Paleo UPDATE

lillinzlou · July 2012

Thank you all SO much for the info! I was trying to write a response earlier, but my computer got sick:( So I just wanted you all to know how much I appreciated your thoughtful and detailed responses. They were exactly what I need to get started.

Today is the first day of paleo. I shopped a bit this weekend and loaded us with the basics. Coconut oil, nuts, organic/hormone free meat, etc. I have been doing Atkins for a month and a half. I feel great on that, but didn't like how they encourage the use of sugar alcohols and thought this would be something that we could do for the long haul.

We found out about 6 months ago that my husband is gluten intolerant. This diet works well for that. But, he is also a gym rat and is worried about losing mass if he doesn't drink his protein shakes after his workout. What do you do for a post workout routine? Are there any protein shakes that are acceptable?

Thanks, again for your help. We're on our way to the library today to pick up those book recommendations. Can't wait to learn more!

julie1408 · July 2012

I'm excited for you! I really hope it helps with your fertility issues .

DH said he would recommend going with a straight whey protein with no added sugar. You can go on the cheap end with NOW brand (though it has a small amount of soy lecithin) or go better quality and look for whey from grassfed cows and no additives.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to PM me.

lillinzlou · July 2012

julie1408:

I'm excited for you! I really hope it helps with your fertility issues .

DH said he would recommend going with a straight whey protein with no added sugar. You can go on the cheap end with NOW brand (though it has a small amount of soy lecithin) or go better quality and look for whey from grassfed cows and no additives.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to PM me.

Thanks so much! I hope it helps too. My husband has been gluten free for about 6 months now and although he does feel better it hasn't seemed to help his "soldiers". So, my hopes aren't too high that it will help us in that area, but I know we'll feel great!

Thanks for the protein suggestion. I read one website where this Paleo guy's trainer told him to eat an organic hot dog after working out and that was even better than a shake. My husband got some this weekend and they actually are comparable in protein to the shakes. IDK, we'll see how long he can carry that on.

I'll keep you posted! Thanks!

rbtrumpet · July 2012

Hi. I don't post in this board (mainly stick to TTGP), but I do lurk every once in a while. I've done Paleo (still aim for it sometimes) so I thought I'd throw in my two cents. I'm not super familiar with gluten intolerance, however, so take my opinion with that in mind.

If your husband is worried about calories/intake after the gym, it might help you to read The Paleo Diet For Athletes. It's mainly focussed on endurance athletes, but could apply to weightlifters too. It gives special allowance for "non-Paleo" foods (potatoes, milk, certain carbs) within a window of working out. My triathlon coach recommended the book to me, and while I don't have enough discipline on my own to follow it 100%, I did find the information to be very helpful.

As far as protein goes, there are protein powders that are "better" than others. My understanding is that whey is better than soy (when doing Paleo), hemp is better than whey, and egg white protein powder is the best (but SUPER expensive - available on amazon). I use a 100% whey protein powder. It may not be the best, but it's pretty good, and it's cheap . Since I'm not a serious athlete, I'm OK bending the rules every now and then .

CrazyMary77 · August 2012

I'm a huge advocate for paleo eating! I haven't been following it exactly (doh...) but I believe in it. As for protein powders, I highly recommend Primal Fuel that you can buy through marksdailyapple.com. This website is what converted me to paleo. Go to The Store and they have it there. The vanilla is yummy! I mix it with coconut milk and berries. Good luck!

OliveBeckett · August 2012

There are a few paleo companies that make AMAZING jerky that I bet he would enjoy.

But here is my favorite smoothie recipe:

- no sugar added frozen fruit

- vanilla whey powder

- frozen or fresh spinach (or even kale)

- water

To blend: fill 1/2 a plastic cup w/ fruit and toss in microwave for 30s to make more blendable, add other ingredients (adding some water first helps whey powder not clump) to fill cup

mix with inversion blender till smooth

This is MUCH tastier than you would think and it is paleo and VERY low calorie. Also good with milk but great with water so...