The Balance of Paleo
“The Balance of Paleo” is a phrase I often use to describe the healthy approach to True Paleo Living, as it is, in fact, a very balanced approach.
With every meal consisting of wild proteins, healthy fats and unrefined carbs from veggies along with some fruit, it is, in fact, a balanced diet, not a high fat diet, nor a high protein, nor a low carb. It’s only if we compare Paleo to the typical American diet that we can say it is higher in fat, lower in carbs and higher in protein.
I just read the most curious post someone had written, referring to my most recent appearance on The Dr Oz Show as being, in his opinion, ‘a disaster’.
Intrigued, I read the piece and found it quite interesting to see the author’s comments including:
- “There was a heavy emphasis on “lean meats” while avoiding the health benefits of saturated fats like butter. “
- “Additionally, just as she did when she was on “The Dr. Oz Show” previously with Dr. Loren Cordain talking about Paleo, Nell (aka “Paleoista”) answered a question by Dr. Oz about the difference between Paleo and the low-carb Atkins diet and she repeated her idiotic claim that Paleo isn’t a “fad” diet that requires “balance.” Sheez lady, get over yourself! We’ve been through this before.”
- “There was heavy focus on weight loss, but Paleo leaders zero in on the health impact”
- “I would think avoiding saying anything that goes against what you believe would be assumed, but apparently that wasn’t the case this time.”
- “Be who you are and embrace it. If I’m ever given the opportunity to be on television like this, I’ll not let the producers or show change who I am.”
In response:
- The author is correct- I did not speak about ‘health benefits of saturated fats like butter’. Dairy is not part of the Paleo diet, so I wouldn’t promote consuming dairy. Yes, lean, wild meats are part of the Paleo diet, balanced out with healthy fats demonstrated by olive oil, avocado and coconut oil.
- I stand behind my claim that the Paleo diet is not a fad and that it is balanced. Not sure why that would be an ‘idiotic’ claim, but to each his own.
- Correct again, the focus of the show was weight loss, which was one of many benefits of True Paleo. Another great feature is that Paleo could be part of any topic related to optimal health, as the author pointed out- True Paleo can help with many health issues.
- Correct again for the last two points-I stand behind everything I presented on the show. I feel that True Paleo is the way we as humans can reach our best health, and that for some, getting there in stages may be their best bet. The producers on the show were incredible and did an amazing amount of research to make sure what I presented was accurate. I’d go on the show again in a heartbeat!
Dr. Cordain himself stated in his blog post yesterday, “A few days ago I was delighted to learn that Dr. Oz was going to again feature The Paleo Diet on his nationally syndicated television show along with one of my co-authors, Nell Stephenson, of The Paleo Diet Cookbook. I tuned into the Dr. Oz show and was happy about most of what I saw except for Chris Kresser, expounding upon the health virtues of a food group, beans and legumes, that definitely are not Paleo“.
If he supports what I’ve said and presented, that’s enough for me. I am quite confident that if anything I’d said were inaccurate, there would be mention of it here.
As they say, there’s no such thing as bad PR so I’m happy to address concerns stemming from perspectives that may differ from mine.
I’m not interested in trying to convince people it’s my way or the highway. Rather, I prefer to present information to those who are interested and let each person take it from there if they choose to do so. Eating is far too personal an issue to approach any other way, in my experience.
I always have, and always will, continue to stand behind what The Paleo Diet truly is and what Dr. Cordain’s research shows and am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of The Dr Oz Show twice.
Here’s looking ahead to more!!
