Primal Blueprint Diet-- helped me gain muscle

Has anyone else had success with “paleo” or primal diets? I follow Mark Sisson’s Blog, Marks Daily Apple and read his book “The Primal Blueprint.” Basically, it’s a low carb diet that focuses on natural foods.

I know what you’re thinking: It’s Atkins for tree-huggers. I’m not 100% on board, but since I started 6 months ago, I’m finally putting on lean muscle.

Like many of us, I lost strength and had joint and digestive issues. I’ve found higher protein, lower carb diets to be highly beneficial. It’s reduced my anxiety. I’m in better physical shape since before I took fin 10 years ago. I lift weights for about 30 min, three times a week.

I also realized I wasn’t getting enough fat in my diet. Paradoxically, as I added more and more healthy fats (like avocado), I gained more muscle and lost belly fat. I’m a hard gainer.

Sisson has a high-minded (if a bit unproven) theory that these diets help “reprogram” our genes. I doubt that, but I don’t doubt that sugar and carbs were making my bad situation worse.

I got on the basic “cave man” or “paleo diet” about 6 months ago and am a big fan. There are tons of variations of it, and tons of great blogs out there.

The Primal Blueprint is one of the most practical, accessible, and still scientific guides on the general diet/lifestyle & Mark’s blog is great. Other authors in that genre to consider: Gary Taubes, Michael and Mary Eades, Cordain & if you’re concerned about cholesterol, google “cholesterol skeptics”…you’ll find a lot of good info.

I think that minimizing inflammation via proper diet is crucial for everyone, but especially us PFSers.

Hey what specifically do you do to reduce inflammation?

Eliminate processed/refined carbs, sugar from your diet, reducing your insulin shock.

Intermittent fasting (no snacking) between major meals. Which you want want/need to do if you eat the prescribed diet (meats + veggies), which are more satiating. And abstain from grain-based food.

Again, I highly endorse the Primal Blueprint book.