Opinions On the Paleo Diet?

[Maithuna]

I've been doing some looking and research into the paleo diet. it intrigues me greatly, and I am going to start slowly shifting my diet towards it. This has to be a slow process as I've been eating processed foods and refined sugar all my life... I'm just going to yo-yo if I try to immediately adopt it and I know that. a key part I want people's opinions on, is that even at the end I won't be on a purely paleo diet for several reasons:

1. There is no way in hell I am giving up my coffee.

2. I like cheese, and while I can certainly greatly minimize my intake it's not being completely eliminated

3. I like my rice.

One alternative I've come across is an "80% Paleo" diet, in which you eat Paleo 6 days of the week and can make a meal using whatever on the 7th. However, I suppose my end goal would be more like "70% Paleo" as once again, I won't give up my coffee.

I know, I'm wordy. But, has anyone tried going Paleo using similar approaches? How did it turn out for you? Did you personally find it long-term sustainable?

[PaleoCrossfit]

Hi! I have been 100% Paleo for 3 years now.

1. You don't have to give up coffee on the Paleo "diet". Though coffee is a legume, you aren't actually consuming it (water is just being filtered through it). Also, coffee has shown that it does have amazing health benefits.

2. Cheese isn't so bad to give up (plus, goat cheese, like feta, is Paleo)

3. Try replacing rice with quinoa!

I drink coffee every single day. In fact, I usually have 2-3 cups (though I don't add sugar or creamer. Black for me).

Going Paleo truly was the best decision I've made health wise. I feel amazing. My skin is better than it's ever been. Plus, you're eating REAL foods. It definitely is a switch, and easing your way into it isn't a bad idea.

Let me know if you have any other specific requirements!

[LindaT68]

I have been eating cleaner over the last couple years although I have not gone paleo as there are still certain foods I still want to eat like pizza or french toast or spaghetti. I just dont eat them very often. I have given up just about all processed food and eat alot more veggies, some i either used to not like or had never tried before. 

Good luck with going paleo!

[carl669]

1. i also drink 2-3 cups of coffee  day.  i add a splash of heavy cream to mine

2. i eat cheese as well.  i'd say my intake has decreased significantly, but i still eat it.  i have not noticed any detrimental effects on my weight loss or my overall health.

3. can't help you here. i gave up rice.

the way i see it, if you're doing something like 80/20, as long as you're not sitting there gorging on twinkies and wonder bread during that 20%, you should be fine.

[mbc96]

I was strict Paleo for about 9 months.  I did it to get off of sugar, bread and other processed foods.  You can do it! Keep in mind the balance and moderation.  I am back to eating some non-paleo foods, but I would say my diet is cleaner than it was before going total Paleo.  I have bread occasionally, and bc I have kids - its really difficult to keep the chips and cookies out of the pantry.  But it is possible.  Well, that is my two cents.  I believe the idea is to clean up the diet, eat more fruits and veggies, less stuff out of a box...