Better For You doesn’t always mean Good For You
With the commencement of the January Paleo Challenge, I’m already seeing some interesting posts about ‘Paleo’ foods. The people who have been doing it a while are suggesting ideas and all the newbies are looking for help. It’s a fantastic process but we may be getting into some grey area. There’s a lot of websites out there with Paleo Recipies that leave me wondering, are we any better off?
Not many people would argue against the idea that diet soda is better for you than regular soda. Or 25% less salt chips are better for you than regular salted chips. Or how about whole grain cheerios are better for you than regular cheerios? Does any of this mean that the said food is actually Good For You? Where this hits in Paleo land is in things like Almond Flour, Agave Nectar or Gluten Free Bread!! Are these things actually taking us on a path to superior health?
I know I have my opinion on this issues, but what’s yours? Please post thoughts to comments.
Low Fat! and part of a Heart-Healthy diet!!!
Chad, I’ve had these very same thoughts and have often found myself wondering while wandering in the organic grocery store if the original organic movement ever had organic cheese puffs or oreos in mind.
When I first started the group paleo challenge in September, I only ate very basic things – didn’t bake anything – basically meat, veggies, fruit, nuts. Probably for me, that would be fine – I can pretty much eat the same thing all the time. Trying to introduce more of a paleo eating style for the family, though, I found I needed to have a little more variety. I agree that paleo man wasn’t eating banana bread made with almond flour. Unfortunately, though, we live in a world where we have the ability to eat a lot of horrendous things. I guess I view some of the baking, etc. as a ‘paleo, but realizing that we live in a modern world’ approach. When I give Bethany banana bread made with almond flour for breakfast, she’s not eating gluten, refined sugar, trans fats, etc. Ideal? Probably not, but I’ll take ‘better than’ over ‘all or nothing’.
I agree with Sandra in that we all have to draw the line somewhere. In some writings the scale is tipped far to the side of eat nothing that looks neolithic or is neolithic, while countless recipes for “paleo-muffins, paleo-pancakes ect.can be found on credible nutrition blogs. The paleo world requires you too do your research, and draw the line yourself. Do we continue to support the neolithic paradigm with “paleo-posing” substitutes, or do we surrender to natures kitchen.
Personally I like the idea of having a healthier, not optimal, but healthier option when it comes to the foods that are a part of society but don’t fit into the paleo paradigm. For me they have been a bridge food in order to help me through cravings. I do however feel like these things are becoming less necessary and have been consuming them less. Moderation is key and while they have served a useful purpose for me, for others they may sabotage progress.
I think this topic can be taken to the extreme. We can pick apart pretty much anything and find out many things wrong. I could say, what about beef jerky, deli meat, canned items like fish, tomatoes etc….. or even….. PICKLES (I mention no names!)
I understand that there are items out there that makes you question if it is really better for you. Marketing, marketing, marketing is what that boils down to. Gluten free, trans fat free, No MSG etc…..
But I don’t see anything wrong with making a few “goodies” here and there, especially if it’s going to help keep my sanity. Like Sandra says, no added sugar, no gluten etc…
Striving for superior health is important, but you have to start somewhere and for most people you have to start with small steps.
I’m not striving for absolute perfection, but I can strive for accuracy and consistency.
Totally agree with everything that has been said! A while back due to some health concerns I had to do an “elimination diet”…. in some ways like Paleo but it was a “diet” that you would not be able to live on forever… so I guess the big question is this… is this what you are going to eat for 6 weeks as part of this challenge or are you looking to create a better eating lifestyle for you and your family? and one that you can live on forever. Everything in moderation when it comes to all of the “goodies”.. but if they keep you from eating an entire bag of chips… your choice. But maybe once in a while you do need to eat the entire bag… just to see how disgusting your body feels!!
Great posts so far everyone. And I personally have NO IDEA who you could be talking about Sanche.
I definitely agree with the fact that these foods are better for you and if they’ll assist the transition away from traditional, marketed neolithic foods then FANTASTIC! Especially if you need less of them over time as Auty said and/or they’ll stop you from eating the whole bag, as Stacy said. I however find the opposite to be true. I find that consuming these types of items actually tend to INCREASE my cravings for the more traditional neolithic foods. But that’s just me. My wife Jen has had huge success with those foods helping her avoid the cravings. My main concern would be that they remain only a tool or an infrequent choice rather than just a straight substitution.
I love the comments so far! For myself, I like variety.. I get bored of eating the same things all the time so that may mean that I opt for the “better for you” instead of the ideal. That being said, I find it easier to stay closer to the ideal when at home or in a packed lunch at the office. The challenge comes when I am out for dinner whether it be a restaurant or at a friend/family member’s house. These are the places where a certain amount of flexibility may be required – especially if you don’t have control over which restaurant is chosen or the meal that has been planned. No sugar and no gluten is usually pretty easy but sometimes the vegetables are not the preferred ones or the meat may have been cooked in an “unknown” sauce. Watching everyone else eat dessert is hard too (even though I know the consequences) so sometimes it is nice to be able to have a “paleo” treat when back at home. For my kids, paleo baking has definitely helped in the transition process. Moderation is definitely the key and if it helps to create and maintain a healthier lifestyle, then why not?
Chad-I agree with you. Cheat snacks lead to cheat meals, to more cheat meals….after going strict paleo for 6-7 wks initially, I too, added in 1 cheat per week. This led to 2, to one cheat meal. Nothing over the top, but you begin to justify why you’re having it-it’s a party, the holidays, I’m tired, or the ever popular…I just want it!
I think you have to be as strict with your ‘cheats’ as you are with paleo to stay on track, or when you can, no cheats. Maybe we should change the word ‘strict’ (has such a negative conotation) to something else….
As for the paleo snacks that wanna be muffins, cakes, etc…..I think they’re ok for when you have that craving. But better yet, just fight the craving. You’ll notice that you want those things less and less.
Maybe even to go further and stop seeing food as a ‘reward’, and instead see it as fuel for living an amazing and optimal quality of life.
Karen, I love your post. Sometimes we worry too much about haveing a substitue or a “healthier”option for when cravings get tough, when who said we cant just fight through the it. Cravings are temporary, and ultimatly managing cravings with “neolitic looking, paelo food” often may just as most people seem to feel creates a band-aid fix. I think you said it great in your last line that we need to create a new relationship with food, one that approaches nutrition as a method for living “an amazing and optimal quality of life”.
I was just reading an article on a top cyclist who was talking about how his paleo diet has changed his life in general. He said that if you follow this lifestyle 80% of the time that you will reap all the benefits from it. I am 100% in for this, but can totally admit that I am making mistakes along the way..I will say that now, I am still proud of myself for grabbing a piece of fruit or a mini paleo muffin then a bag of chocolate almonds!!!! I have learned from going through the “dieting” mentality of a body builder, that anything too immediately exteme is really rough on your mind and body and has long lasting effects. Eating meat again,not eating dairy or any grains..that is HUGE!!!! And if it takes me 1 piece of paleo french toast on a Saturday morning to “baby step” my way into a superior lifestyle then that is what it is going to take..this week I am going to focus on protein at every meal becuase I know that is where I need to improve, and I am sure next week there will be something else.
And LOTS of protein, Kelly!
Anyone who hasn’t read The Paleo Diet by Loren Cordain, I highly encourage you to do so. It helps you understand fully WHY dairy, gluten and sugar is a detriment to your body and your health. I find that for me, I think of what those ‘cheats’ do to my body before I decide to have them (but not at all during the challenge). And how it will make my body feel like crap after. Is it worth it?
I admire your progress, Kelly, but for you, and everyone else, take off the training wheels, and just jump in! To truly get the full benefits, it’s 100% full on for the remainder of the challenge. Inflammation from dairy, sugar and gluten takes about 8 days to leave the body, so if you involve ‘cheats’ throughout the challenge, I’m afraid that you just won’t experience the full benefits.
And everytime you fight a craving and don’t give in (not even ‘paleo’ versions), you will be mentally tougher for the next one. And you feel great for doing so!
I guess it boils down to what Kelly mentioned as a lifestyle change.We are all differently motivated. My husband was diagnosed with diabetes 2 years ago and has managed his health through diet and exercise – he is self-motivated. I am motivated by others – discussing my challenges and requiring a group workout. At the same time, I enjoy food while my husband eats because he has to (his words). I like trying new things, food included because I am the adventurous type – I want to travel the world while the next person prefers to go back to the places they have enjoyed before. I digress . . . when someone asks me what diet I am on, I respond by saying that I am making a lifestyle change. Just as I did when I started incorporating Crossfit into my weekly exercise routine, so I will change my eating habits so that I am a healthier person. Ten years ago I was an overweight smoker who rarely exercised – I’ve come a long way and will continue to educate myself and practice a healthier lifestyle – as each of you do to the best of your ability. Congratulations on your lifestyle change and your daily successes! And thanks for all the help and support along the way
Good for you, Betty-you rock!
Well said and thoughtful post Betty!