a food sense, pure. There are no calorie or fat limits, no elaborate plan or supplements/special foods that are required in order to have success. It is a solution with a clear plan that leads anyone to better food choices and overall healthier lifestyle.  It allows for “non-Paleo” meals throughout the week so you don’t feel deprived in the initial stages of the plan. In the clearest terms possible: It breaks our dependency on over-processed, over-used and over-emphasized foods that bring little nutritional value to our diets and health.

Since reading both books by Wolf and Cordain and purchasing The Paleo Diet Cookbook, my family has played with several recipes. I’ve had two successful grocery store trips without purchasing processed sugars or carbohydrates, and while I may not be able to feel the full effects of the diet yet (still eating some leftover carbs in the house), I am enjoying the reduced wrist pain that crept back over the holidays, feeling fuller after eating less at meals, and knowing I’m consuming the foods intended for humans.

As we work towards the next Paleo Challenge at CrossFit Carmel, I encourage everyone to incorporate some part of the diet into their lifestyle. Each individual is different as are your needs for weight loss, performance, health, etc. Read one of the books, try a couple recipes and simply start using the plans. Going 100% Paleo from day 1 won’t work for everyone, but make it challenging enough that you can see and feel the results. What do you have to lose? Trust me, it will make a difference.