Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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Last month my best friends told me that they were three months pregnant with their first child. I have been reading Chris Kresser's blog recently and know that he is known for his The Healthy Baby Code.

I was just wondering if anyone feels it would be inappropriate to give this sort of ~~book~~ program to expecting friends?

Obviously my heart is for the best for them and for their new daughter arriving soon.

What do you all think?

Edit: Sorry I just realised that this is not a book but rather a program and resource which I feel makes it less palatable as a gift. I will mention it to them in a general sense and see what they think, but I feel it is too much and especially too US market centric in the website communication.

edited Dec 14 2011 at 15:23

Dragonfly
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asked Dec 14 2011 at 14:22

AlohaSpeck
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You can give it to me. I can't afford it! – PaleoDel Dec 15 2011 at 3:44

jess6 · Accepted Answer · 2011-12-14 22:01:27Z UTC

I can't say anything about the content, but that's an awful lot of money to spend on something that may well be blown off if they aren't at the right mental place for it, and expensive gifts that won't be used (and can't be returned) are awkward for the recipient. I wouldn't get it unless they seemed really open to change already, or interested in my diet but unsure about implementing it during pregnancy.

There are a number of books that approach whole/traditional foods from a whole life, lifestyle (rather than weight loss or treating specific illness). Nourishing Traditions, Deep Nutrition, Real Food for Mother and Baby... Most of these books suggest soaked grains and legumes, but you can include a note saying why you don't eat them, and pointing them towards web resources. Maybe also a good breastfeeding guide or attachment/natural parenting book. Then spend the leftover money to get them something else supportive of a healthy lifestyle - a good baby carrier, or maybe paleo-compliant homemade frozen meals for after the baby is born.

Satapa · Answer 2 · 2011-12-14 15:23:52Z UTC

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FYI it's not a book but rather video modules and many many PDF documents. It's definitely really valuable information, but...

Are they cool with the whole idea of Paleo? If not, I'd think twice. People are more sensitive about their food than about their religion sometimes. (I've seen my Mom try to push "The Vegetarian Myth" onto too many house guests -- they never come back.) I hate to be conservative but that's my take.

EDIT: This is also my philosophy on life a bit, though. I'm Catholic, but of the opinion that you don't proselytize unless specifically asked. You should live your beliefs -- it's more effective than pushing them. Of course, if many of the greats hadn't pushed the idea of Paleo, where would we all be? So feel free to ignore my advice, as well! :-)

edited Dec 14 2011 at 15:23

answered Dec 14 2011 at 15:16

Satapa
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Yeah I just spotted that while looking for it on Kindle. I amended my post, was actually going delete it but I don't have the ability. Thanks. – AlohaSpeck Dec 14 2011 at 15:19

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Agreed. I do nutrition coaching with my pregnant clients and even though many of them are whole-fooders, I tread carefully. Also, I like Chris' blog, but I am not a fan of his pushing cod liver oil for women are already eating a Primal/Paleo diet with regular liver. Too much chance of Vitamin A toxicity, IMO – Dragonfly Dec 14 2011 at 15:22

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I'm pretty sure the evidence shows that Vitamin A toxicity is only found in the presence of a vitamin D deficiency. Fortunately cod liver has nature's wisdom and the appropriate amount of both. – alan Dec 14 2011 at 15:36

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I agree...if you get a good brand of cod liver oil. And man, it's not cheap. See the Weston Price Foundation website for brand recommendations. And don't make my mistake -- buy the flavored kind!!! Unflavored does NOT mean no flavor. – Satapa Dec 14 2011 at 15:47

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Unfortunately, the ratio of D to A in all the cod liver oils I've seen is too low. The fermented CLO from Green Pastures that Chris recommends does not even list the D or A it contains. Evolutionarily, we would have had a higher ratio of D (from sunlight) to A. Even though CLO is from a food source, it is still a supplement. Check out the other threads here on Vitamin A toxicity for more info. – Dragonfly Dec 14 2011 at 19:15

Thumper · Answer 3 · 2011-12-14 16:20:26Z UTC

My words of wisdom and encouragement to you are tread lightly! Be supportive, and above all non-judgemental. These are your best friends so shower them with congratulatory support, but in my opinion only give advice when it is solicited. Maybe mention something offhand to them along the lines of you read a blog and you noticed that the guy who writes it talks about having a healthy pregnancy and you thought some of the info was interesting and then leave it up to them!

Payam · Answer 4 · 2011-12-14 17:53:23Z UTC

I say yes.. If they don't appreciate it now, they will appreciate it later when they realize what a valuable resource it is. Paleo will eventually catch on, its a matter of time. The worst that can happen is that you will give them an "I told you so". It is understandable for them to be skeptical but if the baby has some issues, they may consider it for a second child. What is the harm?

I was pissed off when my mom told me that she fed me soy infant formula as a child. I have asthma and I have no doubt in my mind that the soy formula contributed. They didn't know better at the time so I can't blame them. The point is, however, you do know better, and for the baby's sake, I think you should at least give them the option of using it.

Thoughts on giving “The Healthy Baby Code - Chris Kresser” to my newly pregnant best friends?

4 Answers