Laura made me that mug. Rad huh? So rad.
I need to make something perfectly clear. I am not a nutritionist. I am not a doctor. And I am not a therapist.
I am a food blogger. A human, paleo food blogger. I put paleo friendly recipes on my blog, on a weekly basis, to help people create more exciting meals for themselves, their family, and their friends.
Not ever, EVER, have I told you to follow my blog, eat how I eat, or drink what I drink. I live my life, share it with the world, and that’s it.
I do the same on my other social media portals. Like Facebook, Twitter…when I tweet twice a year, and Instagram. But when people lash out at me for what I eat, because I’m not “supportive” to the paleo community, I get very frustrated. Once again, I am NOT your doctor, I am NOT your mother, and I am definitely NOT your therapist. I am not a person who tells you what you should put in your mouth or how you should exercise or how you should deal with your issues. Because, well, you are not me. And I am not you. Our bodies are made differently and our minds are programmed differently. So what I may be shoving in my mouth truly has nothing to do with you. Because I’m not shoving it down your throat.
“Dieting” or eating a certain way is very difficult for some people. I would know, I’ve been there. Transitioning to paleo was incredibly tough for me when I first did it. But as I’ve gone on, I’ve figured out that eating a certain way that someone else tells me to, rarely works. Example: nuts. Almond flour pancakes, almond butter cookies, or just snacking on nuts. None of that works for me. Doesn’t mean I hate those bloggers or friends that have told me to try those foods. It just means those foods aren’t the best choices for me. Because MY body does different things than THEIR bodies.
What I am is a person who lives an incredibly happy life, with delicious food that makes me feel good, without ever feeling guilty or deprived. I eat the food that I know won’t make me sick and pass on the foods that I know will. I drink, I eat, I laugh, I workout, then I eat again. I don’t expect anyone to live a life like me, especially eat like me, but that’s exactly why it is my life.
Paleo is a controversial subject. But it’s only controversial when we make it that way. For me, it’s no longer controversial. It’s no longer frustrating. And it’s no longer an agreement I must follow. It’s a guideline to creating a healthier life for myself. That life includes bloody marys, sweet potato fries, vodka sodas, pupusas, roasted brussels sprouts, steak, kombuchas, dark chocolate, arepas, coconut butter, oh and bacon. Are all those things paleo? No. That’s why I’m not making those recipes for my blog. But it doesn’t mean I’m not shoving them in my face.
So while you’re worrying about what is going in my gut, I’ll be out enjoying life. Paleo or not. I recommend you do the same.
You are a winner Juli. Completely agree with you!
P.s. Your skin is looking amazing in that photo-so you must be doing something right!
Hear, hear! You rock. And I agree with Nellie above–glowing and gorgeous!
I would say the fact that u have over 200 responses less than a day after posting speaks for itself. I must say the controversy was kind of entertaining though 😉
Juli, look at all the people who respect you and appreciate you. This is awesome.
Personally, it’s been my observation that the folks who are busy pointing out and b!tching about the speck in someone else’s eye usually have a big a$$ plank in their own. You keep doing it your way and thank you for all you do.
AMEN SISTER!!!
And not only are you my “go to gal” for recipes… but you are an inspiration to me in your ability to step back and reevaluate what is and isn’t working with your workouts, eating, time management… whatever. Never met you in person, but I hope you can feel the love coming to you from Montana 🙂
Juli,
This is the best post/article/rant/kickyouintheface I have ever heard on the subject I’ve also been so frustrated with when coaching people. After 3 years of answering knucklehead questions and tolerating illogical criticism, I commend and thank you for saying it as I never could. And so eloquently. You’re awesome Juli.
Sincerely,
Sean Turner
I’ve been following your blog for a while now (it’s on my favorites bar), using the recipes and generally just enjoying your humor. I don’t comment much, but wanted to write something to show my support. You go girl! And you stick it to the haters! Love from Las Vegas!
I have been following you since I Started Paleo over a year ago. You are the first site I check multiple times a week. I try most of your recipes more than any other site. I share your website to people who just want to eat differently – Paleo or not.
Screw the haters and keep doing what you do. I would be lost without your blog!
I love your recipes, and your honesty. I don’t love the people who think that if you don’t follow paleo to the letter that you suck.
Screw the haters, and do your thing. (and keep posing recipes, because a few of yours are made weekly here)
Your blog is amazing Julie. I look forward to reading it weekly. Your posts make me laugh and I love that you keep it real. It is obvious that you have so much joy in your life and thank you for sharing that.