re: Anyone eat Paleo?

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I think the hardest things to kick will be cheese and desserts. Seems like there is a good substitute for dessert, but the thought of an omelet without cheese makes me sad. Maybe it will be my 20!

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I'm not Paleo but I am Vegan, and cheese was a tough one for me to give up. I am not overly familiar with Paleo, but look up some vegan cheese recipes if you are interested. Nutritional yeast gives the cheesy flavor and the bulk of the sauce is usually nuts or white beans.

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If you don't mind me asking, why are you vegan?

Science?
Love animals too much?
Etc.?

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I am Vegan for a combination of reasons. I originally went Vegetarian because I wanted to try to eat healthier. Most of the meat that I was consuming was unhealthy, like fast food for example. I noticed a big difference in how much energy I had and how overall it made me look/feel healthier and slim down. While I am an animal lover, this was not a contributing factor in my decision, HOWEVER... it should've been. Had I known then what I know now about the meat/dairy industries, the treatment (or lack of) of the animals, their living arrangements, the chemicals and filth and disease involved, it would've been the number one reason.

Now being Vegetarian/Vegan (recently vegan) for a while, I have read books and watched documentaries on the industry and the benefits/disadvantages. The results are incredible. I highly recommend The China Study... the results from the study of a plant-based vs. animal-based diet is something everyone should read. I wish I would've known earlier what I know now... the decision was very simple for me.

While I agree meat is tasty, it's not worth the cancer/heart disease that it's causing (#1 killer in america). yikes

Just to be clear, I continue to be Vegan because of science, animals and health. Most of the people around me still eat meat and it does not bother me. To each their own... but it is important to be educated.

"People eat meat and think they will become strong as an ox, forgetting that the ox eats grass."

Books:
Eating Animals - Jonathan Safran Foer
The China Study - T. Colin Campbell
Forks Over Knives - book and documentary (netflix)
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead - documentary (more about juicing, power of raw diet)

My diet consists of: lots of fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, shrooms. I eat whatever I want and love coming up with and trying new things. Sandwiches, pasta, lasagna, soups, burgers, fries. Plenty of substitutes for my old favorites.



ETA: Sorry if tl;dr

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I can give up cheese mostly just fine, but giving up pasta would be killer! I'm trying to transition to whole wheat pasta at least.

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Check out spaghetti squash for a healthy substitute.

If you want to ease into a diet (lifestyle) and are worried you may not be able to, try to eat the new way 2-3 times a week... gradually increase as you feel more comfortable.

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I've been curious about spaghetti squash. Is it named that in a store? I've just never seen it.

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Yes, it will be named that in the store. It's simple to make. Slice it it half, oil it up (olive oil for me...coconut for paleo) and bake it face down for 30-40 minutes on 375. Replace it for any noodles... spaghetti, alfredo, or just add olive oil and herbs and enjoy.

The many looks of spaghetti squash

If that post was made on the OT it would provide many interesting responses.

I'm reading the paleo diet for athletes right now and I like what I'm reading. The hardest thing for me will be the dairy. I drink about 3-4 cups of milk a day. Love that stuff.

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spaghetti, alfredo, or just add olive oil and herbs and enjoy.

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I use olive oil still, I thought it was paleo-friendly? Anyway, last time I made spaghetti squash I chunked up 2 chicken breasts, seasoned, cooked with diced roma tomatoes and spinach, cooked shredded a whole spaghetti squash, and mixed all of that together with a little bit of olive oil and lemon juice. Got 2-3 meals out of that and it was freaking good.

I've only read through about half of the first page of comments, but here is my experience with Paleo...

I just finished my first Whole-30 (visit and cruise the website, no need to buy the book IMHO). I was almost 100% strict on following it, only making meat compromises when whole foods didn't have any grass-fed in stock. I lost 21lbs in 30 days, going from 230lbs to 209lbs (I am 6'2", and admittedly had let the Louisiana diet get the better of me since moving back).

This past weekend, after I had finished the whole-30, I decided to take a weekend hiatus. I definitely indulged myself a bit, and felt like 100% shite after doing so. I've started back on a second round of whole-30, and have decided to eat mostly paleo from now on. I can feel the difference in all aspects. I feel better, have more energy, better concentration, and I feel satiated on less food.

TLDR... Paleo and clean eating has worked for me.

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giving up pasta would be killer!

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I thought the same thing, but between julienned zucchini and kelp noodles it as been fine.

BTW, I thought I would hate kelp noodles, but i ended up really liking them with spaghetti sauce and italian sausage. Once they're warm, it is akin to angel hair.

You need to read "Wheat belly"

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You feel satiated, not bloated. When I first kicked carbs, I didn't like it. Now when I eat carbs, I hate the way I feel afterwards.

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Pretty much. My energy level is pretty constant throughout the day, although I need to cut back on my coffee. I snack on carrots and apples throughout the day. I've dropped a pants size so far.

One thing I've been in love with lately is zucchini. It use it like a pasta replacement. I slice it real thin and put a little color on it in a pan.

ETA: I just read all the zucchini comments.