Progression to Paleo: Evolution versus Revolution

By Leslie Why Reap

Evolution, according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is “(2a): a process of change in a certain direction: unfolding ….c (1): a process of continuous changes from a lower, simpler, or worse to a higher, more complex, or better state: growth.  Wow!  Well who doesn’t want to EVOLVE?  To unfold? To grow?  That is pretty exciting stuff.  I want to evolve, unfold and grow, everyday!  Now, how about revolution?  Two things come to mind when I think of the word revolution: radical change and revolving doors.  Neither of which conjure up images of lasting, lifestyle change.  So let’s choose to evolve instead of revolve.

What are we talking about here anyway?  Why do we need to evolve?  Well, let’s take a look.  66% of our adult population is obese or overweight.  62% of Americans don’t eat even one fruit or vegetable a day.  Our children are the heaviest, the most sedentary and the sickest they have ever been in history.  Rates of cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases are skyrocketing and with that, healthcare costs.  Pouring money into researching cures is one approach but whatever happened to “prevention is the best medicine?”  Bottom line, we need to become educated and take responsibility of our health and we can start by examining what we put in our mouths each day.  How far have we devolved nutritionally in the US?  I would say pretty darn close to rock bottom.  

Where do we need to evolve?  One suggestion is the Paleolithic approach.  Why Paleo you say?  Dr. John, John Michael and several other Paleo authors have gone into great depth as to why a progression or return to the diet of our ancestors is one of the healthiest paths.  I like this laymen’s summary of the top reasons to go Paleo:  http://neo-paleolithic-diet.com/index.php/364/the-best-way-to-lose-weight-paleo-diet/  and for a more in depth and balanced review of the Paleo Diet check out wiki:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleolithic_diet .

Why did I choose this path?  It works for me.  Grains and dairy make me feel lethargic, they slow my digestion and increase mucus.  I discovered this before I discovered the Paleo diet.  The Paleo approach simply put it into context for me.  What does the Paleo diet do for me?  It helps me maintain a lean body mass around the year, not just during race season.  It helps me maintain energy throughout the day, enables me to think clearly and to multi-task.  It helps me manage the balance of good/bad bacteria in my gut that on a more traditional diet with sugar and refined carbohydrates, I fail to do.  It allows me to train, recover and regenerate muscle tissue so I am able to get stronger and faster even though I am 41 years old.  It helps me be the best role model I can be for my two children.  Most importantly, it has allowed me to heal from brain surgery free of addictions and with a positive outlook, a strong mind and a healthy immune system. 

We all live in a world of stress and bodily inflammation.  We do not need regular doses of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, refined carbohydrates and grains to further aggravate it, and we need a dietary lifestyle to counterbalance it.

I feel blessed to be a contributor to Paleoterran.   Please check in regularly to learn more about my stepped approach to “going Paleo,” the 80/20 rule, and pulling off great recipes!  I will also dive into how to get more delicious sleep, energizing fitness, and delightful rejuvenation into our daily lives.  Are you excited?  Ready to evolve?  I am! 

Leslie Why Reap
“Evolving, one day at a time….”

PaleoTerran welcomes nutritionit Leslie Reap. She brings a fresh and dynamic approach to helping you build your Paleo/primal health. Learn about Leslie in the About page.