Follow Me
Frequently Asked Questions
Why no grains and legumes?
Grains irritate the gut. Grains and legumes contain a variety of anti-nutrtritional components such as lectins, saponins, and phytic acid. Lectins can destroy the lining of the gastrointestinal tract which interferes with digestion and nutrient absorption. Saponins impair the digestion of protein and the uptake of vitamins and minerals in the gut. Phytic acid has been proven to inhibit absorption of mineral and trace elements such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and manganese. For more information about grains, visit www.marksdailyapple.com
Will I have to eat this way forever?
If you give Paleo eating a strict thirty day start, you may want to! Many people are able to incorporate the Paleo lifestyle into their daily living without being as strict as the first 30 days. For some people, keeping 95% – 100% is the only way they can stay healthy. For others, 80% adherence to the Paleo principals is works just fine. It’s individual to each person. Listen to your body and get in tune with the way food makes you feel.
What about the “Cheat Meal”?
There are different beliefs about the “cheat”. Some people plan it into their schedules. You can do what feels best for you; I don’t plan “cheats”. I don’t enjoy feeling awful after I eat so I don’t like to arrange when I’m going to make myself feel sick. My “cheats” come in the form of having a drink when I’m out with friends, or enjoying a Paleo sweet treat that uses natural sugars. I don’t find myself craving that big bowl of pasta or loaf of bread; if I did I probably wouldn’t deny myself, but I know I wouldn’t plan for it. Don’t let the cheats become your focus, what you live for; it will be your demise, as well as make the lifestyle change feel all the more challenging!
How can I eat Paleo on a budget?
No excuses we can all afford to invest in our health, but here are a few practical ways to reduce costs!
- Buy at Farmer’s Markets; usually cheaper prices (and even more so at the end of the day)
- Use ground beef and chicken thighs
- Buy cheaper cuts of meat and slow cook them
- Buy the whole chicken and use all of it; right done to the bones for homemade stock
- Buy vegetables that are in season or on sale
- Buy frozen vegetables (especially when on sale)
- Onions, garlic and shallots can be bought fairly inexpensively and add tons of flavor
- Stretch your meals; add more vegetables
- Make big pots of stews and soups and freeze some for later
- Use all leftovers for breakfast eggs or snacks; don’t let food go to waste
- Grow your own vegetables and herbs
- Buy meat in bulk; divide and freeze
- Plan meals ahead of time, so you can shop financially responsible