Considering giving Paleo a shot? Here’s the lowdown on why I’m trying Paleo and my plan for sticking to it.
It’s no secret that I’m a foodie. I love being in the kitchen, creating new recipes and trying new foods. It’s also no secret that I’m plagued by food allergies (wheat, peanuts, soy and corn for those of you that are new around here – oh, and I’m also extremely lactose-intolerant). It took me a while to actually accept my allergies and stop eating things I loved like peanut butter and popcorn, and it took even longer to truly understand how much stuff has corn and soy in it (did you know generic baking soda has corn starch and some vegetable oils are really pure soybean oil?).
Over the past year, I’ve learned how to find the benefits of having food allergies and my tummy is much happier for it. However, no matter how carefully I eat, I still have some issues.
THE PROBLEM
My digestive tract still seems off. I get bouts of constipation followed by a few days of diarrhea (you’re welcome), and I still get bloating and embarrassing stomach distention (although I will say it is much better than when I was still consuming all of my allergens). When my stomach is out of whack, I’m out of whack. I get moody. I get anti-social. I feel very self-conscious.
I figure I just have a sensitive stomach and this is just going to be what I have to deal with forever and eternity.
But what if it doesn’t have to be like this?
THE (POTENTIAL) SOLUTION
Being part of the CrossFit community, I’ve heard a lot about Paleo. Since I’m also into endurance running, I figured Paleo wasn’t right for me. We runners need carbs! All the carbs! Right?
Well, I was reading a recent issue of Runner’s World when I came across an article about how Paleo can actually benefit endurance athletes. The article sparked my interest, so I decided to look into it more.
I did some Googling on “Paleo for runners” and decide to read two books, The Paleo Athlete from Steph Gaudreau (the nutritionist, coach and blogger behind Stupid Easy Paleo) and The Paleo Solution by well-known coach and Paleo-guru Robb Wolf. Both were extremely interesting reads, but what really convinced me to give it a shot was a section of Robb’s book where he asked a serious of questions:
- Do you sleep less than nine hours per night? – People get nine hours of sleep?! Who are they and what do they do for a living?
- Do you have problems falling asleep or staying asleep? – Always.
- Do you wake up more exhausted than when you went to bed? – Most definitely.
- Do you get a “second wind” in the evening, and really only feel awake about the time you should go to bed? – Sometimes.
- Are you tired and achy all the time? – Tired, yes. Achy – eh, not really.
- Do you suffer frequent upper-respiratory infections? – No, thank goodness.
- Do you work out to exhaustion, and do you crave the “boost” exercise provides. – Sometimes to the first part of that question – a definitely yes to the second.
- Do you live and die by stimulants such as coffee? – Don’t we all?
- Have you gained fat in the midsection, despite watching your food intake. – Bah – yea.
- Have you experience memory problems? – Yes and it’s scary!
- Do you have problems with depression or seasonal affective disorder. – Yes.
- Do you remember what sex is? – I plead the 5th.
Answering these questions made me surprised- surprised at how many of these questions I answered “yes” to and surprised at the hope that perhaps Paleo could solve more than just my tummy troubles.
MY PLAN OF ATTACK
I’m hoping transitioning to Paleo won’t be all that hard for me. I already can’t eat a lot of the things that Paleo restricts, such as peanuts, soy, and corn – so I won’t miss much there. My wheat allergy keeps me away from most whole grains – though I will have to give up my beloved oatmeal and rice. I think it will take some time for my body to adjust from using carbs as fuel and energy to using fats as fuel and energy. I fully anticipate going through the 6 Stages of Paleo Dieting that Will struggled through when he did this last year.
My plan is to be very strict with the Paleo guidelines for one month. That means no grains (even if they are gluten free), no added sugars, no alcohol and nothing processed (I’m going to miss my protein powders!). On the plus side, it means more delicious proteins and healthy fats! For those of you that have done the Whole30, my understanding is that this is very similar if not the same.
THE GOAL
After one month, I’m going to access how I’m feeling from all fronts: digestive, mood and energy, stress-levels, sleep, etc and start making modifications from there.
If I like how I’m feeling at the end of the month, I will probably look into reading Paleo for Athletes (which I’ve heard will help explain how to modify Paleo for endurance sports) before I start training for my next big race (I’m doing the Syracuse Half in April). I’ll probably reintroduce a little wine, as well (I mean… a girl’s gotta have her wine!).
I’m very hopeful that Paleo will be good for me. I’ll be sure to keep you all posted with updates on what I’m eating and how I’m feeling, so stay tuned!
Let’s Chat:
Have you ever tried Paleo or The Whole30? What’d you think?
Any good Paleo recipes I should try?
Resources mentioned in this post:
Paleo for athletes sounds really intriguing! Also, who sleeps 9 hours straight?! #weirdos.
Annmarie recently posted…Meatless Monday: PlantFusion Protein On The Go!
RIGHT?! I want to be those people.
I’m really interested to see how this works for you! I hope it helps! Safe travels home!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…The Top 10 Experiences at Hilton Waikoloa Village
Thanks, Julie!
I hope you find some improvements. Paleo diet does work well for some people.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Weekend Recap
I have all my fingers and toes crossed!
I’m with you 100% Nicole. Everything you said same for me. Terrible digestion, acne, anger I said its finally time to go all in. I bought NOM NOM Paleo this weekend and its making me feel like it won’t be so bad! You have my support lets do this together!!!
Ivanna recently posted…How To Have Self-Control in 2016
YEY! So happy to have someone to do this with. We’ll have to have a big recipe share.
Sorry to hear about your tummy troubles. Mine has been off lately and I’m doing a little candida detox/more paleo focused eating. I know Paleo has helped so many people and I prefer it a little more with all my food sensitivities.
I really hope it helps. Day 1 went well so hopefully it will keep going up from here.
Good plan and I hope you have good results. I have done 3 different Whole 30s and for the most part, I still follow a Paleo plan… the odd bit of rice and the occasional cheese but I always feel better when I am pure Paleo.
I never experienced that ANGER?TIGER BLOOD they talk about because I make sure to eat sweet potatoes and fruit to keep my carbs up a bit.
Good luck!
Yes! I definitely plan on lots and lots of sweet potatoes :).
I know ALL about tummy troubles and food allergies. I’m starting a 2nd Whole30 next week and can’t wait to get back on track!
Maureen recently posted…12 Whole30 Tips for Beginners
Your tips were so helpful!
Good for you for trying something new and listening to your body! I did the Whole30 last year and while it was difficult, it taught me a proper mindset about food as well as not to be scared of fats! I think you’ll enjoy it! I’ve found paleo cooking to be simpler which I appreciate 🙂
Aleah recently posted…Fitness Women to Follow
I’m definitely pumped to eat more fats hehe
I am going back to full time Paleo and following Robb Wolf’s plan as best I can for the next 30 days. Its tough but I loved the results when I did it before., Hope it woks for you!!
Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick News: The “Name Tag Challenge,” “Waiting to Exhale” and a Piriformis Update!
Thanks, Margo! Day 1 is in the books! So far, so good!
This sounds so exciting! I hope following Paleo will eliminate your digestive issues. I look forward to seeing how it goes!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Weekly Meal Plan for 1/10/16
Me, too! Thanks, Janelle!
Ok so HI THANK YOU for being brave enough to talk about the nitty gritty stuff – constipation & diarrhea – because I struggle with the prior. I USED to struggle with it a lot more before eliminating gluten, most dairy, and if we’re being honest most stress from my life. But like you, I still get bouts when I get super anxious or consume a bit of dairy etc. I can’t wait to follow this journey of yours and see how it helps / where it takes you. Helloo paleo Nicole!
Cayanne Marcus recently posted…Unapologetic: Creating the Year of You
haha we all get it – might as well talk about it! I hope this helps!
I have a ton of GI issues but one of my biggest enemies is beef. So paleo wouldn’t be for me..
I just love your graphics!! What program do you use to develop them?
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Loving/Not Loving/Winning
I’m sorry beef gives you troubles! That’s no fun! But thank you for the comment on my graphics :). I use a mix of photoshop, indesign and picmonkey to make them 🙂
Oh this is exciting girl I love the paleo diet never done it all out myself but adhere to most of it all the time!
Jayne recently posted…WIR #9 A List of Monday Thoughts…
I’m excited to see how it feels! 1 day down, 29 to go!
I am interested to see how it works for you. As a vegetarian it’s really not something that I could do. I need dairy and soy (and carbs and chocolate 🙂 ). I hope it helps with some of you stomach issues.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Faux Pho-Vegetarian Noodle Soup
Paleo is definitely not very vegetarian friendly, but hopefully it will be Nicole tummy friendly!
9 hours? Seriously?? Um no. I think I have Paleo for Athletes laying around here. I always got stuck fueling for really long runs but I know it can be done. All the best with this. Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
Marcia recently posted…Quick. I Need a Race
Thank you!
I also have several food sensitivities. I feel your pain! I’ve always known I was lactose intolerant and have mostly stayed away from dairy with no problem. But more recently, since I started “eating clean” I’ve been paying a lot more attention to my body and what it’s been trying to tell me. A few months ago, I gave up wheat, soy and corn because I suspected it was what was causing the inflammation in my body and wow, I feel SO much better now!! Not everyone understands — some think I’m a health freak or just being a picky eater — but I don’t care. I’m going to do what is best for my body and others can think what they will. Good for you for trying to find what works for YOU!
Michelle Rogers recently posted…Come home to hearty, healthy vegetable beef soup
Preach it, girl! I definitely feel judged by others quite often. Trust me, if I could eat that delicious looking cake and not feel like pure crap after, I would, but unfortunately I don’t have that privilege. I’d so much rather eat what makes me feel good and deal with the judgement than feel horrible all the time.
Good for you! I personally don’t think I’d be able to do it; I love my protein powder way too much (and peanut butter).
Christine Parizo recently posted…3 Weeks of Training and the Clear Lake Marathon Trail
I’m definitely going to miss my protein powder!
It sounds like you’ve done your research, which is what we all should do each time we consider switching things up with our diet. I hope that going paleo works out well for you.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Tips for a Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Thank you! I have all my fingers crossed that this will help me.
My friend did well on the Paleo diet and it reeeeally tempted me to give it a go, I love steak for breakfast haha
Carmy recently posted…Monday on the Run #40
haha yes! All about steak and eggs!
Best of luck Nicole!! I’m looking forward to following along and see what recipes you make! I went paleo-ish last June and was thrilled to have that blasted bloating & belly distension disappear. All the cookies at Christmas gave me a nice reminder that I really do feel better when I eat right. I’d take a day full of energy and good spirits over one cookie anytime!
I’m so happy to hear that it helped you! If I can go even just 2 days with out bloating and distension, I’ll be very very happy!
I’ll be curious to hear what you think of it. I really have no desire to give up any foods to be honest. I try to eat as much unprocessed foods as possible, but try to do everything in moderation. Thankfully I don’t have any GI problems or allergies!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Weekly Wrap: Outdoor running and big changes
I think after the first month I’ll start adding the things I love back in in moderation. I definitely couldn’t give up wine for the rest of my life haha.
Good luck!
No experience here. It’s one of those things that seems to work great for some people, and I hope it helps you get to the bottom of some of your issues. There are a ton of resources out there, and I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding some great recipes to get you through the next 30 days!
Jenn recently posted…weekly recap: 1.3 â 1.9
Thank you, Jenn!
I was strictly Paleo for awhile after I had C and I felt pretty good. The only unfortunate thing was that I lost too much weight I thought- it was strange. I felt like I was losing muscle. I hope it makes you feel better.
HollieMuscles&Munchkins.com recently posted…Banana Oat Protein Pancakes with Blueberry Chia Jam
Oh wow, that’s no good! I’ll have to be careful with that. Thank you for the heads up!
I am really, really interested in following along on your journey! I would like to try either Paleo or Whole 30 after marathon training. Will check out that article about Paleo for athletes.
Good luck with this – you will do great and hope it helps your tummy issues also 🙂
Natalie recently posted…14 Weeks Till Boston
Thank you! I’ll be sure to keep you posted!
I try to follow a paleo-ish diet, but I refuse to give up my beer. Thankfully I don’t seem to have any issues as long as I don’t have more than 1.
Good luck! Hope this solves your issues.
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Bizarre race dreams – have you had them?
I’m a big proponent of if you can eat it, eat it! Food should be enjoyed! Unfortunately for me, my tummy is quite picky. I do plan on reincorporating wine after the first month, though :).
So curious to hear your thoughts! I’m about 80/20 paleo. I’m a believer in it for sure 🙂 I hope it helps you!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple recently posted…What are essential oils?
Me too! Thanks, Liz!
Wow I answered yes to almost all as well. This is ESPECIALLY me: Do you get a “second wind” in the evening, and really only feel awake about the time you should go to bed?
I can never fall asleep at night, and even if I am exhausted all day (despite sleeping 7-8 hours), I have a ton of energy beginning like 7-8 pm and then can”t fall asleep.
I think I am going to try removing grains from my diet as well. My stomach is ALWAYS bloated and gassy. Legit after every meal. It is so frustrating and just makes me feel like I look pregnant all the time.
I’m interested to see how you do! The thing I think I”d have a hard time with is making dinners that are filling minus pasta or rice :-O
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Does Spinning Make You Faster?
I made a pork roast for dinner tonight with cauliflower and zucchini. Super filling! Protein and fats will fill you up way more than carbs.
Having so many restrictions is tough for me but I answered yes to all those tired questions. I tried paleo, but it isn’t sustainable in my life. I felt better with beans and some meatless meals, plus my beloved oatmeal, especially when marathon training. I have been trying to limit alcohol and grains this month and already feel a little less bloated and crappy! I think for anyone especially with digestive issues (I have IBS ugh), it is a good little experiment or change!
Lauren recently posted…Ragnar Relay Las Vegas 2015 Recap with Nuun Hydration
So far I feel really great! Once I go the month of being strict, I’ll definitely start incorporating some things back in to see how I feel. I love my oatmeal and a good glass of wine, so I can’t imagine giving those up for life haha.
Paleo for Athletes is such a good book! I personally liked that it approach it from the “I know it is a lifestyle change but we also recognize that athletes especially runner and endurance, have even more specific needs than most people.
Fit Magnolia recently posted…DO YOU WHOLE30? // WEEK ONE RECAP
I’m so glad to hear someone liked it! I think teaching your body to burn fat for fuel is great, but when it comes to those long runs, I know I’ll still need my carbs.