Primal, from what I've gathered in 8 pages and a perusal of the cover, advocates a high fat, no grain, no processed foods approach to eating. The cover says the Primal Blueprint will "reprogram your genes for effortless weight loss, vibrant health and boundless energy."
That sounds pretty good to me.
I know several people who have given up grains or carbs, and they have typically had such a good experience that they want to convert you. I'm sure we've all had this conversation with those around us who've gone low-carb or Paleo or Primal or whathaveyou. I, for one, typically just shut my ears to their entreaties while exclaiming "I could never live without bread -- or pasta!"
It seems silly and extreme to me to eliminate a whole food group. Much more sane to not cut oneself off but allow all things in moderation. Heck, I've lost weight before (more than once, it turns out) and I've always done it by playing the calorie counting game. Consume less calories then you expend and you will lose weight.
BUT
- I can't bring myself to diet in the traditional way again. Losing all of that weight, then gaining it back and then continually trying to lose it again has damaged something in me (mentally).
- I need to lose weight. Honesty check: I don't easily fit in seats at all movie theatres or stadiums anymore and the thought of traveling somewhere by plane makes me really nervous because of my size. I'm missing out on 3/4 of my wardrobe because of the weight I've gained, and I don't want to have health issues when I'm older.
- I am tired a lot and dread working out because of how much harder it is with all of this extra weight.
Things could stand to change.
So, what I'm committing to right now is suspending my disbelief, reading this book, and seriously considering following its principles. And, apparently, apologizing to all of those who've tried to convert me to giving up wheat/grains/carbs previously and watched while I plugged my ears and said my line about not living without bread.
But really, the whole thing scares me pantsless.
You know what actually scares me more than giving up grains? Giving up processed foods. How will I live without Oreos?
I thought the same thing when I went Paleo. I'm actually more 70/30 than 100%. I thought I'd crave cheese and would really miss it, but surprisingly I don't. I'm not going to say I don't crave bread - that part is still hard - but so far it isn't as hard as other diets I've tried because I don't have to figure out calories. Just look at it and decide. And letting myself cheat (I eat a piece of chocolate when I want) helps. I had a calzone Sunday and didn't gain anything. Down 20 pounds so far and physically doing better. Don't know if this is a life thing but it's lasted longer than anything else!
ReplyDeleteThe "high fat" part bothered me at first, but then I guess I was subconsciously thinking of high fat processed food, which you wouldnt be eating. The fat its talking about is more the "good fat" maybe?
ReplyDeleteI AM SO EXCITED YOU'RE TRYING THIS! YAY JILL! <3
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You should find an accountability partner and just do it.
ReplyDeleteJill, have you talked with Toby? He did a paleo-esque diet and did really well on it. He also learned how to make a lot of normal "carb" things on the paleo diet like pizza and such. :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI just had paleo pancakes...bananas, almond flour, coconut, and fresh blueberries. It's a treat because it does have sugar but still paleo and delicious!
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