What is The Paleo Diet?

I started following the Paleo diet before it became mainstream. For me, it wasn’t about following a trend—it was about feeling better. I struggled with severe digestive issues for years, undergoing countless tests with no real answers. Eventually, I took matters into my own hands, stripping my diet down to the basics. That’s how I found Paleo. These days I do what I call Paleo-ish.

It wasn’t just a quick fix—it was a game changer. My bloating disappeared, my energy levels improved, and my IBS symptoms were finally under control. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different foods, reintroducing some here and there, but every time my symptoms return, I know it’s time to reset and get back to what works.

What is the Paleo Diet?

At its core, the Paleo diet is about eating whole, unprocessed foods that our bodies are naturally designed to handle. It focuses on:

✅ Lean meats and eggs
✅ Vegetables and fruits (in moderation)
✅ Nuts and seeds
✅ Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, fish oil)

And eliminates:

❌ Dairy
❌ Grains (wheat, corn, rice, soy, oats)
❌ Processed foods and refined sugars
❌ Legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts, soy)
❌ Processed oils (canola, vegetable, seed oils, etc.)

The idea isn’t to perfectly mimic ancient diets but to avoid modern, highly processed foods that contribute to inflammation, gut issues, and poor health.

Why Paleo Works for Me

For years, I tried to figure out what was wrong with my gut. I was told I had gluten issues, lactose intolerance, yeast sensitivities, and more. After years of dead-end testing, I took control and simplified my diet.

Here’s what happened when I committed to Paleo:

• Less bloating, inflammation, and digestive discomfort
• A 4-inch reduction in my waist in less than three months—just from dietary changes
• More energy and better performance in the gym
• No more feeling like my stomach was a “boiling pot of oatmeal” all the time

Through trial and error, I’ve also found that processed oils trigger my IBS symptoms the most, which is why I completely avoid them. Studies are now emerging that support the link between processed seed and vegetable oils and digestive inflammation, and based on my experience, I believe it.

Do I Ever Go Off Paleo?

Yes, I do. I follow a 90/10 approach where I mostly eat Paleo, but every couple of weeks, I’ll have some chips or something outside of my usual diet. I don’t believe in extremes, and I’ve found that occasional flexibility helps me stay on track long term.

I also eat a lot of sweet potatoes. While some strict Paleo followers avoid potatoes entirely, I’ve found that sweet potatoes work well for me as a great carb source, without the digestive issues that grains or processed starches cause.

How to Follow the Paleo Diet

There’s no one way to do Paleo. Some people take it to extremes—only eating what would be naturally available in their region, eating raw meat, or strictly avoiding anything modern. I take a realistic approach by eating lean meats, vegetables, and healthy fats, while occasionally allowing small deviations like potatoes, black beans, and steel-cut oats.

The key to success with Paleo is preparation. When I first started, I failed miserably because I didn’t have quick, grab-and-go meals ready. Now, I meal prep in advance, always making sure I have pre-cooked meats, cut-up veggies, and easy snacks available so I don’t fall into the trap of grabbing convenience foods.

Final Thoughts

For me, Paleo is not about perfection—it’s about balance. When I stick to it, I feel great. When I go off track for too long, I notice it. That’s why I always come back to it.

If you struggle with digestive issues, inflammation, or unexplained bloating, it’s worth experimenting with Paleo. You don’t have to be 100% strict forever, but eliminating certain foods for a few weeks can help you figure out what works best for your body. I do what I call Paleo-ish.

For me, that meant cutting out dairy, grains, processed oils, and most processed foods—and the result has been better health, more energy, and fewer digestive issues.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Paleo might work for you, try it and see how you feel. You might be surprised at the difference it makes.