Paleo update

Here are some unexpected results I have experienced over the last couple of months since following the paleo lifestyle strictly.  I apologise to Ben Goldacre as these results are highly unscientific and totally anecdotal

The trouble with nutrition is that it is never possible to work out how much of a benefit is simply perceived or due to lifestyle, attitude, exercise, diet, elimination of alergens or a combination of all or some of these factors.

I am quite willing to acknowledge that simply by believing I should feel healthier following a paleo diet, that I do feel healthier.  The placebo effect could be working wonders here...

Having said that, since becoming stricly paleo I really am enjoying it and feel I am benefitting from it. these are some of the things I have noticed:

1     Hugely reduced period pains.
2     Reduced mood swings prior to period
3     Reduced mood swings in general - shouting less maniacally 
       at my kids
3     Finding it easier to go for longer stretches without food - 
       less of a panicky feeling
4     Potentially a quicker recovery from hangover (don't ask!)
5     Clearer skin
6     Better condition nails
7     Possibly improved immune system - have not caught a cold 
       yet from all the snotbags around me
8     Reduced body fat %
9     No joint pain - used to have achey knees, ankles, hips and 
       fingers.  All totally 100% gone!
10   More energy - can get up earlier, easier and stay up later.


My kids have also benefitted from the paleo lifestyle.

My daughter used to complain of tummy aches and headaches all the time, these are greatly reduced, especially the tummy aches.

My youngest son was the smallest (bar one little girl) in his class, though not the youngest and was smaller than both of his siblings at the same age,  He used to (excuse me here) have rather a runny bottom, which we put down to the huge amount of fruit he eats.  Since going paleo, he has shot up!  None of his trousers fit him any more.  It's possible he has just had a growth spurt but it is also possible my son was slightly gluten intolerant and wasn't getting the nutrients from the food he was eating and that since cutting flour, this has not been an issue. Again - horribly unscientific and anecdotal, just things I have noticed about my family.

My daughter is less grouchy in the mornings - as am I, which makes for far more pleasant mornings.

My youngest son used to have to be woken up every morning for school - now he literally jumps out of bed and comes and joins me downstairs sometimes before his siblings.  Unheard of before!

My kids have been brilliant, they have really embraced the paleo way and genuinely enjoy the breakfasts of spicy prawns, lamb chops or chicken soup that we have now.  They love the paleo cakes and treats that I make and they are happy to have paleo foods in their lunch boxes at school.  They understand nutrition and from the actual physical effects of eating sugar and flour products, they know what these things do to them and how they make them feel.

Going paleo has changed my life in myriad of unexpected ways - and that of my family.  I would wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone!

What are you waiting for?

Krish x