Hi guys, Erin Power Board Certified Health Coach is here to answer your questions about the Primal diet and how to make it easier! If you’re wondering how to eat healthier without a hitch, we have strategies, tips, and prevention! Do you have a question to ask our health coaches? Leave it below in the comments or in the Mark’s Daily Apple Facebook group.
Roberta asked:
“Eating like this is hard work! I try to eat like you say but sometimes food is the only thing that gives me joy. What happened to ‘everything in moderation? Also, I’m 67 years old and don’t like bringing attention to my weird diet around friends or family. I have high cholesterol and want to lose weight. Why couldn’t this be easier?! “
Before diving into the answers, I wanted to take a moment to realize that you are here to show up, ask important questions, and learn about your health and eating habits. At any age, it was a win. But I especially appreciate people in their 50s, 60s and beyond and those who are constantly asking what changes or changes can help them feel better and grow.
For many people, there is a strong resistance to “doing what they have always done”—even if it doesn’t work—to get them where they want to go. This pull got stronger the longer they did it. Good for you for being open to something different. It’s not easy. Oh, by the way, your brain is wired to be alert to change; so it’s hardly your “fault” when you’re feeling a certain way about a whole new diet.
Now, just to be clear, when you write “I try to eat as you say,” I assume you mean in line with Primal principles. Even within Primal guidelines, an eating plan can go all the way. We are basically talking about whole foods, as close to their natural state as possible, including high quality proteins, healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, dairy high quality and occasionally refreshing like dark chocolate or other Primal treats.
Despite the seemingly rigid nature of that list of food options, there’s a lot of nuance. The options and variations in these parameters are practically endless. For example, for people who are sensitive to nuts and seeds or milk; for people who avoid eating some or all animal products; and for those who aren’t in a socioeconomic position to get the perfect grass-fed finished beef, there are still countless ways to create delicious and nutritious meals.
What I get here is twofold:
1. There is no “one way” to eat healthy or follow a Primal diet.
2. You can still (and should) find joy and enjoyment in eating Primal.
But… there is a warning.
Everything in moderation is equally healthy in moderation
Everyone’s version of “everything in moderation” looks different, but many of my clients come to me after their version decides to do so. Not take them where they want with health and wellness. In general, “everything in moderation” doesn’t seem to work well for most people. I’m not really the die-hard type of coach, but I can’t argue with the fact that if something doesn’t work, there’s no point in continuing to do it. If nothing changes, nothing changes.
Our bodies have not evolved to deal with many of the foods that are common in the modern diet. Highly processed foods, seeds and vegetable oils, sugars and grains can cause inflammation that can wreak havoc on our metabolic health, endocrine systems and immune systems, and create inflammation. chronic and contribute to diseases common in modern life. Even small exposures to these “immunogenic” foods can cause irritation and inflammation in the body – something we hope to avoid causing ourselves.
With that said, we’re also trying to cultivate a body that resists fragility. Your body is resilient and can occasionally be exposed to damaging factors such as less supportive foods, not getting a good night’s sleep, or adding a glass of wine to a special dinner. We accept the 80-20 rule for a reason. We also recognize that everyone is in a different position in their healthcare journey and presents a different set of circumstances. Any supportive step — no matter how small — is better than none and will help create a positive feedback loop that encourages the next steps in your journey.
If we worked together as Primitive Health Coaches, I would gather more specific insights into what you’re eating every day and where you’re having a hard time: specifically you what you’re missing or craving and what we can do to accommodate it for you so it doesn’t feel too difficult. How can we hurry to be flexible and have fun without stepping back into the no-man’s land of “moderate”?
Change the story
Whether I’m working with a client or thinking about somewhere in my life that doesn’t feel right, one of the first places I look at is the language we use and the stories we tell. we tell. It may sound a little strange, but I promise that the words we choose and the stories we repeat have a huge impact on our experiences and reality.
A few phrases in your question stand out to me in this regard: “Eating this way is a struggle!” and “I’m 67 years old and don’t like to draw attention to my weird diet around friends or family.”
Now, I have no way of mitigating those challenges. Objectively, it is difficult to change eating habits and lifestyle throughout life. In other words, I totally get it. AND, I also want to gently suggest that as long as you repeat and rehearse a story of struggle, you will continue to reinforce that struggle as a life experience.
When it comes to changing your story and beliefs (and thus actions and experiences), start with your thoughts and what you say to yourself and to others. Watch that very carefully, because you are literally speaking your reality into reality. It’s a process and takes practice, but every time you catch yourself thinking of eating Primal or making healthy choices as a struggle, I want you to:
- Pause and not consider admitting thoughts, feelings, or actions.
- Being gentle and kind provides yourself with compassion: you are making a big change, and change is difficult.
- Reframe.
The words you use will feel right to you. Try going beyond your current stories and beliefs but not so far that you feel completely unbelievable. For example:
- Food choices can be a challenge at times, but I love knowing I’m giving my body what it needs to thrive.
- The more I choose to eat real, whole, nutrient-rich foods, the easier it is. It may take a while, but this will soon become “the way I eat.”
- There are so many delicious ways to nourish yourself with Primal foods.
And, just for fun, here’s a really big rule for you: Many people are choosing “weird” health behaviors to take care of themselves these days. Maybe that whole “struggle” thing is an old-fashioned story. Maybe the regular diet your social community subscribes to is actually a weird one!
Chances are, this compassion exercise will feel awkward or forced at first. Do it anyway. Gently pull back and treat your thoughts as if you were training a puppy that went astray. Eventually, with kindness and repetition, our minds (and our puppies!) will learn.
Make it easier
In the end, each of us is our #1 carer. Our thoughts, stories, and choices have consequences, and those consequences are cumulative. Making healthy choices and giving our bodies what it needs to thrive is hard, but it’s not the hardest thing you’ll ever do. And it doesn’t have to be miserable.
When making changes, one of your most important jobs is to be curious and ask, “How can I make this easier? How can I make this more interesting? “
The answer will be different for everyone, but hanging out here and in the Mark’s Daily Apple Facebook group is a great way to gather ideas, inspiration, and support. Ask questions, write down a list of possibilities and try! For backup and personal support, consider hiring a coach!
External accountability is truly a game changer and we can help you troubleshoot your specific cases. Visit myprimalcoach.com to learn more and get started!
Do you find Primal easy to eat… or not too much? Got any ideas, tips or inspiration to share with Roberta? Please do and drop me other questions in the comments!
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