Book Review: The Paleo Solution, by Robb Wolf

I have a Nook. I love it, but I haven't stopped buying "real" books. The Nook is nice because I can buy, store, and carry tons of books on it wherever I go, and I save a little money in the process. There are certain books (like academic stuff, and martial arts stuff) that I like to have in a physical library. Other things, on the other hand, just consume too much of my very limited storage space (I split my time between my apartment when I'm at school, and my parents' place when school is out). For example, there are several thriller authors I follow (Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, etc.), I'm fine with having having stuff like that in ebook format.
 
Dogstarman said:
So it is a diet for the privileged few who can afford it, I understand that.
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It may be most affordable by those with higher incomes, or people who prioritize their spending towards healthy food. But for this type of eating - pastured animals and organically grown fruits/veggies - to become affordable there has to be demand to stimulate more producers to take up production of this type of food. As with many other trends, as the production systems improve costs will go down and middle-income earners will be able to afford it, greatly increasing demand and supply. Then eventually most people will be able to afford it. But there has to be a groundswell of demand to stimulate it, so save your pennies and start purchasing grass-fed meat, milk, and eggs.
 
Thanks XT, I've ordered the book.

I have a Kindle for the billions of ebooks I have, big improvement on reading off a monitor. I won't be buying many new ebooks as they are too expensive compared to the real thing.
 
IDRISCKY said:
ronin0352, do you own a Kindle? I've been thinking about getting one for a few years, but don't know anyone that owns one to talk to before I actually spend that much.
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I do. It's very convenient for me because I am gone at least 20 out of every 30 days, and it beats the hell out of carrying a bag full of books out to the rig with me.
 
oyaji poi said:
It may be most affordable by those with higher incomes, or people who prioritize their spending towards healthy food. But for this type of eating - pastured animals and organically grown fruits/veggies - to become affordable there has to be demand to stimulate more producers to take up production of this type of food. As with many other trends, as the production systems improve costs will go down and middle-income earners will be able to afford it, greatly increasing demand and supply. Then eventually most people will be able to afford it. But there has to be a groundswell of demand to stimulate it, so save your pennies and start purchasing grass-fed meat, milk, and eggs.
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Yes I understand that and people like Robb, and movies like food inc. really help people understand what you stated. I also think and agree that food needs to come from good sources not big ass vats of corn and soy.
 
Am reading Robb's book now. Have read Loren's previously.

Any reason to follow one of these philosophies INSTEAD of the FAQ for this forum? Seems like the FAQ follows the K.I.S.S(keep it simple stupid) method which is great for those of us who tend to overanalyze every damn thing.

Actually asking this as I am currently in a stuck mode of overanalyzing which direction to take. Help!
 
I got this book for Christmas and there were a few questions that popped up when I was reading it.

The 30 day meal plan MUST be targeted for overweight ladies who don't exercise correct? I've been somewhat Paleo for about a month now and I eat wayyyyyyy more food than suggested in that meal plan. I can't imagine any athletes actually sticking to it.

The servings of veggies/fruits were minimal. Isn't that where you're supposed to be getting your carbs from?


Either way, I think overall it's an okay book. I've been leaving it around the house in random places hoping my Mom will peek into it and give it a try.
 
I'm sure it is. He targeted the physical activity section for the untrained, so I'm sure the sample meal plan had the same people in mind. He also mentions that for trying to lose fat, it is best to keep the fruits to a minimum. He probably figures the folks that are more trained and more into the diet than the absolute beginner can figure out how to cook that way. There are a couple links on his site with a bunch of paleo recipes, most of which look awesome.
 
WitchCraft said:
The 30 day meal plan MUST be targeted for overweight ladies who don't exercise correct? I've been somewhat Paleo for about a month now and I eat wayyyyyyy more food than suggested in that meal plan. I can't imagine any athletes actually sticking to it.

The servings of veggies/fruits were minimal. Isn't that where you're supposed to be getting your carbs from?
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This is the problem I have with the diet. I have a very high metabolism and I train full time (on average 4-6 hours per day 6 days per week). I do use the Paleo diet to cut the little excess body fat I have before a fight. But during training I need energy storage and the only way I personally can do that is with organic whole grains. If not I hit a major wall and can't function properly. My current calorie intake is between 5,000-5,300 per day; there is no way I can eat that much in fruits and vegetable carbs to sustain my energy output. Like I stated on an earlier page I believe the Paleo diet is very good for a beginner or someone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it falls short when it comes to higher level athletes.
 
Deathmonkey said:
This is the problem I have with the diet. I have a very high metabolism and I train full time (on average 4-6 hours per day 6 days per week). I do use the Paleo diet to cut the little excess body fat I have before a fight. But during training I need energy storage and the only way I personally can do that is with organic whole grains. If not I hit a major wall and can't function properly. My current calorie intake is between 5,000-5,300 per day; there is no way I can eat that much in fruits and vegetable carbs to sustain my energy output. Like I stated on an earlier page I believe the Paleo diet is very good for a beginner or someone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it falls short when it comes to higher level athletes.
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Have you read or seen the more "Athlete" focused Paleo "diet?" I'm actually curious, because I'm not sure what the differences it would entail besides SOME complex proteins..I believe Yam's are a favorite of Wolf :)

I'm mostly sedentary, but "low level" very active and workout 3-5x a week, but am NOT a high level athlete, so knowing this, or feedback on the "type" of food changes to the Paleo'esque diet would be interesting.

Edit: Q for you, what do you do "non paleo" for your calories then, where you don't feel sluggy or shitty? I ask, because grains / pasta DO now kill me for a few hours (or I'm at least lethargic), when I begin to become much more physically active (injury recovery), I'm confused as to how I'm going to just eat meat and veggies and nuts (I don't eat fruit)..maybe peanut butter, but, when I USED to be performing at a higher level, I NEEDED some complex carb once a day, just once, or I was sluggish and "sickly" feeling.
 
redjako said:
Have you read or seen the more "Athlete" focused Paleo "diet?" I'm actually curious, because I'm not sure what the differences it would entail besides SOME complex proteins..I believe Yam's are a favorite of Wolf :)

I'm mostly sedentary, but "low level" very active and workout 3-5x a week, but am NOT a high level athlete, so knowing this, or feedback on the "type" of food changes to the Paleo'esque diet would be interesting.

Edit: Q for you, what do you do "non paleo" for your calories then, where you don't feel sluggy or shitty? I ask, because grains / pasta DO now kill me for a few hours (or I'm at least lethargic), when I begin to become much more physically active (injury recovery), I'm confused as to how I'm going to just eat meat and veggies and nuts (I don't eat fruit)..maybe peanut butter, but, when I USED to be performing at a higher level, I NEEDED some complex carb once a day, just once, or I was sluggish and "sickly" feeling.
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I know you weren't asking me, but I also read the book intended for athletes. Not front to back, but skimmed through it at the library. It is really meant for marathoners/runners. I would recommend Wolf's book over that one.
 
Your review prompted me to get the book. It makes me never want to eat pasta or bread again.
 
I just don't enjoy fruits, or crave them. I'll eat blue berries like once a week. The nat sugars send me to "high" and feel "grainy" as in, sluggish, slow, etc.

Every now and then an orange.
 
redjako said:
Edit: Q for you, what do you do "non paleo" for your calories then, where you don't feel sluggy or shitty? I ask, because grains / pasta DO now kill me for a few hours (or I'm at least lethargic), when I begin to become much more physically active (injury recovery), I'm confused as to how I'm going to just eat meat and veggies and nuts (I don't eat fruit)..maybe peanut butter, but, when I USED to be performing at a higher level, I NEEDED some complex carb once a day, just once, or I was sluggish and "sickly" feeling.
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A bulk of my complex carbs come from organic whole grain pasta (mostly spaghetti) I eat about one package per day. I eat this post workout because it is a heavy food. I also eat 2 almond butter sandwiches per day and I use Genesis bread. This is where I get most my complex carbs from. I do eat on average 4-6 cups of vegetables and 4-6 cups of fruits per day but because of my training and metabolism I burn through them so fast, they just don't provide the glycogen for me personally.

I'm not stating that the Paleo diet doesn't work or is no good, I support the theories, the diet just doesn't work for me.
 
Just finished it. Have to say, I don't like being addressed as 'Buttercup', not at all.

Other than that, the grain and fat sections were good.
 
I just read it yesterday.

I agree with a lot of the points already mentioned like dairy/legumes being just skimmed over.

The part on stress/cortisol and stress was worth its weight in gold.

Personally, I was expecting a lot more for the supplement section, but I guess its meant to be a book for beginners and Robb wanted people to focus on diet and not try to cut corners with supps.

Enjoyed all the hippie hate as well, haha
 
Bump..I think the Interview thread should / could be merged here?
 
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