Josh: Why I’m a Paleo/Primal Eater

I wrote an email to a number of CFSR members, asking them about why they chose to follow a paleo/primal diet, what their goals were in doing so, what paleo and/or primal eating means to them, and what impact it’s had on their lives. Here’s the first in a brief series of responses I’ll be posting on the blog. This one comes from Dr. Josh.

The next generation! Josh and Jeneane's son Ryan.

“I chose to begin eating this way upon the recommendations of the fearless leader of CrossFit Santa Rosa. Plus, read Sisson’s book cover-to-cover and made sense. My goals were pretty simple: feel better, lose weight, improve health and lifestyle.

I’m a dairy-inclusive primal eater, though it’s limited to cream in my coffee and raw milk (though not very often) and good cheese. My grain exposure is limited to beer, though on my occasional 20% days have included pizza and cookies. Those, however, are few and far between; beer is less and less.

My journey began with a personal trial of eating primal. At the end of December, I worked 3 overnight shifts in a row in the ER. Ate in the normal way: sandwiches, couple of cookies, chips and salsa, maybe some candy. Anything to keep the motor “running” through the dark hours. Results: felt like crap, mood swings, hunger pangs, didn’t sleep well during the day. Basically, carb hangovers to the extreme. A week later, I had another set of 3 overnights, but had gone primal. The difference was amazing: no hunger pangs, no mood swings, no energy crashes, slept well during the day, felt refreshed and energetic during my shift AND when I was off. My sleep was restful and refreshing. Even my co-workers noticed the difference!

I’ve even managed to turn my parents on to eating primal. My mom, a recovering smoker and arthritis sufferer, has had no hand pain and minimal joint pain. My stepdad has lost 15 pounds and has more energy than my mom can handle!

My difficulties are the usual: “You don’t eat rice/bread/pasta/cookies?” “Your heart is going to explode with all that bacon and eggs.” “Where are the burger buns?”

My answer is: I’ve never felt better. Never been thinner. Totally tell the difference when I “cheat” and eat grains and simple carbs (can you say carb hangover???).

It’s easy to eat, easy to do, just takes some getting used to. Once you go Primal, you’ll never look back; the alternative just makes ya feel too crappy.”

Josh recently had shoulder surgery and is rehabbing, but we’re looking forward to his return!