explaining paleo to the impatient.

[kevin mckay]

I like “don’t eat anything that you could not eat if uncooked” as a paleo guideline seems to be super simple, totally consistent with paleo and makes people think from a paleo perspective. I can’t really think of any loopholes and it makes giving people guidelines really easy. Does anybody see any loopholes or problems with this?

[Neal Winkler]

I don't think most people will understand that whole grains have been prepared before hand. I know that I didn't know grains can't be digested unless they go through a milling process. Also, you're leaving milk open, not to mention sugar/honey. You also can't eat ground beef uncooked (or at least shouldn't). Besides, the concept of eating any type of meat uncooked is completely unapealing to most everyone. I think your concept would lead most people to vegetarianism.

[kevin mckay]

great points, Thanks

[Mike ODonnell]

I like to say....if it wasn't around 200 years ago...your body doesnt know what it is or how to use it, so dont eat it....people can relate vs Paleo man times. Of course that doesnt tackle the issues of excessive grain and dairy, but it's a good start to get all the processed foods out. That and "no bread"...people have no idea how much bread is in their diet till they take it out.

[Allison Barns]

Being dairy and gluten intolerant is a great way to 'go Paleo' without knowing it. The first time I heard of the Paleo diet I thought 'that's how I eat!' (Okay that plus cheats like dark chocolate, chips, wine.... which I have now given up in the effort to get healthy...sigh). So glad the rest of y'all are catching on!

Anyway, my two favorite phrases are (1) "If I could kill it or pick it, I can eat it" and (2) Quoting a now ex-boyfriend "You eat like a lizard - meat, fruit, and veg" (I wasn't ever sure how to take being likened to a lizard... but the phrase is good!)

[Ido Portal]

Charles Poliquin likes to use this as a guideline:
'If it didnt run in the field, fly in the sky, swim in the river or its not green, dont eat it'

[Steve Liberati]

As a general rule of thumb, I usually tell people "If it wasn't available a few thousand years ago, then don't eat it." To me paleo is just that...replicating the same cuisine choices available to man during the paleolitic era. Bread, grains, soda, processed food, and other "inventions" are still foreign products to our body and consider outside the parameters of nature.

[Joyce Behrendt]

Eat what you could find if you were walking naked across the tundra carrying a sharp stick.

If it has fur, feathers or fins, I eat it.

Ever heard of Steak Tartare, Neal? This is raw beef. It’s best to eat good quality whole pieces of meat that is freshly ground. You are right about pre-ground beef because gosh knows what might be in it.

[Neal Winkler]

"Meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Little starch, no sugar."

[Scott Kustes]

The only problem with telling people only eat stuff that was available prior to 2000 years ago is that most people don't know what was available prior to 2000 years ago. Why should someone assume that grains or dairy were not widely consumed until 8000 years ago? Unless they have read what we've read, such a statement is useless. I think Neal has it best for laypeople.