Paleo

Has anyone tried this diet? I'm thinking of starting it.

I'm what I call a lazy vegetarian (I eat fish still) so this doesn't work for me, but I've met a few folks who are doing it in DC (where I live).

It seems like a pretty healthy option, and the elimination of all the processed stuff would be great for your health issues (not saying you eat a bunch of processed now, but still). I've also heard that it can be a challenge in the beginning to eat out, but steak houses are a great option.

Even with my current lazy vegetarian option I've thought about doing a fish version of the paleo.

Oh, I eat plenty of processed foods now. This would be a huge, hard change for me. I'm willing to try it for 30 days. Thing is...I don't like steak or many meats for that matter, so that part will be hard. I do like fish and chicken, so I'd have to stick to that mostly.

I think the hardest part would be the lack of breads and other things that began as grains but were made into something else, like tortillas, bagels, cereal...... Those are eliminated front the paleo right? if I remember the whole idea is eating pretty much what a caveman would /could.

I could do the vegetables easy enough, but no bread? No pasta? And - gasp - no ice cream?!? Good luck - let us know if you try it!

Is it supposed to be helpful for lupus?

My daughter keeps pushing it on me and I bought the book Paleo Solution. Oddly enough, the author talks about his mother who did have a Lupus diagnosis but never tried the diet. He claims that it helps autoimmune disorders in general. I've never heard a bad thing about it, only good.

Yes, it will be hard to give up breads and pastas, even harder to stop my coffee/tea habits. I have to do something though!

Well good luck! It certainly can't hurt.

My daughter lives near DC, so that must be a big thing there. I'm going to start next week and ease into it. Good thing I like salads! I like that it eliminates glutens. I've been wanting to try that anyway.

I wish I had thought of this diet first so I was making all the money he is on his books etc!

Melinda it's easy to think up a diet and write a book. Problem is you either have to be a bit nutty and believe in your diet or be so immoral as to be comfortable selling it knowing it's rubbish.

I was never a believer in any diet, but this one eliminates sugars and glutens, which sre proven to be unhealthy. That can't be a bad thing. I have nothing to lose.

I'd think gluten is only unhealthy to those who are sensitive to it. It does seem the thing to avoid gluten though although I'm not sure why that has sprung up. If you want to lose weight or lower cholesterol and other things, then just eat little on two days a week. That has been shown to be healthy.

To be honest I don't know much about this diet - but I am not a cave man, my body is different than their bodies were so why would I want to eat like one. There is Paleo, Atkins, South Beach, Blood Type diet etc.

My thought is if one is serious about dieting then just do it - cut back on fat, on sugar, on carbs, or whatever, it can be done without buying a book or a special suit or something - will power is all it takes. Also I don't believe in a diet that tells you to totally cut out anything.

That's just my opinion on diets. One can eat healthy on their own, smaller portions, watching calories & sat fats and avoiding hydrogenated & partially hydrogenated fats etc. If I were to diet, which lord knows I need, I would do Weight Watchers.

Now if for medical reasons then of course one may have to go on a diet that excludes or restricts something!



PS - my understanding is a lot of foods/drink are eliminated in this diet because they were not available during that time - maybe they would have been healthier if they had had coffee to drink www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57436245-10391704/two-cups-of-coffee-a-day-cuts-overall-risk-of-dying-by-10-percent-research-shows/

The reason I need the book is because I don't know what foods contain gluten and if you are going to eliminate it, you have to go 100%. I wouldn't want to ruin it with some condiment or side dish. I need to be educated to do it right. I don't know enough about where glutens and sugars are hidden in foods and drinks.

Yes, there are ways to detect gluten sensitivity, but I don't believe those tests are 100% accurate. They only test for two antibodies but there could be much more to it that isn't yet known. Even getting a negative from the two tests does not prove that a person does not have Celiac's. I don't think I have Celiac's, but there has been a lot of research regarding gluten and autoimmune disorders and many people have seen improvement from eliminating gluten.

I didn't just quit my job to eliminate stress. I quit my job because I am losing my body and cannot get it back. I had a lot of bad eating habits because I didn't have the energy to eat right and take care of myself. I did whatever was easy. My goal is to make lifestyle changes that might help. I can do that, or I can do nothing. If I do nothing, I will continue to decline. The list of things that I can't do just keeps growing. Lupus and the meds are destroying my body.

I cannot walk my dogs. I cannot work outside in the yard. I can barely get a basket of clothes up the stairs. I cannot paint a room. My finger joints are so swollen and painful that I have trouble typing. I have no muscle tone. I keep gaining weight. I have reflux so bad that I wake up with my throat on fire. I have a boot on my foot from steroid stress fractures. I have constant muscle/joint pain. I've been sick with bronchitis, pneumonia and a UTI for 8 weeks- 4 antibiotics in that time. It's 11:30 am right now. I've been up for 3 1/2 hours and I am wiped out already. I never want to go anywhere or have people over - too draining. Who wants to live like this? No QOL.

I have a choice right now. I need to try something to get part of me back and I believe the start is changing what I eat and drink. I drink way too much sugar and that has to stop too. So this author is telling me that I should eat salads with boiled chicken instead of a McDonald's hamburger. I want to listen to him and you're going to tell me it's a crock? This is the first diet I've ever seen that actually makes some sense.

Sorry. I got a bit upset. This isn't a weight loss issue. If it were, I could figure that out on my own. This is about literally saving my body. I need guidance and I don't care if someone made $14 on the used book I bought on Amazon. I have to try something.

My Rheumatologist keeps wanting to add Imuran to the mix. I keep putting her off. I think if I have the time to do more for myself, I can improve. The things that you guys do without thinking are things that I haven't been able to do in a long time. Such as...making a meal. After working until 5, I didn't have one iota of energy to make dinner. My husband did it. If he was out of town, I'd open up a can of beans for dinner. Now I can plan my meals and prepare them, so why not do it right?

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1754806/

You and I go back a long time Sandi and we both have always been honest and open with each other, neither of us has held back - I don't care if you get upset with me, that's ok. I'll tell you though, when you said this guy claims that his diet helps with autoimmune diseases - that was so unlike you, it really threw me!

You said: "So this author is telling me that I should eat salads with boiled chicken instead of a McDonald's hamburger." That is just common sense, an author doesn't need to tell me that.

I would check my insurance to see if they cover seeing a nutritionist - that person will be able to direct you in the proper manner [sorry I really do have problems with these diets that come & go & come again and promise this & that] - a nutritionist would be able to help you with the gluten issue, tell you where it is in foods, and sugars too - that's their job. Doesn't that make more sense? My cousin was a nutritionist, I'd ask her questions for you but she died of pancreatic cancer 2 years ago.

I know, Melinda. You're my friend. And you also know that I am one of the biggest skeptics on the face of the earth. I never believed that any diet would raise platelets or any herbal supplement would either. I never think anything is that easy.

But I've done enough research over the years to know that both gluten and sugar can cause damage to the body in ways that we don't realize. Yes, I will follow this guy's advice because he can tell me how to eat without those two things. He didn't create the diet by the way, it's been around for a long time. He's just promoting it. I don't know how to do it by myself and I am going to horrify you even more by saying that I am going to order two Paleo cookbooks :evil: ! I also have a cook book from the American Heart Association on how to eat heart-healthy.

I know eating salads is better than McDonald's, but again, you have to use special dressing, there are some vegetables to avoid, things about this diet that I am not familiar with. I can't see how it could possibly hurt because you still get vegetables, fruits, meats, etc.

A nutritionist is a good idea and I won't discount that. But right now I am seeing 2 to 3 doctors a week as it is...all of September and all of October. I have 2 appointments lined up for November already. I can't do any more appointments at the moment.

One more thing and I'll shut up. My daughter got this diet from her boyfriend. He's been on it for a few years and swears by it. He was in training for the Navy Seals until he ended up with s shoulder injury, but is going to try again. He is in top shape and if you know anything about Seals Training, it is the most grueling thing ever. So, I didn't just pull this out of my butt, it came recommended.

Sandi,
I was gluten free for 5 years when 1st diagnosed with ITP.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye & oats. As a farmer I struggled with the idea, however managed to maintain the diet. I got hold of a couple of recipe books, & as several have said, due to the fact gluten free has become more common, there are many gluten free options available in the supermarkets. Health food stores have them also, but they are usually dearer. Get used to checking the ingredient list on packaging, it will drive you mad at first, but becomes easier.
Several people told me that doing gf now is much easier than a few years ago, when flour substitutes weren't readily available.
When eating out, most restaurants & cafe's have gf options & you can google gf places in your town or city.
As for the sugar - I found it hard at first to cut down, but the more I did the more I couldn't stand the sweet taste of stuff.
Good on you,
mj

Sandi,
Good for you! I think it's fabulous that you're beginning to make some changes in your life, when it clearly wasn't working for you. You are way too young to be feeling so old. There's nothing wrong with buying a book or even paying for a class to learn about something new to you. If it sounds too weird or wacky, being an intelligent person, I am sure you could discern that. But, truth is, lots of people do better when trying new things, if they have clear direction, some structure to it, as well as the support and motivation that often comes with it.

I have not personally done the gluten-free diet, mostly because I don't feel I react badly to it, don't have any digestive problems, and I'm not a particularly disciplined person. I simply enjoy eating good food, and for me, that includes grains, breads and pastas, along with fresh fruit and veggies.

But, I do have many friends and patients that eat gluten and dairy free. Almost all have seen some benefits from it-losing weight, helps with IBS or ulcerative colitis, they have more energy, better skin, helps if they have food allergies. However, it's not an easy thing to do. Most find that it severely limits their freedom to dine out or go to friend's houses, unless their friends eat in the same manner. Gluten free products are pricey! You have to be careful of contamination if the rest of your family is still eating gluten. Quite a few who have been on it for a number of years have begun to develop allergies to rice,now. Here is a recent article that is another cause for concern with eating gluten-free products made from corn:

www.naturalnews.com/037494_gluten-free_GMOs_GM_corn.html

Majority of 'gluten-free' foods found to contain GMOs
One more thing to get paranoid over, huh? But those rat tumors were pretty big!
But, just another thing to be aware of--not insurmountable.

A gluten-free diet usually can reduce inflammation, so I think it might help you quite a bit.
You might also look at doing some simple things to make your body more alkaline, like squeezing a fresh wedge of lemon into your water glass each time. Little baby steps are usually easier to make, and you're more likely to stay with them. Do some research on Earthing/Grounding and incorporate that into your day (it's free) or invest in the grounding sheets if you can't get out enough. It's a very simple concept, and makes sense to me. It makes a big difference.
You've already seen the difference that Vitamin D makes, but be sure and check your levels every 3-6 months, as you also don't want your levels to go too high (50-70 is a good range.)

But, more than anything, all the medications you're on just can't be good. They can also completely destroy your normal gut flora and fauna. Fermented vegetables are probably the best way to reestablish the normal bacteria. If you can't do those, a good probiotic (veggies are more effectie and cost very little).

And, don't dismiss homeopathy. It can be extremely effective for chronic pain and inflammation, and can help undo some of the damage done by medications.

But, do a little at a time. Each day, do at least 3 small things that will work towards bettering your health. Removing all the stress of your job was a great start!
Here's to a healthier, happier new you!

April

April:


Thanks for the article. The truth is though, there is no way to eat 100% healthy. I know that. I plan to add more tuna but that contains mercury. Eating more vegetables is risky because of insecticides. Chicken contains additives and steroids. I cannot go organic because it's not an option in my area. As far as developing a rice allergy, I'm not sure I care because it contains arsenic. I just had a big bowl of arsenic last night with some steamed broccoli. You can't win no matter what you do. I am loading up on the goodies this week because I start the diet on Monday. This will not be easy; I love canoli's and angel hair spaghetti, etc.

I do take a good probiotic with 50 billion live cultures. As far as I know, it's kept me from getting C Diff while on all of these antibiotics. Who knows?

My husband is giving me grief about this because he doesn't want to change his eating habits and he's worried about how it will affect him. He loves his junk food and is a horrible eater. I consider a salad a meal and he considers it a small part of a meal. He loves his frozen pizzas (yuck) and Hot Pockets. What he doesn't get is that he can still have a roast beef dinner with asparagus. I'm not sure what he thinks this will entail.

What's funny is that I was all worried about bread crumbs. I love ham loaf which I can still eat on this diet, but you need bread crumbs to hold it together and make the consistency right. After a little research, I found a solution. Ground up pork rinds. I can do that and it might actually be good. There's always a way....

MJ:

Are you still gluten free?

Hi Sandi,
No, I'm not doing gf 100% any more. BUT we do prefer some things gf such as pasta. It is much easier to digest.
As for your bread crumb dilemma - I use rice crumbs for everything from meatloaf, to coating chicken & fish.
A friend of mine is gf after learning that her debilitating migraines were gluten related. So I always have gf snack biscuits (crackers for the cheese platter), flour etc. on hand. Recently we had them for dinner & we had steak & roast veg. for mains, & dried fruits compote (simmered in spicy syrup) with cream for dessert.
The hardest time I found was when we attended a community function, such as a funeral, where everyone provides a plate of food. There was never any options unless I brought it myself. You do get used to having snacks on hand eg rice cakes.
mj

You know, I'd maybe have a problem with you trying a new diet if it was something crazy, like how some people do "lemon juice and cayenne" as a cleanse some crap like that.

But the paleo diet is very healthy - its mostly lean meats and vegetables, and no processed foods. It doesn't eliminate anything you need, you get all your nutrients. It's not way "out there" at all - the name is crazier than the food!

It's not gonna hurt you, and maybe it will help. After watchful "fat, sick, and nearly dead" I did juicing for 2 weeks. I still have ITP but I lost weight, and the juice was great. I felt better - my numbers were crap, but eh - I was no worse for it.

So try it. Its not crazy, or unhealthy, and even if it doesn't help your issues, it certainly won't hurt. I don't think you're looking for a miracle cure - sounds like you are just making sure you've checked all your boxes. Good luck Sandi.

Thanks, Kittie. I agree. It's not one of those weird, fad diets and you can still eat nearly everything but junk. I don't see the harm in cutting out sugar and gluten. I'm going to make my grocery list today.

It's not like I have to go out and kill a rhino and cook up a slab of ribs.

There's nothing wrong with doing what you want to anyway. The only reason I commented was because you said "I was never a believer in any diet, but this one eliminates sugars and glutens, which sre proven to be unhealthy" and I don't believe that to be so, specifically I don't believe glutens to be proven to be unhealthy. They may be unhealthy for you but not for the general population.

I think then, we can agree to disagree. Chances are, I'll do this for a month or two and end up back to my old eating habits anyway. Unless I see some major changes, I doubt I'll stick with it. I do want to try it though.

I do think gluten is most likely bad for everyone, but I'm not out to convince anyone of it.

I didn't mind your comments, Ann. Or Melinda's. I've disagreed with people many times and often feel like the bad guy. It's okay, I can handle it. You never know when someone might say something useful during a disagreement, so it can be a learning experience.

Sandi,
You are killing me with the idea that your new diet which you hope will improve your health requires ground pork rinds in your ham loaf. And I never even heard of ham loaf!

I made chicken soup this weekend - great soup weather.
Erica

Sandi wrote: and I am going to horrify you even more by saying that I am going to order two Paleo cookbooks

You never did horrify me - it's your money. I would just rather spend mine on something else - like a nutritionist.

Pork rinds? Wonder what the sat fat is in pork rinds.

Get the books from the public library!!
Erica

OK, another 2 cents worth.
One theory about gluten issues is that in our modern world we are consuming too much from quick, easy processed foods & snacks during the day. eg cereal or toast for breakfast, biscuit or muffin for morning tea, sandwich for lunch, cake or crackers for afternoon break followed by pasta for dinner! I'm sure we'd all be better off if we cut down on these & had more fruit & vegetables instead. Easier said than done in our busy lives, BUT it is possible when you set your mind to it. First step - don't put the rubbish in the shopping trolley!
Had to laugh a few days ago when I put a heap of fresh fruit, vegetables & yoghurt through the check out, only to follow with 2 packets of chocolate covered biscuits (cookies). I said to the checkout girl "I was doing well until then, wasn't I"? Made her day :silly:
mj

I've never heard that gluten is supposed to be bad. I think I must have missed that particular fad. But then I'm not good at taking notice of any of the latest 'eat don't eat' recommendations. I don't eat all the snacks that people talk of, don't buy biscuits or cakes so don't have to give them up!