General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Paleo Diet? Rss Feed  
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2006-09-22 12:53 PM

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Champion
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Subject: Paleo Diet?
Anyone here try the Paleo Diet? my training parnter did and lost weight but I am curious about other people's success or problems with it.


2006-09-24 5:54 AM
in reply to: #549152

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Paleo Diet?
what kind of diet is that? i've never heard about it...
2006-09-24 8:33 AM
in reply to: #549152

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Subject: RE: Paleo Diet?

I did it about a year ago exactly from the book for a couple of months, then tweaked it a bit with help from my coach.

It is hard to start doing it as for most folks it is giving up a lot. If I remember right, I think I read in a tri magazine it really takes 3-4 days to get rid of the cravings for certain carbs and then about 3 weeks to feel comfortable with it. I'd say that was pretty much accurate for me.

I hadn't been eating processed food so giving up bread and pasta I had already done before I started. I also hadn't been eating dairy other than cheese which was hard for me to give up. I basically eat protein, veggies and fruit. In time the tweaks my coach had me do was adding in root veggies which for me were sweet potatos as they are lower  glycemic and worked well and also wild rice. I did try to eat those mid day and after workouts.

I didn't follow the 1-3 free meals a week program as knowing myself if I did, I would have a hard time getting back on the program. It is easier for me to go without for awhile. If I wanted something like pizza I'd plan it so say next Friday I'd have a free meal and try to pick the best place to have it with a fixed portion size so I wouldn't overeat with it.

I did lose weight slowly and I had a great season in my tri's and I think to some part a better/healthier diet helped.

Any other specific questions post here or shoot me a pm. Why are you thinking of trying it?  Losing weight? Better nutrition?

2006-09-25 6:35 PM
in reply to: #549152

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Master
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Subject: RE: Paleo Diet?

I just started the Paleo on Saturday.  I'm doing okay.  Still playing around with the AM carbs to see what works best for me.  I think once I get settled in and feel more comfortable with what I am/am not supposed to eat, I'll be okay.  I spent two days afraid to eat anything and I'm not sure I've doing it quite right, but I'm more comfortable today.  Kathy is right - hardest part is giving up the dairy.  I'm tracking my calcium intake closely, it's been pretty low, so I'm going to have to change something or get a supplement.  No dairy & no spinach & I don't know what else to eat to give me the calcium I need.  Intake of other vitamins seem to be okay.   I try to log what I eat in my blog, so feel free to take a look and make comments! 

Tam



Edited by tnickerson 2006-09-25 6:42 PM
2006-09-25 6:48 PM
in reply to: #549152

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Subject: RE: Paleo Diet?
You might check the newer book written by Cordain and Joe Friel...The Paleo Diet for Athletes.  The very basics are that opur bodies evolved over millions of years to function on meat, fresh fruits and veggies...none of the dairy, grains, pastas, and breads (even the "healthy" whole grain stuff).  There are a lot of more subtle points but you can experiment with a paleo type diet by simply cutting back on your starches and dairy and replacing the lost calories with fruits, veggies, and lean meats.  There may be a period where you don't feel all that great but any significant change takes some time for your body to adapt.  I think you'll find that the paleo type diet, with a few specific allowances for endurance athletes, actually works quite well as an eating lifestyle.  I still enjoy some brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and milk, but I get a lot more of my daily carbs from fresh fruit.
2006-09-25 6:52 PM
in reply to: #549152

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Subject: RE: Paleo Diet?
I bought the book for endurance altheletes. My friend yelled at me but I am like hey that is what I am. I guess there are less recipes and such. I am waiting for it to come in the mail. This diet is something I can not find in bookstores. I am interested in it. Not sure how well it will work but almost sounds like my running mentors diet.

I think when we go to do 50 milers or HIM we need to make sure we are not sacerficing performance. Lets face it idealy if what the theory is correct our performance should go up and not down. It will be interesting to see how things change but I will not start until after Oct 22 which is Chicago Marathon.


2006-09-25 6:55 PM
in reply to: #551413

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Subject: RE: Paleo Diet?

No spinach...why not? Spinach is a great option for fresh leafy greens. Lots of calcium, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamins A B1/B2, niacin, and iron plus it is one of the better choices for balancing your blood acidity.

EDIT

Okay, it just hit me...DUH!  Spinach isn't an option right at this moment, I get it. 

tnickerson - 2006-09-25 7:35 PM

No dairy & no spinach & I don't know what else to eat to give me the calcium I need. Intake of other vitamins seem to be okay. I try to log what I eat in my blog, so feel free to take a look and make comments!



Edited by TH3_FRB 2006-09-25 6:57 PM
2006-09-25 6:57 PM
in reply to: #549152

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Champion
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Chicago, Illinois
Subject: RE: Paleo Diet?
I think because Spinich has e coli and that is bad for you.
2006-09-25 7:08 PM
in reply to: #549152

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Master
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Subject: RE: Paleo Diet?
Hey Joel, Thanks for chiming in here.  I really respect your opinion....
Let me know if you have other thoughts for calcium.  Don't really want to go the supplement route.....
2006-09-25 7:22 PM
in reply to: #551445

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Subject: RE: Paleo Diet?
Looking at the paleo diet I would say I am not too far off. I almost never consume dairy nor do I miss it and nor do I think I need it for the calcium that is in it. I eat dark green leafy veggies every day including spinach! Not to get off subject but this whole e-coli thing should show us how vulnerable we leave ourselves! I get my produce from local growers, so I guess if it gets contaminated at least it's local poop (teasing)! I do allow myself a slice of gluten free bread in the morning and powerbars during workouts that last longer than 2 hours! I've been takling beef and turkey jerkey on long rides or runs to see how my body deals with it and so far I really like it!
2006-09-25 7:22 PM
in reply to: #549152

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Master
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Subject: RE: Paleo Diet?
Okra, kale, dandelion greens and collard greens are all good sources of calcium. If you have a hard time consuming large quatities of vegetation (for whatever reason) I highly recommend juicing them. Add lemon to cut the green taste, and apple for sweetness. Awesome stuff and chock full of calcium and other nutrients.


2006-09-25 7:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Paleo Diet?
Some other options as calcium sources...oranges and orange juice (calcium fortified), dried figs, tofu, broccoli, soy beans, almonds, collards, navy beans, white beans.  Gotta be careful with many of these since they may carry significant amounts of carbs and or fat as well.  Nothing wrong with either carbs or fat as long as you factor that into your daily intake.
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