Paleo Questions

Ok. So I'm giving the ol' paleo plan a shot and trying it on for size. Let me just note that I'm not doing this to lose weight or look good. I'm more interested in the health aspects and philosophy. There are a few items that I "used" to consume that may be questionable on the paleo diet and I'm curious if anyone has info as to whether or not they are considered paleo.

First is quinoa: Now I know whole grains are out, but this is actually a seed that is related to the spinach and chard family (often called and "ancient grain"). Its a complete protein full of all sorts of goodness including calcium. This used to be a staple in our house, but I've been told I have to give it up to be paleo. Any thoughts/opinions?

Also, what about flaxseed meal?: Again, another nutritious seed. I only use the meal since the seed hull is not easily digested, but its high in omega 3s. I would love to use this in my paleo recipes, but I haven't been able to find consistent info whether this is good/not so good for our bodies. Answers? Opinions?

Also, where to fungi fall in the whole paleo spectrum.

I think it depends more on

I think it depends more on how strict you really want to be? Some do quinoa and some don't.

I would assume fungi would and should be acceptable to any level of paleo. They are very abundant in the wild.

Not that I'm paleo (at best,

Not that I'm paleo (at best, I have paleolithic tendencies), but I could see including quinoa in moderation. You ever see the 'weed' called lambs-quarters? Very similar...

Here's my take on the whole

Here's my take on the whole this is/this is not paleo thing. There are several foods that are questionably paleo depending on what set of rules you follow. I've been doing paleo for several months now, and I'm kind of tired of that nonsense. A lot of it is pretty arbitrary in my opinion.

For example, the debate over whether potatoes are "paleo". Potatoes are starchy tubers, so they should be allowed. And a lot of paleo hacks eat sweet potatoes. Most that shy away from potatoes do so more because of their high glycemic index than anything. I eat them in moderation, because they are really high in potassium, and they are good running fuel.

I've come away from the pure paleo thing a lot because of that toward a more "if it's healthy, eat it" kind of a theory. So I even eat normally forbidden things like potatoes and legumes on occasion because, despite what a lot of paleo hacks say, I think they are very good for you. I do the same with dairy.

If you want a paleo diet where you don't want to have to think about stuff like that quite so much, then just follow this rule: gluten and processed foods are bad. Grain is the big enemy. You'll probably be a lot happier with your diet that way.

So to answer your original question: quinoa and flaxseed are seeds. They are not grains. They are gluten free, and very good for you. I think it's perfectly fine.

read this:

read this: http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2010/09/19/paleo-diet-solution/ it explains and answers a lot

I don't support paleo or push

I don't support paleo or push clients towards it.. but the items you mentioned are all things I encourage my patients/clients to use if they are willing because they are YUMMY and healthy.... quinoa is the ONLY grain that is a complete protein.. and flax seed meal is very good for the body... potatoes are another thing I urge people who are NOT diabetic to eat as needed for potassium and fuel... they are off a renal (low potassium) diet and off a diabetics diet except as a treat as there are other carbs that fit most diabetics better.



Amie the RD

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Thanks for the feedback guys! Its been an interesting experiment so far. I'll probably be sticking with a slightly more strict paleo diet for 30 days so I have some comparison. Then I'll keep what works and ditch the rest. I've found some awesome recipes, though! I'm withholding judgement until my 30 days is up.

Just to dispell a few myths.

Just to dispell a few myths. Every grain is a "complete" protein, some you just need less servings of that food to meet your RDA. So actually Lentils are a much better food option for a paleo than quinoa. Both have about the same amount of carbs but lentils kick quinoa's ass is so many other ways.



http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/10352/2



http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/legumes-and-legume-products/4338/2

Lentils are a bean.. not a

Lentils are a bean.. not a grain.. the ONLY grain to have all the essential amino acids is quinoa. even many beans and nuts are only complete proteins in combination with things.. as opposed to on their own...

Yes but I was giving it as a

Yes but I was giving it as a better alternative to someone who was going to break the rules on the Paleo diet. Quinoa isn't technically a grain either. All plant proteins contain all amino acids just at different levels. Lentils and soy are much closer to a complete protein than quinoa is.

http://jacknorrisrd.com/?p=1180

Sorry I'm not trying to be argumentative. I think most athletes need more carbohydrate sources than what is provided on the paleo diet. Legumes in my opinion are one of the best sources.

Abide wrote: but lentils kick

Lentils LITERALY kick my ass, so I avoid them whenever I remember to.

We may not have spell check, but most other places you have to do the a$$ thing, NOT HERE!

TJ, keeping it simple has it's advantages.

Well, technically, wheat

Well, technically, wheat kernels are a seed as well. I believe IIRC, the argument against quinoa and other seeds are that they require agriculture which have only been around for the last 10 thousand years and thus not in Grok's diet. Even then, it was only in the diet of very specific groups of humans geographically since its discovery and cultivation. The argument against flaxseed is the reason most people eat it: for the fibre. According to Paleo, high fibre is not necessary and may be detrimental since it moves food through the gut faster and decreases nutrient absorbtion.

Potatoes are one of those "if you like it, eat it" things. Most stick to the sweet kind for the taste and stay away from the white, but I see no reason to except that many tend to add ingrediants to the top white potatoes to make them more appetizing, which can increase calories over and above those present in the yellow variety unadulterated. From what I have read both kinds have resistant starches and regulate blood sugar levels. The other argument is against nightshade plants in general. I haven't read up on that so I have nothing to add. I love peppers and tomatoes and potatoes, so not really looking for reasons to stop eating them.

Like anything these days, including barefoot running, there are purists and those who call purists crazy and become detractors. Then again, there's always a divide when looking at anything from a theoretical POV and the "rubber meets the road" reality.

I just finished two weeks of re-adding dairy. I am slightly lactose intolerant from what I have discovered (who knew?), so I stick to yogurt (now homemade!). Haven't added cheese, but maybe soon.

I always love that paleo

I always love that paleo threads degenerate into a battle over what is and is not a grain. This is one of the reasons why the diet can get a little ridiculous if you take it too seriously.

The main reason for avoiding

The main reason for avoiding grains in the first place is due to the gluten and anti-nutrients in them. Quinoa may be gluten free but it still contains anti-nutrients which is why they are not listed as being Paleo friendly.

If you are going to go Paleo, you shouldn't pick and choose what foods you deem acceptable. You are either following a Paleo diet or you are not. That's kinda like a vegan allowing themself to eat fish.

Been paleo-isk now since

Been paleo-isk now since Sept...only strict about at it home. No grains, processed sugars, processed cooking oils, legumes, regular poatoes etc...really like this diet so far.

When I'm out with family/friends or doing the holiday meals I eat whatever food is there and enjoy even if its not Paleo but this is only once in awhile.

When i started I kept track of calories, protein, fat and carbs...I got tired of that fast and do not at all keep track now. I do know my carbs vary widely but would still be low compared to the average person. The only thing I'm still trying to figure out is how much and what kind of carbs for really long runs/workouts over 2 hours or so.

Yeah.... I've done the vegetarian diet a few times for 6 months at a time...I like this new diet much better and plan on sticking to this one.

These websites are good amoung several others



http://www.marksdailyapple.com



http://robbwolf.com

Are you doing it to lose

Are you doing it to lose weight, maintain weight, perform better, or for future health?

Of course these all could apply to many people, but just curious, what is your main motivation to do it rather than just eat anything you feel like?

Hey Longboard,I like trying

Hey Longboard,

I like trying new diet stuff... I'm trying paleo for future health reasons mostly heart healthy reason, heart attacks etc. I've always been skinny and in decent overall health. One of my Grandfathers had low cholesterol #'s but still had heart attacks....others in my family have had hi #'s their whole life but no heart attacks....makes me think the med people don't have a full grasp about this.



My old diet was mostly grains with a very small amount of vegies, meat and dairy now its mostly good Paleo fats, meat,vegies and a small amount of fruits and nuts.

I'm trying to prove this wrong/right...so far I like it but will see after I try to stay on this for a whole year with full exercise and health checkups etc.

I still drink beer some...so thats not Paleo...I'm not super strict for sure but so far so good.

I thought paleo included

I thought paleo included naturaly fermented SOMETHING that would become beer?

Well, I'm not doing it to

Well, I'm not doing it to lose weight or maintain weight. I have been reading Robb Wolf's book and am intrigued by the whole spiked insulin argument. He makes a lot of arguments about how this spiking could in fact be contributing to hormonal imbalance and a host of other things. I was really on the fence with trying the diet (I've never dieted in my life), but thought it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot and see if it could help my performance, and help with my knee and tendon inflammations. Other than that, I consider this a personal experiment to see if I will feel as great as everyone tells me I will feel.

I've been on it for only a week now and have lost weight I didn't want to lose. Not sure how I'm liking that. I'm already at my optimum BMI. Not sure I will be staying on the diet once the 30 days is up (if I can make it that long), but so far I've noticed some benefits. I don't feel like I'm getting enough carbs though and am not sure that's a good thing or a bad thing.

It can only be booze with

It can only be booze with Fermented something or other...this goes way way back but not sure back enough to be Paleo. Most of the long life span cultures have some sort of fermented foods so I've read.



On another note: an ass is still an ass around here... how refreshing... it passes correctness.