Can People Really Stick With the Paleo Diet?
Can People Really Stick With the Paleo Diet?
All diets require sacrifices and the paleolithic diet is no exception. One of the biggest challenges many people face on the paleo diet is getting rid of their carbs. That’s understandable. Carbs are tasty. Dairy is another thing people are forced to give up when they start the paleo diet.
But can you stick with the paleo diet? To some people it is a challenge, but it is certainly doable.
Indy Star reporter Barb Berggoetz tried going Paleo for a story she was coordinating. Berggoetz said the diet was definitely a challenge in the beginning. However, she was able to make it on the diet for the nine days she tried it. She said she wouldn’t want to do it permanently, but that was mostly because she had an affinity for a few of her favorite foods. That is okay. We all have our vices and sometimes we don’t want to give them up for a new diet.
Here are a few things that Berggoetz mentioned two things that were difficult when she tried the diet for the first time: giving up sweets and changing her breakfast routine.
“I Have to Give Up Sugar?!”
I am afraid so. I know our society has become fairly addicted to sugar. Berggoetz found giving up sweets was hard. This would be the deal-breaker that would keep her from doing the diet long-term.
Many people don’t want to give up their Snickers bars. I can empathize with that. Many people are happy on the paleo diet, but no one said the entire journey would be a picnic. Perhaps the best way to stay motivated in this regard is to remind yourself what little nutritional value that Snickers bar has to offer you.
Breakfast Rules Gotta Change
Berggoetz had to get used to doing breakfast differently. Like many people in our society, Berggoetz was conditioned to getting up every day and eating a bowl of cereal. I know plenty of people who wake up day after day and eat a bowl of Frosted Flakes. Other people make healthier decisions with a bowl of Cheerios or shredded wheat. Whatever you are used to, you may find it a little hard to make the switch off the bat.
However, Berggoetz eventually got used to substituting her cereal for some scrambled eggs and fresh nuts.
Challenges that Berggoetz Didn’t Face
Many people try the diet and feel fairly exhausted at first. Berggoetz said that she didn’t go through this when she tried the diet.
In her case, she seemed to have taken in enough protein to feel energized. However, that doesn’t mean you will be so lucky when you go on the diet. Just be prepared for the possibility.
Overall, Berggoetz said the diet is definitely doable for people. Even though she didn’t want to commit to it simply because there were a few foods she loved too much to give up, others have said they loved the diet. However, keep in mind that everyone’s body needs are different. Speak with a health professional and only use the diet if it seems to be giving you the benefits you are looking for.
