It’s no secret that I’ve been a proponent of the paleo/primal diet since earlier this year. After all, it’s been the basis in part for some (good) weight loss, and also some tremendous strength gains.
But what is this paleo deal…really? In a nutshell, the idea is to consume food more in line with our paleolithic ancestors — meaning veggies, fruit, meat, eggs, some seeds and nuts, and good fats. Paleo folk avoid grains and cereal like the plague, and most also try to limit legumes and dairy, depending on how puritanical their stance is.
Now, before you get all agitated about the “why” of paleo…today’s post is about the “who.” You can read about why a paleo diet makes sense elsewhere, and any of the folks below would also be happy to clue you in.
If you’re genuinely interested in trying a paleo approach then you’re in luck. Today’s post is dedicated to the who’s who of the paleo circuit — at least in my opinion.
The following folks are the go-to people for all things paleo. These are the taste makers, the movers and shakers, and basically ground zero for the paleo/primal/evolutionary way of thinking.
Onward…in no particular order…
Prof. Loren Cordain: The Paleo Diet. Cordain is one of the guys that popularized the paleolithic diet and got the ball rolling. His book, The Paleo Diet, shook the foundations of what many understood good nutrition to be. He’s a research guy, with feet firmly planted in the science that supports the guidelines — and he’s got the references to back it up.
However, if I were to make a recommendation to a newbie as to where to start — it wouldn’t be Cordain. As thorough and as in-depth as his stuff is, it isn’t what I’d call all that user-friendly for the layman. Too much science-speak.
Here’s where you want to start…
Mark Sisson: His blog, Mark’s Daily Apple is easy-to-read and easy to understand. And…if you have a question or concern about anything primal…chances are that he’s answered it at some point. There’s that much (free) content. Plus there’s a very active community.
I recommend starting there, and subscribing to his feed and/or email list.
Robb Wolf: Go here for the weekly podcasts alone. Wolf comes from a science background, having trained in chemistry, but he’s accessible in a layman kind of way and provides practical wisdom . He’s got a new book out, The Paleo Solution — which I’ve read — and recommend as another good starting place for folks new to the paleo scene
Side note of interest: Wolf originally went paleo…because he had no other choice. He suffers from Celiac (intolerance to gluten) and found the answer in a paleo diet.
Richard Nikoley: Richard blogs at Free the Animal. If you like your paleo with a healthy dose of vitriol, then this is your place. Nikoley is the paleolithic sword bearer. The vocal vegan/vegetarian crowd makes for a ripe target at Free the Animal. In turn, Nikoley himself is often targeted by that same demographic, and it makes for an interesting back-and-forth. Nevertheless, lots of great info and insight from this fairly recent paleo convert.
Sarah Fragoso: “crossfit trainter…wife…mother of three” is the tagline at Everyday Paleo, Sarah’s blog. Sarah has a particular gift for great paleo-inspired recipes — and I’ve used more than a few. If you decide to try paleo, you’ll need to break out the pots and pans at some point — and Everyday Paleo can help in that department.
Many folks have a hard time getting some food variation into the paleo deal when they’re just starting out. Sarah has the answers. Try the Breakfast Paleo Pizza. Awesome.
Keith Norris: writes over at Theory to Practice. Keith is a trainer in Austin, TX and runs it 100 percent paleo. What’s great about this dude’s blog posts (among other things) is that he publishes his workout details — which are not for the faint of heart. He’s hardcore HIT (high intensity training) on most days. And I’d argue that it’s not beginner level stuff either — plus good luck finding some of the equipment he uses. But his diet and fitness insights should be required reading for anyone serious about their health.
Spend a week or so reading (devouring?) everyone’s updates above and you’ll have a well-rounded idea of the paleo scene. Then jump in with both feet and give it a shot for a 21 day trial period. Could very well be a life-changer for you.
The Work
OK, enough with the paleo crowd and let’s get to work. Today’s exercise is…the pushup. I can hear the groans already. Pushups? Yes, pushups. No equipment needed — just you vs. gravity. There are many variations on this classic, but let’s start with the basic movement.
Bodyweight exercises (like pushups, pullups, pistol squats) should always have a place at the table in your workout routine.
Why?
Well, for one, they travel well. If you have no gym handy then a decent workout is always at hand. Second, ever seen an Olympic gymnast rock an iron cross on the still rings? Those guys are all about bodyweight resistance.
Ladies and gentlemen…the pushup…
