Whenever we go grocery shopping, inevitably we get some stares. No, Kate isn’t sporting blue hair and Kirk has avoided plaid pants ( as much as we all know he wants to wear them!) Instead, it is our “strange” food choices that surprises Oklahomans the most.
This is what a typical grocery shopping trip includes for us: about 10-15 minutes in produce filling our basket halfway full with fresh fruits and veggies, couple minutes by the meat department, and finally, hitting up the dairy/frozen section for eggs and frozen fruit. OMG, where are the fruit loops? Breakfast sandwiches? Coca-cola?
By shopping the perimeter of the store, you avoid all the nasty food that causes American “Syndrome X.” Syndrome X is “a group of symptoms that occur together and promote the development of coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.” (Mayo Clinic online.)
But wait, aren’t grains GOOD for us? Let’s take a look at that. According to Mark Sisson, the author of “The Primal Blueprint” (and backed up by many evidence-based studies):
“Grain consumption offers minimal nutritional value and generates a high insulin response. The phytates in grains inhibit the absorption of minerals.”
(AKA the vitamins and minerals in your fortified cereal are going in….and out of you.)
“Glutens disturb healthy immune function and promote inflammation.”
(in other words, glutens lead to all types of inflammation, starting with swelling and redness (even acne) and leading to inflammation in your organs. Inflammation in your organs over time leads to stroke, diabetes, chronic fatigue and pain, Alzheimer’s…..shall I continue?)
“Lectins inhibit healthy gastrointestinal function.”
(These in turn can confuse your body and cause an autoimmune response.)
“Whole grains are no healthier than refined grains and have a worse impact on health in many cases due to the greater prevalence of the aforementioned agents in whole grains than in refined products.”
(Amen to that!)
….Ok, stepping off the soapbox. But really, just because the government tells you to follow the food pyramid (which incidentally is funded by the grain growers of the U.S.), should you? I strongly urge you to do your own research and find the truth. We have and it is startling!
So back to the basket. Here is what we buy on a typical trip:
Looks yummy, right?
If you’re not doing paleo already, I urge you to take a challenge. Eat one meal that is heavy on the grains. A typical “healthy” whole grains meal. Write down how you feel 5 minutes after, 30 minutes after, and 2 hours after.
Then eat a paleo meal. This should include lean protein and plenty of fruits or veggies with a little healthy fat. Let’s say 4oz of grilled halibut,a 3 cup spinach salad with tomatoes, onion, avocado and walnuts, plus an orange for dessert. Again, record how you feel.
Your diet is the one thing you have COMPLETE control over. If you have a choice to eat healthy now and avoid costly medication and treatment OR eat whatever you want and pay for it later, which would you choose? We’ve already chosen and hope you will see the merit in eating for a better future.
Paleo…..it’s a beautiful thing!
