Written by: Blayne Prowse
My exploration into the Paleo lifestyle started with the reading of ”The Vegetarian Myth” by Lierre Keith in the winter of 2012. The words in this wonderful text blew my mind to say the least. The idea that one did not have to eat grains for nutrients and fiber perplexed me. This is what has been shoved in our collective faces for decades. How could this be? We were being lied to by advertisers and by the governments own food pyramid? As it were, my then girlfriend was a vegetarian, and reading this book really got me thinking about different ideas on nutrition, and being a vegetarian. I had switched to mostly a vegetarian diet because, incorrectly, it was the healthy thing to do. Boy was that wrong. I under took a week long juice cleanse shortly after, and it made me realize that I could get by with less food, and could actually try making changes and still survive.
I am a sheet metal tradesman for my day job, and also do a fair amount of cycling, mountain biking, long pleasure road rides, and commuting to work. I was very concerned of being so hungry that I would not be able to function. My lunch box was always stuffed to capacity in anticipation of eating at every break to make sure my stomach was full, and I had the energy necessary to make it through the day. I was still always famished. I would eat vegetables, fruit, sandwiches, and yogurt. Still, at the end of the day I would be ravenously hungry and grumpy. It was horrible.
My friend and my mom started throwing around the term ”Paleo”, and were sending me links on social media. Mating this with some of the information from Keith’s book, I began to see the light. I needed more protein, more fat, way less carbs. My carb intake was incredible. I have never figured out exactly how many grams a day, but I ate bread at most meals, along with other grains, beans and corn products. No wonder I was so miserable.
pre-paleo
Soon after my awakening, I began listening to Jack Spirko and the Survival Podcast. Jack has been doing a Paleo diet for a while with great results. I also began to understand the way the economy works, and why we may be getting incorrect information on our health and nutrition. Many billions of dollars are at stake with an unhealthy population. Unbelievable, but so true. Another moment of awakening. I bought ”The Paleo Solution” and haven’t looked back. The vegetarian and I ended our relationship in June, and Paleo became a part of my life, not just something to experiment with. My results were amazing, but not unusual for someone who makes this change.
Since June I have lost 50 pounds. Below 200 pounds by a fair bit for the first time in 20 years. I look in the mirror and can’t stop. I was always a chubby kid and was teased about it while growing up. I still hold those scars to this day in my mid thirties. Seeing my ribs now makes those wounds sting less. For years I was plagued on and off by knee pain that was from an unknown cause. Undergoing x-rays, pharmaceuticals, physiotherapy, and massage therapy brought absolutely no change, no evidence in x-ray of injury. A complete mystery for the swelling and pain. I also suffered from self diagnosed IBS. My digestion problems persisted for years. Being too embarrassed to see a doctor, and feeling like that would result in many tests that would inconvenience me and give no answers. Bloating, painful gas, fatigue and sleeping problems were also symptoms of my supposed healthy diet.
My life is so much different now. I have much more confidence, feel stronger and more motivated. Almost more animalistic. I am hunting for my own meat and when I do buy it, it comes from local grass fed and pastured farms. Also, I’m building a sustainable life in my community using Paleo principals, sourcing local, and trying to help others. I’m always one to spread the message, trying to influence those suffering with diabetes, arthritis and obesity. I blog about my success and am hosting a podcast to spread the message of the incredible food diversity in my area. Thanks to Rob, and the Paleo community at large for helping to change my life. I love telling non-believers that I lost 50 pounds eating bacon and eggs!.
post-paleo
Blayne Prowse – Cumberland B.C.
Follow me on Twitter: @cynicalcyclist
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Wow you look like a completely different person! It’s nice pick-me-up on a Monday morning to read about your success. Also-that’s a lovely fish in the “before” pic. 🙂
Hey Blayne…respeck! 🙂
It’s interesting what you say about feeling “more animalistic”. There’s definitely something about eating primally and living primally that triggers something fundamentally animalistic, which is pretty freakin’ sweet if you ask me. Great read!
The animalistic tendencies are crazy. Less fear full, more willing to stick my neck out, ready to get stuff done and try new things. I think it is probably largely due to the major confidence boost with how good I look and feel, plus crazy energy. Plus no unusual hormones either as all my meat is super clean. i know the farmers I buy from as friends and hunt or fish for the rest. The one in the pic is an 18 pound chinook salmon:) I want to inspire others! You can do it!!
I’m certainly no expert but it sounds like your testosterone levels improved, among other things.
I can pretty much guarantee my testosterone has increased. I have always been kind of an emotional, submissive guy and the change makes me way less shy and wishy washy. More confident in myself and my abilities and decisions. I failed to mention that I have been sober for almost two years as well, and I think beating that crutch has also contributed to my success!
Wow, really interesting story. Amazing isn’t it? Like you and many others,for decades I thought we should eat lots of grains, breads, etc. And no meat of course because it’s really unhealthy and causes animal suffering. I try to eat only humanely treated animals now. It’s nice to not be hungry most of the time.I don’t feel the need to eat 1/2 loaf of French bread w/ cheese, which always made me feel sick and bloated.
I have a friend studying to be a nutritionist, who will barely listen when I tell her about paleo. She’ll have to find out for herself I guess.
You look great!I’m happy for you.
Congratulations! It seems you have found a dietary system that works for you. The beauty with this are the myriad health and emotional benefits that come with it. Eating closely to how we evolved eating can only be beneficial. It is not rocket science. Keep up the good work and pass along the inspiration!
4:55pm and its pitch black outside! dont read lights out!
Dec.4- Sunrise : 7:59 Sunset : 16:20
Awesome story, Blayne! It’s amazing the difference in energy levels that a person feels when switching diets over, nevermind the improvement in wellness. I constantly get questions from people regarding why I eat the things I do – many people have no idea what the paleo diet is. Success stories like yours help to spread the word!
Great story, thanks for sharing! I, too, have gone from vegetarian to Paleo (with some stops in between) and have never looked back. The energy I have now is more than worth all the bread I will never, ever eat!
Congrats Blayne!
I mirror you in so many ways and found this renewed sense of myself since going Paleo. I am convinced this lifestyle is a major reason why. Continued success brother!
Scott
Fabulous Blayne Thank you so much for sharing your story.
I’m in to month 5 of Paleo now and there’s no going back!
I relate to the animalistic comment… Try describing THAT
to someone who isn’t primal/paleo!
Cheers
Jennifer
Hi. Another local Paleo. Don’t we live in the best place! So much great food grown here. Congrats on five months, it is so easy now isn’t it. You bet, normies don’t get the energy and primal feelings. I feel like there is a fire in my belly and no one can stop me anymore! I would like to connect with local paleo/primals. Follow me on twitter:)