I did a little experiment for the blog and your reading benefit. An experiment that required me to give up my beloved oatmeal. So, you’re welcome in advance. Okay, I didn’t #doitfortheblog at all. I’ll explain my reasoning below. Let my preface this by saying that one week is NOT a long time and I know it’s probably not be enough to make a huge difference.
First I’ll cover the basics and then get into the details:
What is the Paleo diet?
The media claims it’s “eating how the Cavemen ate.” That’s pretty much true but you don’t have to hunt and kill your own food with spears. It’s more about eating simple, whole, unprocessed foods.
What are you not supposed to eat? (I say “supposed to” because while some people follow it strictly, others deviate slightly if they aren’t sensitive to certain foods)
Legumes (beans, peanuts, peanut butter), grains (even GF grains like quinoa, rice, GF oatmeal, GF granola), soy, alcohol, pasteurized dairy, refined sugar.
What can you eat?
Meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, fats (think avocados, coconut products, nuts and seeds). Sweet potatoes and almond butter are allowed. Truth be told, I probably wouldn’t have tried this if not.
Why the hell did I do this?
Simply to experiment. I’ve been having some stomach issues and wanted to see if my diet played a role. Is one week enough to see an effect? Probably not. I’m *contemplating* trying it more long-term after I graduate next month.
I realized that other than GF grains, like the ones mentioned above, I already eat very Paleo-ish. I’ve never liked beans or dairy products so oatmeal and granola are the only “no-no’s” in my every day diet. Quinoa makes a regular appearance but it’s more like twice a week. The quinoa I showed in yesterday’s post was pre-experiment. I fully believe that whole grains are not bad/unhealthy/the devil/fill-in-the-blank, but I really wanted to see what would happen if I eliminated them for a week. Would I magically feel on top of the world? Would my foot be completely healed? Would I win the lottery?
So, what actually happened?
Let me add a disclaimer first: there were a few factors that could have influenced my “results,” including being at home for 5/7 days, which always makes things better. As stated, this was only one week, however, I think what happened is mostly valid.
-I had more energy. Normally I hit a mid-morning slump around 10 or 11 a.m. and want to close my eyes, but that didn’t happen. I still took my afternoon nap on days that permitted it, but that is a pleasure not a necessity.
-I wasn’t hungry between breakfast and lunch. Normally I have second breakfast! I think this one is more attributed to being sedentary for most of the day. It’s worth noting though.
-Fewer stomach pains, which have been a constant in my neck of the woods. Again, probably not all because I gave up oatmeal.
-That’s it. Unfortunately I didn’t win the lottery.
My thoughts:
-It wasn’t depriving at all. I ate smoothie bowls with all the (acceptable) toppings for breakfast, plus some extra fruit and nut butter on the side to fill me up. Lunch, dinner and snacks were mostly the same as they’ve always been. I still had my sweet potato fill, I still ate lots of vegetables, chicken and fish, and I still ate straight out of the almond butter jar. Again, I naturally eat Paleo-ish most of the time so this was nothing crazy or different. All about that ish.
I even ordered this grain-free granola from Wholeme for smoothie bowls. There are a few other brands I want to try, but for not having oats it’s pretty good.
-I missed the routine of heating up a bowl of oatmeal, topping with almond butter and calling it a day. Making smoothies at home was more of a process ONLY because the Blentec my mom has sounds like an airplane is taking off and wakes up the entire house. I had to go into the bathroom farthest from the bedrooms and cover the blender with a blanket to avoid waking my sister up. I’m nice, I know.
-I wish I liked eggs. I haven’t liked eggs for as long as I can remember. Even when my mom dyed them green for St. Patrick’s Day I still thought they were gross (probably more so then). It’s something with the smell and aftertaste. But I’m willing to experiment because I think they would be a healthy breakfast staple.
Conclusion:
I’m not giving up oatmeal, or other GF grains, forever. I like them and I think they like me. If something happens in the future and I can pinpoint them as the cause of pain, that’s different. I don’t want to dwell on it too much though because I personally think that’s one of the “issues” concerning any restrictive/elimination diet. Sometimes it’s all all in our heads.
Not all the time, though, as I’ll explain soon.
This was my own, short version of Paleo, and smoothies and copious amounts of fruit and almond butter probably aren’t suggested (not too sure, I didn’t do much research). This wasn’t Whole 30. This was a short experiment, one I’m glad I did and might revisit. I’m curious if people who’ve tried Paleo/Whole 30 felt the “benefits” kick-in after a certain length of time? Or was it immediate?
Will I continue to eliminate grains? I’m not sure about longterm, but right now I feel fine eating them so I don’t see a need for elimination. Some days I might naturally eat Paleo, others I might not. I don’t like labels and just eat what makes me feel my best. If anything, that is how I will continue to live my life and take it day by day.
You ought to try the whole 30!
Linda @ thefitty recently posted…Campus Food…aka What I’m Wasting my Money On {WIAW #15}
Contemplating doing it in the new year!
I’ve contemplated trying Whole30 just to see what could possibly be causing me some problems. It’s odd, I’ve been having weird stomach issues but can’t seem to figure out what the heck it is because I pretty much eat the same things all the time! I eat fairly paleo-ish for the most part too. I’ve finally figured out I can’t do tofu, always gives me stomach pain afterward. But tempeh I am okay (which from what I’ve read, makes sense). And I don’t eat a ton of dairy as it is, just yogurt once a day at most and a small amount of goat or feta usually. I’m lucky enough where I don’t typically see problems with most food. But something hasn’t been feeling right this past week or so!
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen recently posted…Gingerbread Granola [vegan, gluten-free]
I’m not always convinced our diet plays a role in our stomach problems (there are just so many other factors), but I don’t discount it either. It’s tough to determine without some experimentation I think. I want to do the Whole30 just so I know for sure how I feel.
Titles like this completely suck me in! I love reading about new diets and how people feel after them. In January, I’m trying to do the Whole30, which sounds similar to this! Let me know if you’re also interested in trying it!
Haha I strategically titled it :P I’m really considering it! I’m going away on vacation until January 10 and don’t want to start until after, so I would have to join in a few days late. But it would be great to have some support
I do a mostly Paleo diet and did the Whole30 in April for health reasons. It really helped me and I am going to do a second Whole30 in the middle of January with some coworkers. The holidays are a time for me to relax my diet a little bit and I want to start the New Year wit a clean plate {literally}!
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That’s so great that it helped you! I think if I do it longer I might see some effects. Did you find a huge difference in the outcome from doing Whole 30 over regular paleo?
I have been interested in trying something like this but I just don’t think I have the willpower! ♡♡
xoxoBella | http://xoxobella.com
Bella B recently posted…Glowing, Healthy Skin
I wouldn’t have tried it if it was a drastic change from what I was normally eating. It would be harder for me to eat vegetarian.
I’ve always contemplated doing the Whole30 just to see how my body reacts to it, and see if I gain more energy from it, but I think if I were to try it I would need to be at home with time to prep everything. I’m also interested in checking out The Athlete’s Fix to see if I have any other food sensitivities that could be affecting me.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Ground Turkey Skillet
I wouldn’t have done it if I wasn’t experiencing serious stomach distress. I just love oatmeal! I’ve never heard of The Athletes Fix. I don’t want to go down the rabbit hole of thinking foods are hurting me because I could end up with nothing ha
I am considering doing the exact same thing and for similar reasons – stomach issues. I’m not sure if it’s that I just have Celiacs or if it is all grains that I am reacting to. I may try to do it a bit differently – I would go grain free for longer, like 2-3 weeks, then add back in and go dairy free for 2-3 weeks, and see what each does. I love eggs, but I’m allergic to tree nuts AND avocados so that is something that would make true Paleo/Whole30 a major struggle. I want to try sunflower seed butter to check it out though…as of now nothing can replace my PB.
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I have celiac too and it’s been 7+ years and I still have some stomach problems. I might have found a contributor but it’s a work in progress. I would like to try grain free for a bit longer too. Ah avocados and tree nuts? I’m so sorry. But sunflower seed butter is great!!!! Try Wild Friends (if you can have it made in same facility as tree nuts).
this is super interesting that you felt that way! It’s hard to know exactly what caused those changes obviously, but I’m glad you saw some positive outcomes! I don’t think I could go paleo simply because of how picky I am. I don’t like most foods that are considered paleo and I eat a lot of healthy foods that wouldn’t be considered paleo. I have noticed I feel better when I keep processed foods to a minimum as long as I’m getting enough calories in though so there’s clearly a lot of truth to the “whole” food lifestyle, which you already live by anyways!
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I’m hesitant to give all the credit to the food (no grains) because I really believe that everything is ok in moderation. But I’m glad I did it because it answered some questions. It wasn’t a drastic diet change so I guess I didn’t experience any drastic results.
I did one full Whole30 in August and then just did a Whole10 (just because I wanted more of a reset and that’s what fit in my schedule). I learned A LOT about my body and what foods I can tolerate from doing Whole30. I highly recommend it! It seems very daunting and challenging at first, but it becomes very manageable as you get the hang of it. I eat paleo now about 80% of the time. I try not to put a label on how I eat to avoid feeling guilty if I go a little off track, but that’s probably the best way to describe it! It has made a huge difference in how I feel. Let me know if you have any questions about Whole30! I wrote a few posts on it as well. :)
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Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m always encouraged when I hear it really helped people feel better. I will definitely read your posts about it!
I’ve tried paleo, and actually even tried Whole30 for a bit. It’s definitely worth it to try if you have any health issues that you’re trying to rule out.. but like you – I love oats and quinoa, so I’m not saying goodbye to them! However- If you love granola, Paleonola makes a really yummy paleo granola.. I actually prefer it to most normal granolas! :)
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple recently posted…There Are No Shortcuts
That was the brand I want to try! Think I’m going to order a bag.
I love how you’re so willing to experiment with your diet and see what works for you. You have such an awesome approach to your health, and I find that so admirable!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Surviving the Holidays with an Eating Disorder
Thanks, Julia :) I hate the idea of restriction (especially when it involves some of my favorite foods) so it’s been a learning experience for me.
Boiled eggs forever :)
In (more!) seriousness though, its really interesting to see that you felt better in some areas after changing things up a bit and I am also eager to do a Whole30 but would love to link up with some of you guys whilst doing it since none of my friends and family fancy it!
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I would love to have some support and accountability for the Whole30, if I do it! I might be able to talk my mom into it though ;)
i experiment constantly with my diet and sometimes i feel like i have it figured out then i don’t. i think it will be a life long journey. as for eggs i eat them most every day for breakfast. i mostly have them scrambled. i prefer with ketchup. but i also love them sunny side up with toast. my mom called this “dippin eggs” when we were kids cuz you could dip your toast in the yolk. i think giving up cheese would be the no go for me and paleo.
I think it’s a life long journey for me too. My sister loves her eggs with ketchup! I’m not a ketchup fan but think avocado could make it more delectable for me.
With my myriad stomach issues, the only thing I haven’t done is paleo/Whole30, but I’m really intrigued and I want to do it! At this point, I’ll definitely be waiting until after the holidays since those are just a wacky time for my stomach anyway, but I think it’d be interesting.
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I want to pick a time when there aren’t many external issues that could effect my stomach, but I’m not sure that time actually exists- ha! Definitely not the holidays and graduation though.
I hate subscribing to a particular diet, but I for the most part follow paleo! Not for “caveman” reasons or anything, but I see a huge difference in my running and also my energy levels. Oh, and amazing things like my skin being 100% clear, my hair getting less greasy, and random things of that nature! The hardest thing for me is giving up my oatmeal and greek yogurt so I’m at a point now where I eat them whenever I want. Somethings just aren’t worth giving up, especially when they are very good for you!
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I’ve luckily never had an issue with my skin or hair but the energy level thing was interesting to me. Something to keep an eye on. I agree- some things aren’t worth giving up.
Okay, I don’t think I could ever give up peanut butter or oatmeal. Seriously, I live off that stuff. Either way, congrats on giving it a try. I like to do a ‘sugar detox’ two or three times a year just o kind of staighten myself out. :)
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This past year I’ve actually enjoyed almond butter just as much as (if not more than) peanut butter. Which is CRAZY talk for me. Both are healthy and delicious so now I have plenty of options :)
My life is very paleo-like… However I have to be even more restrictive. No nuts or anything like that either! I love my diet though, I loveeee the foods I can eat and never for a second feel deprived at ALL! I am glad you did this experiment… SORRY one of the side effect wasn’t winning the lotto though – LOL! But I mean, because you were on this diet, you probably didn’t stop in at a 7-11 to buy a ticket… So there!
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I think as long as you don’t feel deprived or restricted AND you feel great, then whatever you’re doing is working for you :)
This sounds like a great experiment, and I love that you approached it in such a balanced way. It is fun to experiment with new or different types of eating, just to see how they influence your body (as long as they are already fairly balanced diets). :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’ve tried eating ‘paleo-ish’, but I usually can’t seem to stay full. Maybe it’s because I don’t eat the right kind of paleo food.
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I didn’t have a big problem staying full, although I still ate 2 snacks a day. I don’t know if that’s “recommended” on Paleo/Whole 30. I think these types of mini-experiments are fun and beneficial too!
Nice job! I recently did the Whole Life Challenge (the lifestyle level) and it was the best 8 weeks ever! I now eat totally different than before – it’s pretty paleo, but I eat PB and oatmeal and brown rice too. I love it! I think the key for me is not eating sugar. It’s not that hard once you get through the first week!
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If I can eat oatmeal and rice/quinoa I think it would be more sustainable long-term for me! I want to look into the “lifestyle level.” Thanks for sharing your experience!
I have thought about trying Whole 30 to see if it helps with my digestion, but I’m not sure if I am in place where I can put any type of restrictions on my diet right now. I think it is super interesting though from a scientific stand point however seeing how different people respond to different ways of eating!
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I think it’s interesting scientifically too. Crazy how certain things work really well for certain bodies and vice-versa. And good for your for recognizing your current situation. Proud of you!
I’d love to try Paleo sometime!
It wasn’t as overwhelming or complicated as I imagined. Pretty simple actually!
I went strict paleo almost 3 weeks… I am also doing it as an experiment. My crossfit box is having a holiday challenge. It is 6 weeks of strict paleo. Like you, my boyfriend and I eat paleo-ish for the most part, minus ezekiel bread/oatmeal and the occasional indulgence, so I didn’t think I would see a huge change but OH MY GOODNESS. Honestly, just extend your try next time to even 3 weeks and you will see a huge change! The results you stated are basically what I found at the beginning. Now I am seeing it SO MUCH DEEPER! And you’re right about the fruit and almond butter thing. I am only allowed 1 serving of fruit a day (I usually go with 1 apple, 1/2 banana, or 1 cup berries) and only 1 tsp almond butter if I am designating that as my “healthy fat” for that meal. But honestly my body moves faster and better at crossfit. My energy levels are SO MUCH HIGHER. My head is clearer. I stay satisfied all day long (used to snack often). Not to mention my abs that are finally getting some definition and peaking through! :O ;P … I totally plan on staying pretty strict after this challenge, while allowing the once a week like oatmeal or cheese type thing teehee. I wish you luck if you go for it again!
This was so interesting to read. Thank you for sharing your experience! I really think I’m going to try Whole30 in January.
I’m glad it went well! Sorry it didn’t solve all your tummy troubles! I know how tough that can be! Have you tried getting ride of dairy or soy?? I went gluten free a couple years ago and then I still felt off… so I stopped having soy, then dairy and now I feel so much better! It may not work, but just a thought! Hope that you feel better!
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I don’t eat dairy and usually not soy (unless it’s in something I’m eating, which is rare). But I could be better at monitoring it! Glad you are feeling better after that :)
Loved this post. I’m a total weirdo who is always making myself a human subject in dietary experiments, so this is right up my alley! I did do the Whole30 once, and felt a lot better after doing it. At that time I had a lot of processed soy in my diet, and I think the Whole30 was a nice break from that. I have reintroduced grains (mostly gluten free), dairy and beans/lentils without any issues. Also, I TOTALLY do the same thing with my super loud blender. During the summer I have totally been out on my back porch blending up smoothies at the crack of dawn. No shame haha.
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They need to make silent blenders! What the heck?! I’m glad to hear you reintroduced foods without issues. I think I might feel different after a longer time period.
I love eggs with cheese…. probably not the healthy answer you were looking for though lol. I have a few friends who have done paleo and variations with whole 30 and loved it while they were doing it but struggled doing it long term. I’ve always been hesitant with 2 other people in my house!
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I think I could do it for 30 days (you can do anything for that long, right?) but I would definitely want the comfort of my kitchen at home, versus my school apartment.