There’s much buzz at the moment about the Paleo diet. Some of it painfully pious. Some of it fascinatingly valid. I’ve written a little about it here and shared some Paleo recipes here. I keep getting asked to share my thoughts, and am often asked by recent sugar-free converts, “should I be quitting all carbs?”
To be honest, I’ve been reluctant to wade into things too much because I’ve been experimenting with this way of eating myself, and forming my own opinion slowly. I don’t like to opine until I’ve tried and researched.
But recently the big names in the Paleo movement got together for an online Paleo Summit. I mention it because I think it’s possibly the best overview of the science, techniques, controversies and so on behind the thinking and it certainly helped me get to the bottom of what the eating approach/lifestyle is all about. Some of the names on the lineup you might recognise from on this blog (Chris Kresser who I’ve interviewed here, and Nora Gedgaudas who I interviewed here.)
For those of you who’re interested you can get the package of podcasts and videos and other bits and pieces here. Those of you who have noooo idea what I’m talking about…next week I’ll be doing a bit of Paleo 101 rundown. Tune back in.
Meantime, some of the more interesting guff that’s ticked off at the Summit:
How to do the Paleo dance with kids and a family
Are some carbs OK to eat? Nora Gedgaudas’ presentation is friggen great. She argues that no starches are safe. Others at the summit argue some rice and sweet potato is cool…all the evidence is laid out in both directions so you can make your own mind up.
Does Paleo help with autoimmune and inflammation? Neurosurgeon Dr. Jack Kruse speaks about how leptin resistance lies at the root of inflammation, obesity, and chronic disease. He also shared how he lost 60kgs in a year. Dr. Thomas O’Bryan, a gluten sensitivity expert, gives the rundown on how allergies work.
How to Win an Argument with a Vegetarian. Denise Minger, Author, Death by Food Pyramid, is a legend. She breaks down the China Study argument…with facts. I’m not sure who points this out, but most people who eat this way eat more vegetables than a vegetarian.
How to make the switch to a fat-burning metabolism
Not eating carbs when you’re an athlete
But what about cholesterol? Chris Kresser’s chat is fascinating. Get anyone in your family who’s on statins to listen to this. Interesting he dispels the paleo line: “Hey, don’t worry, high cholesterol is fine!” It is indeed true eating saturated fat doesn’t cause heart disease and that eating saturated fat doesn’t cause high cholesterol. But high cholesterol can cause heart disease and can be a marker of a whole heap of other issues (including thyroid problems!). The best bit: at the end he gives a comprehensive outline of what to do next when you get a high cholesterol reading – exactly what tests to take etc.
What about constipation? And IBS issues? Dr. Allison Siebecker’s lecture is a whole load of “that’s me too” fun for anyone with gut issues, regardless of whether you want to cut carbs or not.
Why does Paleo see people lose weight?
Anyway. If you want to listen in, it’s about 18 hours of lectures (I’ve been listening to it on my ipod as a I drive) and it costs $US99, including a whole heap of flashing bonus things like the full transcripts, cookbooks and…steak knives…and….. You can get hold of the package here.
For next week’s post, anything you want me to cover off or answer?
