Why do I keep calling myself JB? Stupid.
What’s up with my picture for this post? Yeah…I don’t know either.
Ok. I don’t really like talking about paleo with people. I definitely like talking about food, that’s for effing sure, but paleo…that’s a touchy subject. Even with people who eat paleo. Everyone thinks their opinion is right. Little do they know, it’s actually me who is ALWAYS right. Ok, I’m kidding.
But people don’t like being questioned, ESPECIALLY if it’s about what they eat. So I don’t question people. But when they question ME and tell ME what I’m eating is dumb, I want to cut a b*tch. Geez, that was a bit much. But seriously, I don’t question your oatmeal, I don’t care about your pizza, and I sure don’t give a f*ck about how many beers you had last night. So why do you care what I eat? Your life is YOURS. You make it whatever you want. You create your future. And you are in control of your health. So if oatmeal allows you to poop because of it’s ‘added fiber’ (well, you’re a liar) but I’m happy for you.
The thing is, the paleo diet was created off of the assumptions of the caveman diet. Cool. I’m not a caveman. I may not shower as often as I should, but I’m definitely not hunting down my food, suffocating it with my massive thighs, then eating it’s liver for extra iron. That’s just not me. Now chasing after a cupcake truck, that’s a different story. But I eat a certain way because it makes me feel better. My bowel movements are awesome. Yes, I did just say that. And I perform in the gym better than I ever have. Do I eat bacon? Yes. Do I eat a BALLS TON of fat in the form of nut butters? Yes. Do I eat chocolate covered walnuts far too often? Oh sh*t yes. But I still call myself paleo and am quite fine with that. Does that mean I follow the ‘paleo guidelines’ out there? No. But that’s because I was crazy strict paleo for some time and it didn’t work with my lifestyle. It made me crazy. Tell me I can’t have something, I want it 10x more. I’m like any other human out there.
But because of how much I’ve played around with my diet, I know what works for me. I know that I can’t eat a ton of cheese, but I’ll definitely do it sometimes. I know I will gain weight when I’m eating a sh*t ton of sweet potatoes, but I’ll still do it sometimes. And I know all this stuff because I’ve tried it all. I’ve been a little chubster eating my whole wheat sandwhiches and low fat crackers, thinking what I was doing was right. I’ve also been the very skinny person eating rice and beans. I was the person who hated the paleo diet and thought it was unrealistic. But then I tried it. And used my brain to it’s full potential. And figured out that what I had been eating in the past made me feel terrible.
Ok, now I’m just going on a rant. The whole reason I’m writing this is because paleo is what you make it. I update this website with recipes regularly to give people options. That may mean I will call my Bacon Alfredo a “paleo” dish or my coconut and almond flour waffle a “paleo” dish. You’re not cool with that? You havin’ a sh*t fit because cavemen didn’t have the means to cook like that? I don’t give a sh*t. Seriously. This is my website and I will make whatever I please and call it what I want.
I really do respect everyone’s opinion out there, but I also never want anyone to be afraid of trying the paleo lifestyle because they think it is intimidating and/or restricting. The paleo diet is what you want it to be.
Are you a Whole9 follower that restricts your sugar and does not make paleo pancakes because it is defeating the purpose of cleaning out your diet and getting control of brain? Awesome bro.
Or are you a Mark Sisson follower who still consumes raw milks and cheeses? Cool bro.
Or are you a Health-Bent or Civilized Caveman follower who mixes up their diet with gluten free meals and amazing primal desserts? Sweet bro.
I don’t care what you follow, but do one thing for me…stop questioning other people’s lifestyles. Stop forcing your ideas on others, paleo or not. And stop thinking your way is the only way. I eat this way because I love it, but I know my friends can eat grains and are perfectly fine. I don’t care that they do that, nor do I say anything when they do. Because it’s THEIR body and THEIR life.
And start reading. Figure out that one way isn’t THE ONLY way. These are some of my favorite websites and resources out there.
Health-Bent’s point of view- my favorite, it works best for me!
Amen ~ I feel the same way. Don’t care what people think, usually they go “Oh, it’s low-carb.” Well OK mostly. I don’t expect it to be for everyone. It works for me and it worked for my son, he lost 100 pounds and got in incredible shape. I’m older & slower & definitely lazier & I lost 40. Gained it all back when I added beans & rice (blamed the vegetarians I lived amongst for awhile), and I’m feeling better again after realigning what works for me. And what SATISFIES me! That’s what I love about YOU JB, you love your food, you eat that good sh*t til you can’t move. Mah sistah.
Wow, impressive weight loss! Congrats!!! I am curious what the time frames for both of your weight losses were.
Took us both about 8-9 months for out weight loss.
So do you appreciate recipes shared by your readers? I stumbled across one I think you’ll love cos it’s luscious like all your recipes. But I don’t want to infringe. . .
Of course Becky!! I would love that! And u keep rockin what works for u!!
OK, found this recipe on “Karen’s Gourmet Low-Carb Recipes by Karen Barnaby.”
Chicken w/ Bacon, Cream and Thyme
(I changed that to “and Mushrooms”) 2 servs.
So – Preheat oven to 350. Wrap two S&P seasoned chicken thighs with two slices of bacon each (recipe called for breasts but I love thighs cos they don’t dry out), forming an X around the thighs, and tuck 2 springs of fresh thyme each in under the bacon. Saute’ in an oven-safe pan til the thighs are browned on each side, in your favorite fat. I added some coarsely chopped criminis into the pan the last few minutes of browning. Cos I get inspired like that. Now add 1/2 c broth and 1/2 c coconut milk or cream (recipe called for heavy cream), and add a minced clove of garlic. Bring this to a boil, then bake uncovered in the oven for 15-20 minutes til the sauce has thickened a bit.
Check your seasonings, and dig in. This was even better the second time around – I cut the chicken off the bone and chopped it up, added a little more broth & coconut milk, and enjoyed it again! Hope ya try it, hope ya like it, love you and your recipes and every word that comes out of your hilarious, realer than sh*t mouth!
Just found your website last night. I love your straightforward and “real” personality Juli. I’ve been doing Crossfit for several months now and enjoy it. However, most of the people @ my box are on the Paleo diet and when they found out I wasn’t following it–seemed shocked. Then, I started to take away foods restricted by the Paleo Diet and then, like you said above, I wanted it more and then ended up having bingefests. It’s been a vicious cycle and I know it’s affecting my performance w/the workouts as well (no brainer), but I keep doing it. I don’t want to play anymore and what you said above was empowering for me. Do what works for me and stop thinking about what other people think about what I am eating. Period. Looking forward to more good reads from your blog! Thanks!
That’s freakin awesome kt, I’m glad I could empower u in some sort of way. I used to do the exact same thing, restrict then binge then feel terrible about it. Not to say that I don’t do that at random times but it is very rare now that i allow myself peace of mind and dark chocolate. I think everyone should try the paleo diet just to try it but remember they are human as well, and not hate themselves for that
I agree. I like trying new foods and feel the Paleo Diet has exposed me to new ingredients/combinations. I’m trying it out mainly to work out some digestive problems I have with the grains, dairy, legumes–which I see from reading some of your past posts–is something you notice as well (what “agrees” and does not agree with your tummy.)
KT, i used to have a ton of digestive problems and thought that’s just how it was until I cut all those out. Now If I ever have a stomach ache it’s because either A) I consumed far too much chocolate or B) Because I’m dehydrated. It’s nice to know what I’m eating is helping me instead of hurting me
great post! brings me back to planet earth when i start to get all crazy about my “paleo” diet and remember that i have to tweak it for me and it’s not the end of the world if i eat “paleo” pancakes or “paleo” cookies etc. yes i’m doing the whole30 but only cause i wanted to prove to myself that i could do it and cause i wasnt real good over the holidays and just wanted to get all that crap out of my system, i am looking forward to the end tho so i cannot be as picky! thanks juli, your posts always remind me that we are human and have to make it work for us, not “them”. :0) you rock!
Good dani!! I did the whole30 a while ago for that same reason. Keep it up and enjoy some paleo pancakes after 🙂
Amen to that. Thanks for the post. When my doc recommended Primal Blueprint to me at the end of May last year, I had never heard of it. Needless to say, thanks to the internet, I found a whole new world. I dropped 40 pounds (10 to go!) following the primal blueprint (I just can’t totally give up dairy) but find a lot of great stuff from the paleo community. When people ask how I lost the weight and I mention primal/paleo, the most common reply is “what’s that?” and so it’s a great opportunity to educate! Thanks to all that you do!
That’s great Audrey!! Keep up the good work! And if dairy works for you, awesome!! Keep working hard!
Love your blog, love your recipes, love your attitude!
Thank you Molly!!
A.the eff.MEN!!
Hellllls yeah Heather!
I’m kind of a half and halfer and moving more in your direction rather than the other way and can see the benefits. I actually see Paleo as being a very balanced diet with regard to nutrition. Cooking with coconut oil now, something I never thought I’d do…. By the way, I gave your site to a gal that I grew up with in Anchorage who belongs to a “Paleo Fitness Club”. She, and her friends, are probably lurking on your site as we speak.
Thanks so much for passing on the site John. You’re the best!
Once you get familiar with coconut oil you’ll learn to LOVE the way anything cooking in it smells!
Fuck yeah. Eat what you want, but at least be fucking educated about it. I mean, it’s only your health, for crying out loud.
F*ck.
Wonderful post, JB (I like this new nickname!) =) I totally agree. I think this applies to most controversial topics.
For me it is simply this:
1) be open
2) be educated
3) be nice.
If you can do this, I gladly will talk to you. If not, no thanks….I have food prep to do.
I wish i was food prepping right now