Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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... cuz I'm finding it has become that for me. My thinking is that the reason for this is that it's quite a radical departure from how I ate before, that my mind/body needs the time for it to all sink in properly. But it's been to the detriment of family/friends/and work, to some extent. My focus has been a bit myopic, and I've become maybe a wee bit messianic about it all, too. (If something works, why hide it, no?)

It's only food, right? But it seems, also, so much MORE than that.

Anyone else in a similar boat?

edited May 31 2012 at 4:30

asked May 30 2012 at 20:10

pseudopaleo
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Yeah don't over think, don't spend too much time here, don't think about food a lot. Just eat basic whole foods. Spend your time and energy doing fun active shit. Eat to fuel that life. Keep it simple simple. – ben61820 May 30 2012 at 21:41

I personally can't wait until I'm at least a year deep in this Paleo business. I feel like I'm not good enough anecdotal evidence to be preaching it quite yet after 3-4 months. It is very consuming though at first, and it slowly dies off, but there's actually days now where I find myself not looking at anything Paleo. – smackles May 31 2012 at 11:14

More Butter Please · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-31 00:01:18Z UTC

Any time you make a huge lifestyle change, there's an adjustment period. A bit of fanaticism, obsession, and obnoxious preaching to the unconverted is normal--it's all part of integrating new knowledge, habits, and techniques into your life and reinforcing your commitment until it becomes second nature.

That you're self-aware enough to recognize that this intense "honeymoon period" is having detrimental effects on your relationships and other aspects of your life is a good thing. Work on turning the volume down a few notches, while still applying everything you've learned so far. And if you can keep in mind the first rule of paleo--which is that you don't talk about paleo--you'll be fine.

CS · Answer 2 · 2012-05-30 20:39:18Z UTC

I would tend to agree, but it doesn't stay that way forever.

I found that once you get to the point where you are buying the exact same things every week (but cooking them differently) then you stop thinking about it so much.

That being said, this has definitely become a hobby for me. I'm addicted.

coffeesnob · Answer 3 · 2012-05-30 20:58:48Z UTC

I learned this the hard way:

If I want to include my neolithic friends in my paleolithic life, I need to shut up and smile.

Once paleo becomes part of your life, you will stop obsessing with it. People around you will get used to it as well. So give it time! Good luck!

Domtx008 · Answer 4 · 2012-05-30 21:30:16Z UTC

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in the beginning, yes, it is all-consuming... used to spend WAY too much time on this site, for example...

answered May 30 2012 at 21:30

Domtx008
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Mike T · Answer 5 · 2012-05-30 23:11:40Z UTC

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For me, definitely yes. I had this post a while back which addresses at least part of your question (being messianic):

http://paleohacks.com/questions/115102/the-first-rule-of-paleo-is-you-do-not-talk-about-paleo

answered May 30 2012 at 23:11

Mike T
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Team Oberg · Answer 6 · 2012-05-30 22:01:02Z UTC

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Do you have a history of eating disorders? I had a problem with obsessing, but I have had problems obsessing over diet my whole life

answered May 30 2012 at 22:01

Team Oberg
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gydle · Answer 7 · 2012-05-31 10:52:37Z UTC

Strict paleo requires so many restrictions that I imagine it's easy to obsess and overthink everything. This is why I'm not strict. It doesn't work with my personality.

I think as long as you stay positive about it, and don't let fear and worry take over - fear that every mouthful of a "bad" food is one more step into an early, disease-ridden grave, for example, or worry that a bite of sugar or a piece of bread will spiral into utter disaster - you'll be ok. And as the others said, skip the messianic part. Nobody wants to hear about how much better you are at handling your life than they are. Ease up around the others and put the focus back on them. Most people like to be the center of attention, and you'll be appreciated for listening instead of spouting.

Can paleo be all-consuming?

7 Answers