Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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There's a recently released a package of ebooks and online tools called Personal Paleo Code, authored by Chris Kresser. According to the marketing material: "I’ve condensed over 10 years and thousands of hours of research and my experience working with hundreds of patients into a simple – yet highly effective – 3-step approach that will help you discover your own ideal diet and finally end confusion about what to eat."

The material is a bit light on details despite its infomercial-like verbosity, but it appears there are a couple of workbooks, and an online-only tool for progress tracking. There is a meal planner (which requires a monthly subscription fee). There is an endorsement from Robb Wolf, but it refers to Kresser himself instead of the software.

At $97 it's not cheap, but there's a 30-day money-back guarantee - just like in infomercials. Does anyone have any experience with this, or Chris Kresser's credentials or products?

flag	asked Nov 27 2011 at 11:30 Wisper 2,386●1●5●15

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I don't have any experience but I would be wary of advertisements like that and things like "30-day money-back" and the promise to "end confusion about what to eat". You can make a lot of money with despaired people who want to find the answer to every problem with food. Don't forget his first aim is to make money if he sells it for 97 $. Though, there is a possibility that his program is indeed helpful so I am also curious for answers to your question. – Primordial Nov 27 2011 at 13:30

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Those are exactly the reasons why I posed this question. – Wisper Nov 27 2011 at 14:03

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But wait...there's more! – Brad Nov 28 2011 at 4:17

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I have heard Kresser on some of his podcasts and then on www.undergroundwellness.com He has solid information and is a natural path. I don't know him personally but he seems to have a heart for wanting to help others health. Check out his podcasts on Itunes, they are free and lots to learn. Good luck with your Paleo site! Mark markepierce1@gmail.com – Mark P Dec 15 2011 at 22:51

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"Don't forget his first aim is to make money if he sells it for $97." That is highly cynical and makes the tacit suggestion that people with valuable skills or advice do not deserve to be compensated for their time, effort, and costs of training and education. – David Csonka Apr 7 2012 at 15:36

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Jac · Accepted Answer · 2011-11-28 00:35:02Z UTC

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I tried it. Its three workbooks are really valuable, and the cheat sheets seem good. However I think his market is the beginner or the easily confused. I don't see a huge difference from Robb Wolf's 30 day 'try it and see' for the first stage, but then later there are lots of tips about how and what to reintroduce, and then finally how to refine to get optimal results.

I found the recipes too complex and/or too American (sorry ;)). I'm already pretty well informed about Paleo, and have done my own reintroduction process this year, so functionality for me was limited. I asked for and got my money back.

edited Nov 28 2011 at 0:35

answered Nov 28 2011 at 0:05

Jac
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Thanks, confirms what I thought. I won't be getting it, then. – Wisper Nov 28 2011 at 0:44

Hi Jac--do you think it'd be a good purchase for my 64 year old arthritic mom who really needs to change her diet but has a closet full of Jenny Craig meals? Seriously... there's very little in her home that isn't shelf-stable. – staceychev Nov 28 2011 at 1:42

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Thanks for sharing your experience. I suspected it might be geared more towards beginners. I'll definitely keep it in mind for those who are thinking about trying paleo--especially if they are coming from the SAD. – Kewpie Nov 28 2011 at 2:20

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Stacey, Yes I do think it's good for someone like your Mum. I would also recommend it for someone in the place I was at the beginning of the year who is feeling really sick and wanting help to get through that - especially if there are problem foods among the 'usual' paleo fare. It was my own process of elimination that identified all nut and dairy products, an excess of FODMAPS etc. If I'd had the PPC at that point I'd have been a happy camper! – Jac Nov 28 2011 at 20:52

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I should add that the introduction includes sweeteners like maple syrup etc, and starches - it's really just focused on getting people into whole foods to start with, then refining according to what's needed. It's a good process and achievable for most people - esp not hitting the 'deprivation' button of no sweets and low or VL carb – Jac Nov 28 2011 at 20:56

Tom R. · Answer 2 · 2011-11-27 13:39:51Z UTC

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I also don't have personal experience with this product, but I find Kresser to be one of the sharpest folks in the Paleosphere. I think you will find that even those who disagree with his research and positions will agree that he is sharp and well researched.

answered Nov 27 2011 at 13:39

Tom R.
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+1 for objective feedback, with whihc I happen to agree. Kresser is one sharp cat. – Atkins-witha-loincloth Nov 27 2011 at 20:26

Kewpie · Answer 3 · 2011-11-27 13:25:03Z UTC

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I have always liked Kresser's podcasts and blog posts. He's a smart guy and he is willing to change his recommendations when there is new research pointing in a different direction. He was a key factor in my decision to switch to this kind of diet. However, I am always a bit skeptical of stuff like this so I've been waiting to hear from others who've tried it. I don't need someone to plan my meals and there are plenty of place online to "track my progress" if I am so inclined, but I'm always on the lookout for new information. I'm mostly wondering if there is anything new here or if it's pretty much all the same stuff I've already read/listened to just condensed into a more convenient "diet book" package.

answered Nov 27 2011 at 13:25

Kewpie
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	I'd be mostly interested in the customizing part. If it's a robust approach based in research rather than my rather slow and off-the-cuff approach, I'm in. The meal planner is extra, 30 days free, then you have to pay $9.95 PER MONTH for subscription AFAIK. – Wisper Nov 27 2011 at 14:06
	That's my understanding of the meal planner as well, Wisper. Fortunately that doesn't interest me at all. I enjoy planning my family's meals myself. But, the customization could be valuable if it is pretty in-depth. And, as I said, I've always enjoyed reading his blog posts and listening to his podcasts, but I'm skeptical there is $97 of new information. But, I could be wrong and if so I wouldn't hesitate to sign up. – Kewpie Nov 27 2011 at 14:38
	I'm not interested in the meal planner myself, either. In fact, I'm not very interested in food at all (I know this sounds strange to most), but I've found and adapted some pretty amazing recipes (chicken and shrimp gumbo marinated in a spicy cajun sauce mmmmmmm). – Wisper Nov 27 2011 at 21:51

raydawg · Answer 4 · 2011-11-27 15:21:56Z UTC

Much as I love the guy's work, and would want him to earn a living from it, there are plenty of resources that are totally free, especially paleohacks.com itself, as well as great websites from Robb Wolf, Mark Sisson, as well as their books. While not free, Art De Vany has an awesome site and a great book.

So you can learn everything you need to do it on your own. Chris himself has a great quick and free intro called The 9 Steps to Perfect Health.

So what does that site offer that you couldn't do yourself with some patience and research? To me, it sounds like an expert system, or one of those software wizards that walks you through what you want to do. Note: I've not tried it myself.

I understand, via podcast interviews where he describes it that it also has a meal plan generator, but you can visit ChowStalker or The Foodee Project and get tons and tons of recipes, or download Robb Wolf's excellent Food Matrix (PDF).

It certainly sounds like a great idea for someone who doesn't want to do the research themselves, and just wants a customized plan without the n=1 trials and work, but is it necessary for you? Can you do it yourself instead? In my case, absolutely, since I love to learn and understand, and even all the deep stuff on the Quilt's Blog is fascinating to me.

For someone who doesn't want to know all the geeky details, and just wants something to work without spending much time on it, I suspect Chris's Personal Paleo code is the way to go. But that's not me.

Steve Parker MD · Answer 5 · 2011-11-27 14:41:45Z UTC

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I'm wary of Kresser because of his identification with acupuncture, integrative medicine, and Chinese medicine. You can read about these dubious "therapies" at Science-Based Medicine: http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/

-Steve

answered Nov 27 2011 at 14:41

Steve Parker MD
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With all due respect Doctor, are you seriously questioning acupuncture and Chinese medicine as a legitimate practice? It may not be perfect but I think they've got a whole lot more right than they have wrong. I've read your blog and you are one of the 'good ones', but I'd suggest the general practices of many MDs are far more dubious. – Jeff Nov 27 2011 at 14:58

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Any monolithic embrace or monolithic rejection of "integrative medicine" in the name of "science" is propaganda. Now, break down that abstraction into specific elements, and let's talk. – Dorado Galore Nov 27 2011 at 17:42

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I'm with Jeff here. One of NY "best" doc surgeons (as listed in NY mag) insisted that I would never be able to straighten my arm without surgery. One acupuncture treatment later (administered by an athletic MD who was also a pain specialist) and my arm was good as new. No problems since. That was 3 years ago. – Alexandra Nov 27 2011 at 18:03

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Amen, Jeff. I am so frustrated with my parents' doctors (MDs) recommending statins for not-terribly-high cholesterol levels for both of them and encouraging the use of the very processed carb heavy exchange diet for preventing diabetes (my mom is pre-diabetic). That seems far more dubious to me. If you have a specific problem with something Kresser recommends, I'd be happy to discuss that, but a blanket dismissal is not helpful for anyone. – Kewpie Nov 27 2011 at 19:14

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Geez, why does it either have to be Chinese medicine or conventional medicine? Isn't there a land between that, where things are based on science, but are more open-minded and experimental? Sorry, but Chinese medicine has some awesome stuff that a lot of scientists in China are validating, but its really mixed in with some backwards nonsense. I'm quite enthusiastic about Siberian medicine myself, but I'm careful because I know that I'm not Siberian and that Westerners misinterpret stuff, but also I know that not all the the "ancient medicine" is good. – Bread-Eating Beelzebub Nov 28 2011 at 1:21

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Jeffk8900 · Answer 6 · 2011-11-27 20:20:33Z UTC

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Careful…questioning one of the 'paleo powers that be' might get you in the doghouse. Anyhow, it looks good so far, a little light on detail. A good guide for beginners. Price is steep.

answered Nov 27 2011 at 20:20

Jeffk8900
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Mike · Answer 7 · 2012-04-07 22:37:50Z UTC

I purchased the Personal Paleo Code and am COMPLETELY SATISFIED!!!

Before purchasing it, I listened to EVERY ONE of his back podcasts and found him to be measured, reasonable, and credible.

With all the noise out there, you need to find sources of info that you are comfortable with.

The contents of his package pulled in lots of great info into one handy place.

BTW, one think I liked about Kresser is that he gives away lots of good info for free on his podcasts and website.

Some authors when interviewed on www.UndergroundWellness.com are cagey and give you half an answer and say things like: "buy the book".

Kresser reads the studies and digs into the details of important health issues at a level of detail that is amazing, and far greater than I'm capable of.

If he eats saturated fats, I'm comfortable doing it too.

Bottom line: two thumbs up!

Mike

Janja · Answer 8 · 2011-12-21 06:29:28Z UTC

I love Chris Kresser's Personal Paleo Code. I would not call myself a beginner, but sometimes it is easy to get confused when one 1. is trying to lose weight, 2. has an autoimmune disease, and 3. wants to discover which foods are tolerated, using an elimination diet. These three things require different aspects of the Paleo diet, and all need to be scheduled and organized so that one does not go nuts.

I love organizing and planning, and so far I have read most of the materials, entered my personal information, and planned a week of meals designed for weight loss and autoimmune disease--including the shopping list. The recipes look fantastic. (My only complaint is that some of the ingredients are expensive, but I will substitute ground beef for the steak in some recipes, and, of course, you can pick and choose among the recipes.) I will be all ready to go when I begin the plan after the holidays. Then I will do three more weeks of such meals, then begin to gradually introduce more foods.

I will let you know how it works out.

Nancy · Answer 9 · 2012-04-07 02:20:25Z UTC

I've been eating paleo for the past montH and really love this diet/lifestyle. However, I am a nursing mother and also quite overweight. I am gaining weight very easily, paleo or not. Is the Paleo Code helpful to adapt the diet for weightloss, or is there a better resource out there for that purpose. Thanks!

Sue Holt · Answer 10 · 2012-05-18 15:06:12Z UTC

Glad to hear some positive response. I too am considering the PPC, because I have auto immune AND thyroid issues. It seems like what is good for one is horrible for the other. Mike, do you think this will help me? I am so frustrated and confused.

Experiences with Personal Paleo Code by Chris Kresser?

10 Answers