This is part of an ongoing series of real life success stories from people all over the world who have been impacted by the Paleo lifestyle and The Paleo Solution. Read Rachel’s story below.
Funny how one tiny opportunity can open the floodgates to a whole new level of living. The people in this equation know who you are. But for now, it’s all about me. Oh, and you Robb Wolf.
Speechless. Literally. When life strikes like a slap in the face, we can either fight it or climb on board and enjoy the ride. My world rocked, literally. I was wearing the Sketchers Shape Ups shoes thinking i was all that and then some as I entered our Cavemanstrong Crossfit Gym to listen to a workshop about Paleo as recommended by Dr Thorin Gault.
I had no idea. None. Whatsoever. I thought Paleo was something to do with Ross on Friends, (hey, at least I’m honest!) It took less than 45 minutes for My husband and I to be humbled in an environment that encapsulated both the beauty and strength of life.
Too often we point the finger anywhere other than at our own kitchen table. Red faced, (and not from the spaghetti we had both eaten previously), we opted right there and then to go against the ‘grain’ and embrace a very much needed change.
The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf blew dust onto my nightstand chicklits and my Manolos hit the closet floor to make space for my Vibrams (pink, of course) and my Do-Wins.
If you are thinking about making the change, then for carrots sakes stop reading this now and just do it. You will sleep, eat and breathe like you never knew how. I’m working hard at building up from weak (and yes, pathetic) muscle mass and eliminating as much toxicity from medications as I can.
I want my life back. But not the old one. I can now say I love to open my eyes each day. I want to cook. I want to eat and I want our kids to live life to the max.
I started a blog about food, especially for kids lunch ideas called yespleaseplaywithyourfood.tumblr.com and I can now lift more than just a PVC pipe. And on the days it’s just the pipe, my heart still giggles, that’s me!!
My husband has lost over 37 pounds. I’ve lost more than that in confidence and determination. I’ve always been proud to walk alongside my husbands footsteps. And now, because I believe in myself, I’m more than proud to walk in my own.
And Robb, thank you for asking me to give back. The world is getting smaller. So, back into the cave we go. No excuses this time. Dare to be afraid, but at least crunch a few squats and order Sarah Fragoso’s soon to be released Everyday Paleo book before you run!
-Rachel
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Barb says
Good Job Rachel!
“And now, because I believe in myself, I’m more than proud to walk in my own.” **YOU** are awe inspiring!
-Barb
Dave says
It’s really too bad Vibram likes to pretend everyone’s feet are the same width and fall into a limited range of sizes. I wear a US men’s 14 EEE. I desperately wanted a pair if five fingers however the only ones I could find in my length were the ugly KSOs and they were too narrow and pinched my feet and started a blister. But I guess only normal height people with normal sized feet like fitness.
Amber says
Hey Dave, I have similar problems and just tried some of the new balance minimus trail shoes with much success. Perhas you could give those a test fit? Good luck! 🙂
Paleo Josh says
Cool story. It always good to hear how the paleo diet helps people!
stone temple paleo says
Congrats but I cant see myself wearing Vibrams
Robb Wolf says
I blew mine out the first time I did lateral mobility drills in them…
Mari-O in Bangkok says
Robb, I know you have suggested Asics as more durable. I guess I still like the Vibrams because they allow the toes to stretch out and they are so effing portable.
I have actually had no durability problems with the old generation of Vibrams — though I don’t subject them to more abuse than sprinting. The new models are also more structurally sound, but have managed to be even uglier than earlier models, which one would have imagined to be impossible. (Think 1975 Grand Prix… and then add accent stripes.)
My real problem is that consistent use of Vibrams seems to have exacerbated the development of a bunion in my case. This is consistent with what podiatrists explain typically happens when people disposed to develop bunions (parents both sport them) go barefoot.
So… I stuck very mild orthotics in my Vibrams — ones that I had specially made not only for my own foot (obviously) but also for my Five-Finger shoes.
But the Vibram website asserts that the use of orthotics with their shoes is a crime against nature since Five-Finger shoes are designed to mimic the pure barefoot experience. They instead urge learning to walk differently — presumably like someone with an entirely different foot structure.
Vibram’s podiatrist spokesdoctor has declined to address this in response to my email inquiry. Anyway, the solution works for me.
(It’s not a historical re-enactment, yo.)
Best,
Mari-O in BKK
P.S. Fashion tip… I rock all-black KSO’s with black Lululemon yoga pants and a skin-tight black Under-Armour tank. I look like what would happen if a Mexican ninja had sex with a seal. Very hot.
Robb Wolf says
Interesting stuff.
“Historical reenactment, it is not.”
Yoda
Donna says
I admire your strength and inspiring words, Rachel. I want to give this a try, im just behind on a lot of the facts. Need to sharpen my knowledge. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Brenden says
Rachel,
Just wanted to give you a shout out and say you have a fantastic gift for writing.
Great Story and even better job.
Brenden
Rachel says
Thank you so much for all of your inspiring feedback!! I am touched and thrilled!
yogaflo says
Wonderful story and so eloquently written. Almost poetry.
Hope you get this message. It’s been quite a while since you wrote it 🙂
John says
I have had a battle with the vibrams for many years only to rethink my stance upon seeing the vibrams with laces.
Primal Toad says
Thanks for posting these success stories! I wish you a lot of luck! It only gets easier. The primal community is growing leaps and bounds all around us. Its simply awesome because thats what its all about.