There’s little denying that our collective health seems doomed. Diabetes and cancer are rampant, health care costs are increasingly crippling our economy, and 8-year-old children are weighing in at 300 pounds. Clearly, something isn’t working.
We don’t need to go back millennia to witness a startling decline in health and increase in obesity. We really can just look back a generation or two.
Our grandmothers knew that processed foods, namely carbohydrates like grains, starch, and sugar, make us fat.
And when our grandmothers bought food, it was usually local, organic, and free of most chemicals… Not by choice, mind you, but by default. Once upon a time, food was food.
Alas, those days have passed.
As Alfred Newman quipped, “We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.” Grim indeed.
Paleo has a PR Problem
Quite recently, “Paleo” has become synonymous with this particular set of dietary recommendations: avoid processed food, don’t be afraid of fat, and watch your carbs.
And it’s no secret that I’m a fan of Paleo – I love the people, the community, and the message.
But the word “Paleo” itself is problematic, and “Primal” isn’t much better.
Why? When newbies (or the media) hear “Paleo Diet,” they think of Barney Rubble stuffing his face with steak, binging on bacon (ok, that part might be fair), and bloodletting parties. That’s not what this is about, but it scares people away just the same.
The Paleo or Caveman Diet also sounds like a reenactment. And you don’t need to live like a caveman to eat like one.
Truth be told – my approach has always been more flexible than Paleo. It’s no secret that I’m a dairy fiend and even enjoy sprouted grains and legumes when I’m in the mood.
That is why I now refer to my nutritional approach as “The Wild Diet.”
… I think someone just threw a nightshade.
What is The Wild Diet?
Simply, The Wild Diet suggests that we take a deep breath and start eating real food again.
We once had access to an immense variety of seasonal foods from small, local sources. Now we have access to very few varieties of very few foods from a massive industrial system often thousands of miles from where we live.
It’s important to note the few staples of the Standard American Diet – namely corn, wheat, and soy – are not produced in such massive quantities because they’re healthy. They’re produced because they make money for rich people.
Modern food manufacturers have overwhelmed grocery store shelves with foods that are nutrient poor, rotten, spoiled, dead, old, and contaminated with antibiotics, chemicals, and growth hormones.
GMO’s are creepy, artificial flavors are horrifying, and selective breeding has unleashed some freakish foodstuffs upon the general public. If selective breeding can do this to a wolf, imagine what they can do to a tomato.
Monoculture is raping the land, generating obscene wealth for a select few, and producing “foods” that make us fat and sick. We need to return to a system that works with the land, with nature, and with our own physiology and spirit.
Sure, it takes work to make (or find) fresh, wild, natural food these days. But the benefits for the health of our bodies and the land we inhabit are undeniable.
Here’s a small example of what you eat when you don’t pay attention…
Think you’re better off eating foods with “natural flavor”? Chew on this: secretions from the anal glands of beavers produce a bitter, smelly, orange-brown substance known as castoreum that is used extensively in vanilla and raspberry flavoring. It’s legally labeled as “natural flavoring.” – The Wild Diet
This is the state of affairs when you trust food manufacturers, my friends. I hope you like beaver butt.
The Wild Diet is a Paradigm for Making Healthy Decisions
The Wild Diet is not a dietary bootcamp; it is a template for making healthy eating and lifestyle decisions. But as a rule, the closer you can get to eating plants and animals that would thrive in their wild and natural habitat, the better.
Eat plants and animals that were recently alive and well. Heirloom and heritage plants and animals are in themselves healthier as a result more nutritious then their industrial counterparts. Imagine grain is expensive, hard physical work is necessary, and sweets are a treat.
And don’t be afraid to get some dirt under your fingernails. It’s good for you.
If you want to check out the brand new version of my expanded eBook “The Wild Diet,” click here to grab a copy for just $17 for a limited time!
Reminding folks that there’s quite a bit of flexibility within the confines of the paleo/primal/wild diet template is a good idea. You don’t have to eat a pound of meat every day if you’re body doesn’t roll with that. Lots of different “versions” of a “real food” diet can be healthy, of course. I appreciate the approach you’ve outlined here.
P.S. I’ve been enjoying your podcasts.
Thanks Doc! Flexibility is essential for making this work as a lifestyle. Glad you dig the show!
Agreed, there is flexibility in the caveman/paleo way of eating. Just wish I could convince my family to give up those white carbs.
Ha, convincing family is the hardest! Just ask mine.
Who’s the beautiful lady next to you? She looks like she’s been eating real food for 90 years! By the way, I’ve heard from reliable sources you are making great progress with your family. There are a few holdouts but they’re paying attention and asking good questions. Keep doing what you’re doing! Banjo Jim
Real food is medicine! Haha, I’m very happy to hear about the “rest” of the family.
I’ve lost count of the number of times people have said, as I pour cream into my coffee “but that’s not paleo!” I’m with you – dairy fiend here too. Cheese for lunch – can’t wait
And you’re also right about the PR problem. I think one other problem is that we’re all so into eating this way, and so passionate about it, that we probably come across like a bunch of preach-y obsessive nutters! Add that to the fact that some of the paleo ideas (eg. high fat, no grains) go against conventional wisdom, I think some people find it hard to swallow.
Hi Fi,
Thanks for stopping by. “But that’s not Paleo!!!” is one of the more annoying phrases I’ve ever heard, I agree. Can you imagine life without double-cream Brie? I can’t.
You’re right – it’s difficult enough for people to accept the style of eating, let alone the more cultish (and optional) aspects of Paleo. The truth is that almost everyone can benefit, so we need to do our best not to scare people off!
Cheers,
Abel
I have just ordered your info..very excited and feel great eating according to your lifestyle. Thank you and keep the good info coming!
Awesome! Thanks for your support, Lish, and keep us updated!
Or 5-year-aged gouda! Life would not be worth living
Abel…
Thank you so much for all your hard work! You are an inspiration to me. I am just beginning my journey towards a healthier lifestyle (I’m a 40-year-old, 5′-9″, 261 lb [was 270 lbs last week] father or two little girls), and your podcasts, blogs, and writings are drastically improving my level of dietary education. After only 1 week of just removing obvious sources of wheat and beginning to curb my addiction to sugar, I’ve lost 9 lbs and have had a 180 degree (or at least it feels that way) turn-around in my digestive health. I’m not even using Organics or strict Paleo yet! My mental fog is lifting, I’m resting better with the same amount of sleep (4-7 hours/night), and my energy levels are through the roof (and everyone around me is noticing the change BTW). Did I mention I’ve only been doing this for a week? =) Best of all, I am eating like a King and I am NEVER hungry! Why the heck did it take us so long to come full circle?
Keep up the Great work man!
Wow, 9 pounds in a week! That’s not too shabby, Marcus. I’m so glad you’re getting value out of the show. Eating real food just works. And being full instead of hungry all the time? That’s the cat’s pajamas. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help you along the way.
Cheers,
Abel
I’m more of a fan of ‘Real Food diet’ but I don’t think it matters what its called, there will always be some bitching from someone who thinks its a fad or has flaws. You know what, the Robb Wolf mentality is one I use, try it for 30 days, if you don’t see any improvements then tell me I’m wrong.
I also worry that with too many names the point of it all gets lost between the cracks; oh its like the ‘Paleo Diet’ except we can eat dairy, oh its like the ‘Real Food Diet’ except we allow treat meals. Perhaps it doesn’t need a name, perhaps that’s half of the problem, I now say to people ‘I don’t eat that, I eat meat, fish, veg and fruit as a treat’ they ask ‘what diet is that?’ and rather than saying ‘oh its a modified Paleo diet’ I just say ‘well it’s not a diet, diets are labelled temporary, I’ve been eating this way for ages now and its more just how I eat, try it, you might like it’ then if they’re keen for more info I point them to Robb Wolf, you, Mark Sissons etc.
Keep up the good work and I really appreciate your podcast, don’t tell Robb Wolf but I find it far more approachable as he sometimes goes into WAAAAY too much detail and my mind wanders, I’m not a simple minded person but on my commute into work I need something more approachable.
Cheers,
Luke
The funny thing is, when I read this, I thought, “isn’t this obvious? Duh, minimize sugar, processed foods, and carbs and add more fruit and veggies.” But I guess its not obvious for some. Many people are trained to think that what is offered to them as meals by stores and restaurants are actually nutritious. Especially if they use the word “healthy” or “natural” or whatever the current buzz word is. I guess Im lucky that my parents were raised on farms with chickens, eggs and gardens in the backyards (untainted by food manufacturing) and that we grew up gardening and going to the butcher for our meat. My grandmother worked out to Jack Lalane and swam in her pool til she was in her 90′s.
I had exposure at an early age to vegetarianism, juicing and other healthy (or nowadays, “alternative”) practices. I feel sad for the children growing up with parents who did not have this nutritional foundation and are confused manipulated by confusing and mixed messages about food, fitness, meds and health.
Entertained and educated. Downloaded all available episodes of your podcast recently and listened to them all one-by-one in the car. I made a contribution to the upkeep of the show because I see real value in what you and your guests have to say. Great show and great informed guests providing fantastic information. Love it. Waiting for the next episode now. waiting…waiting ..waiting..
Thanks so much for your support, Ralph! New episode tomorrow.
Hi James,
What format is your book in? Is that a PDF only?
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, it’s available in .pdf right now but we’re working on a hard copy as well!
Mr James!
First off, thanks for the podcast you put out, “the Fat Burning Man” keeps my car rides, cardio, and weight lifting sessions full of awesome information, research, and banter.
Second, I would like to give a quick background of myself. I am 23 years old living in northern Michigan (Boyne city). I work as a personal trainer and manage at a gym and am avidly researching more about nutrition and fitness, as well as sharing ideas in classes and hope to be in med school at U of M in the near future.
Third, in April of 2011 I was 305 lb, had smoked cigarettes for 6 years, and was in catastrophic health. At 21 years old, my risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer was high to say the least. I decided to follow a high carb low fat diet rich in fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and no processed food or liquids. No candy, no soda, only raw natural foods.. just low fat. In 8 months I was down 80 lbs, and lost 40 more in the following year. I seemed to be stuck at my new weight, and am very interested in cutting more in preperation for a natural fitness show. I believe my body fat % to be upwards of 12-14%. My weight before trying ketosis was 179 and am 5’10″.
Two months ago I decided to try nutritional ketosis. I found out about it while stumbling upon Dr. Peter Attia’s eatingacademy.com . Shortly after I heard “The Fat Burning Man”. After 5 solid weeks of approximently 75/25 fat/protein ratio, and under 25g of carbs a day, I have gained approximently 13 pounds. I feel like I have grown slightly in muscle and strength, and have tested numerous times and AM in ketosis according to test strips. My food consists of egg yolks/grass fed beef and cheese in the morning, “bulletproof” coffee, chicken wings and legs, steak, green veggies, nuts, avacados, cheese, and copious amounts of coconut oil, olive oil, and grass fed butter. I seem to be storing a bit of weight in the stomach and butt. Vascularity in arms and shoulders remains the same, but am wondering if you can offer any advice or tips. I follow your himalayan sea salt, egg yolks and grass fed beef, veggies cooked in fat/butter/coconut oil, and eat about 2-5 times per day, only when hungry. I do 30-45 mins of cardio 5-7 times per week, high intensity moderate – heavy interval weight training 5 days a week. I fear the big “200″ and am at 191 right now. I am probably over-thinking it and haven’t given it as much time as I need to become “keto adapted”. If you wanted to talk about me in your podcast I would be absolutely ecstatic about it, and even happier to answer more questions if your busy self had any. But if possible I would appreciate any tips you may have, and am aware of my selfishness of this post. Truly appreciate all you do for the paleo movement, and am starting to feel as good as you . Lifts are getting better, endless energy, yet storing weight.
From one caveman to another, thanks.
Hi Dan,
Wow, what a journey! If you want to stick with nutritional ketosis, I’d reach out to Jimmy Moore directly. I’m sure he’d be happy to hear from you!
But if you got down to 179, why did you go for ketosis? It sounds like you were in a pretty good spot. Cycling carbs might be something that’ll help you slim down – I’m training a bodybuilder for a contest right now and he’s killing it – down to 6% body fat with 5 weeks left.
So many approaches – it’s all about what works best for your body, your goals, and your circumstance.
Give a shout and let me know how I can help!
Abel,
Love the podcast; reading the book. It’s great that you have so many people/experts on who have somewhat varying opinions. But in trying to eat well (I still don’t know whether to call it Paleo or Wild or Clean…) my head is spinning. Every time I feel like I’m on a solid track, something I hear on your podcast throws me for a loop. I’m still really confused on starches, and if some grains are necessary. I’m 33 – 6’1″ 195. In good shape, but I’d like to add muscle and tone up more. Primarily, I just want to be healthy and that’s such a moving target when I try to listen to each expert you have on. A Clarity podcast would be amazing. Just taking a second to say, ok, you’ve heard so many things, here’s what I think today. – Again, awesome show. Thanks for all the info, even if it can be overload!!
Hey Jeff, I hear you. That’s a great idea for a podcast! Maybe I’ll put out a “clarity” show soon. But to answer at least one of your questions, grains are never “necessary.” Wild plants and animals are.
I’m right about to click “buy” on this book (ben greenfield directed me here BTW), but if you even spend part of a chapter telling me I can’t have organic fine wine every so often or that i can drink my hubsters home brew on holidays I will have to quit you
I agree with all the principles, but I know this is going to be ROUGH (I have a deep and passionate love affair with sugar and I know the white beast will be coming calling at several junctures). Glad there is a podcast to help with the other aspects of daily living. Okay, Let’s go!
Ha, I love this comment. Don’t worry, you have my permission to enjoy your wine. I certainly enjoy mine.
This looks healthy and a diet I can live with. But what do you suggest for when you are not at home and faced with a lot of food temptations like at someone’s home for dinner? Thanks Suzanne
Hi Suzanne, we cover food temptations in a recent episode of my show with Michael Fishman; you can check it out here: http://www.fatburningman.com/michael-fishman-how-to-beat-sugar-addiction/
Hey Abel,
I was actually referred to you and your site by Antonio Centeno. Had a conversation with him about what I’m doing with my website and your name came up as he was thinking of people in the Austin area that I could get in touch with.
I’ve looked over your website and everything looks good man! I’ll have to catch up on the podcasts one of these days, but I’ll get there. I have to disclose up front that I’m not a fan of paleo (at least in the pure sense of the word), as it seems to unnecessarily place quite of bit of restrictions on food choice and it leads people to label food as “good” and “bad”, or view foods as black and white with no grey area. It’s more about context. The one line I’m referring to specifically is “Our grandmothers knew that processed foods, namely carbohydrates like grains, starch, and sugar, make us fat.” It’s a broad statement and doesn’t account other factors that can contribute to fat gain. Is it possible that grains, starches, and sugar can cause fat gain? Absolutely, but only in the context of excess consumption. When consumed in moderation, there’s typically no issues and can be a part of a fat loss regiment. I know I’m picking on just that one quote, as I’m sure there is more to the story, but it’s statements like those that make me raise my eyebrow.
However, I’m glad to see that in your approach there’s a bit of flexibility, and I think that’s the idea that gets lost when someone goes to one extreme with a diet philosophy, as I’ve seen with some paleo enthusiasts. Without the flexibility, it’s simply not realistic and sustainable for the majority of people, which is why it turns many away.
Though I might have my disagreements, I always have my ears/eyes open and enjoy learning more. Would like to get your feedback particularly on the quote above and any other insight you might have as far as how sustainable this would be for a business professional whose lifestyle is fast paced and involves restaurant outings.
Thanks Abel, keep up the good work!
RW
So I’m 20 days clean…ha, i mean 20 days into this diet and I wanted to post an update. Aside from not giving up wine (thanks Abel! now I really can’t quit you), I started this with going a little more severe towards paleo the first week and then worked back in dairy (which I ADORE, my homemade organic greek yogurt makes me feel like aphrodite) and because I also love legumes, I plan on bringing them in occasionally after my first 30 days are up to see how my body deals with them. I’m AMAZED that fruit now tastes like the sweetest candy I’ve ever eated, and most cravings have abated 90% of the time.
What I’m still struggling with is 1) my extreme dislike of the flavors of coconut and bacon (I know, what carnivore dislikes bacon?!) and its frequent usage in a primal type of cooking and 2) how to fuel my workouts since I’m working towards running a faster 3-6k and no longer focusing on endurance. I’ll apologize also, as I’m still trying to catch up on podcasts and hoping some of the answers lie there! Overall I’m pretty happy that I’ve headed down this path, it has been an increase in grocery costs for sure, but I feel…fresher and an adrenaline rush each time I take on a recipe that I know will not involve opening a package that has more than 2 ingredients on it!! Thank you.
Hi Richard,
Thanks so much for the update. Dislike for BACON?!? My goodness. Well, things like bacon and coconut oil are easy to swap out for other fats (grassfed butter, macadamia, avocado, olive oil, other animal fats, etc.)
Yes, please listen to the shows. I just posted show number 65 – tons of info that will clear up ever question above.