Some Final Tips for Paleo Success

In my previous posts, we’ve briefly touched on setting yourself up for success by clearing out the junk food and non-paleo friendly foods, as well as planning ahead for eating out. But what else can you do to give yourself the best chance at succeeding when following a Paleo Diet? Here are two tips for you:


Track your food – there’s a reason things like MyFitnessPal.com and other online tracking software has become so popular. It’s because tracking what you eat and having it ‘stare’ you in the face, shows you exactly how much you’ve been consuming. There’s no room for guessing or underestimating what and how much of something you’re putting into your mouth. If you don’t want to use an app or online tracker, an old fashioned notebook and pen will do the trick.

In your food journal, things to think about at the end of each day as you’re reviewing it are: did you eat only when you were hungry? If not, pay attention to what you were feeling and why you ate (carry your journal with you at all times – or have your app/access to the online tracking via your smart phone – so you can write these things down). What were the serving sizes? Did you consume a standard serving size or more? For example, for meat a normal serving size is the size of your fist. Again, write down in your journal the serving size of each thing you eat.

Second, find a support system – it can be family, friends, someone doing it with you but also check out all the different online resources available (articles, forums, Facebook groups, etc.) Here is a list of some of the top Paleo resources to check out:

Websites:
http://thepaleodiet.com/ http://nomnompaleo.com/ http://robbwolf.com http://theprimaldesire.com/ http://www.paleocrumbs.com/ http://www.paleohacks.com/

Social Media:
https://twitter.com/ThePaleoDiet https://www.pinterest.com/robbwolf/

Books:

Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back To Health by William Davis MD
Practical Paleo: A Customized Approach to Health and a WholeFoods Lifestyle by Diane Sanfilippo, Robb Wolf and Bill Staley
Against All Grain: Delectable Paleo Recipes to Eat Well & Feel Great by Danielle Walker 
Paleo for Beginners: Essentials to Get Started with the Paleo Diet by John Chatham
The Paleo Approach Cookbook: A Detailed Guide to Heal Your Body and Nourish Your Soul by Sarah Ballantyne
The Paleo Kitchen: Finding Primal Joy in Modern Cooking by Juli Bauer & George Bryant
The Ketogenic Cookbook: Nutritious Low-Carb, High-Fat, Paleo Meals To Heal Your Body by Jimmy Moore & Maria Emmerich
Paleo Home Cooking: Flavorful Recipes for a Healthy, Gluten-Free Lifestyle by Sonia Lacasse
Gather: The Art of Paleo Entertaining by Bill Staley & Hayley Mason

It’s always easier to stay on track when you have a support system around you. Use your offline support as well as some of the suggested online resources (or all of them!). Check out the book recommendations and cookbooks too. Armed with knowledge and a support system, you’re less likely to fail!

Conclusion

Eating Paleo doesn’t have to be complicated and now you have enough basic knowledge to get a good start with this way of eating. Use the five recipes and seven-day meal plan to get a jump start and ahead of the game. This guide has also given you some of the most important information you’ll need to set yourself up for success – getting rid of all the non-paleo friendly foods, stocking up on the things you can have, modifying how you cook at home as well as planning ahead for eating out, food journaling/tracking what you eat. And last but certainly not least, having resources available to help support you (a spouse or significant other, friend/family member doing it with you, online resources like forums and social media groups where you can connect with other like minded individuals who are there to help support each other. 

Keep in mind, I am not a doctor and highly recommend that, whether you’re going to follow the Paleo diet, or another diet, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor first. This is even more important if you are currently suffering from any health related issues like diabetes, celiac disease, high-cholesterol, arthritis, and more. In some cases, due to health problems, your doctor may need to make some changes to what you can eat when following Paleo. With the help of your doctor and knowing your body like you do, you’ll be able to decide the best course of action for your health needs.

Here’s to your Paleo success!