Isn’t it funny that we have drifted so far from what it means to be human animals that we have to pose questions and engage in debate about what we should eat and how we should move? We have intervened on nature’s plan for us so many times that we can barely remember where we came from, and in many ways it has cost us our health. That is not to say that every step off the path has led to death and disease, just that intervention must be carefully examined through the critical eye of science and not taken for granted to be harmless, as has been the way of the western world thus far. Enough trust, it’s time for doubt, questions, science, and proof. In that order.
I am not willing to sacrifice my health by being too lazy to question the claims of those that would have my money in exchange for “food” and treatment of the symptoms of diseases this “food” will bring me. I will not believe that something is good for me just because someone said so. No matter how many letters they have after their name.
I believe that science and adherence to the scientific method hold the answers we seek. I also believe that we had it right once, and that we can have it even better now. We live in a time when advancements like sanitation, hygiene, and trauma medicine can be combined with pre-intervention foods and movements that make perfect sense to our ancient genome. The result is health and longevity. I think “paleo” should not describe a historical reenactment, but rather a logical framework to which science must be applied in order to closely analyze the potential harm or benefit of the choices we have today. I have no desire to return to a time when a sprained ankle would likely be a death sentence, but I will not accept that Neolithic foods like grains and legumes are good for me because my doctor believes them to be.
I want proof. At this time, there is plenty of proof that grains, legumes, soy, refined sugar, and high fructose corn syrup are harmful. If good science ever reveals otherwise, I will change my tune in a heartbeat. As for dairy, especially fermented varieties, I need to see more data. You may hate me for not hating dairy if you like, call it sacrilege, but science is all that matters to me and I have not seen enough to make that call. If you are convinced of the evils of dairy, don’t consume it. I’m not convinced. .
Yes, I want proof, and there is plenty, but alas, I am not a researcher. You probably aren’t either. And if we pooled our money together we would likely fall far short of the millions it costs to fund studies. So what do we do when there is no proof to be had? Well, this is where common sense comes in. When the science hasn’t been applied yet, we are left with our logical framework, and it’s actually pretty solid. The Paleo Community has brainstormed its way to lots of reasonable assumptions that have then been applied to real life with very favorable results. Of course, the opposite is also true on occasion. Mistakes will be made, but we have to stay logical until science can provide all the answers.
Sometimes my adventures as a coach, fitness geek, husband, and father lead me to epiphanies, moments of enlightenment, and I feel like screaming the details from my rooftop for all the world to hear. But the roof is slippery and the neighbors already think I’m crazy, so I’ll be venting here from now on. If you find these rants useful, then I’ve done some good. If not, then I apologize in advance for any time you may waste here.
Wolfie
I am not willing to sacrifice my health by being too lazy to question the claims of those that would have my money in exchange for “food” and treatment of the symptoms of diseases this “food” will bring me. I will not believe that something is good for me just because someone said so. No matter how many letters they have after their name.
I believe that science and adherence to the scientific method hold the answers we seek. I also believe that we had it right once, and that we can have it even better now. We live in a time when advancements like sanitation, hygiene, and trauma medicine can be combined with pre-intervention foods and movements that make perfect sense to our ancient genome. The result is health and longevity. I think “paleo” should not describe a historical reenactment, but rather a logical framework to which science must be applied in order to closely analyze the potential harm or benefit of the choices we have today. I have no desire to return to a time when a sprained ankle would likely be a death sentence, but I will not accept that Neolithic foods like grains and legumes are good for me because my doctor believes them to be.
I want proof. At this time, there is plenty of proof that grains, legumes, soy, refined sugar, and high fructose corn syrup are harmful. If good science ever reveals otherwise, I will change my tune in a heartbeat. As for dairy, especially fermented varieties, I need to see more data. You may hate me for not hating dairy if you like, call it sacrilege, but science is all that matters to me and I have not seen enough to make that call. If you are convinced of the evils of dairy, don’t consume it. I’m not convinced. .
Yes, I want proof, and there is plenty, but alas, I am not a researcher. You probably aren’t either. And if we pooled our money together we would likely fall far short of the millions it costs to fund studies. So what do we do when there is no proof to be had? Well, this is where common sense comes in. When the science hasn’t been applied yet, we are left with our logical framework, and it’s actually pretty solid. The Paleo Community has brainstormed its way to lots of reasonable assumptions that have then been applied to real life with very favorable results. Of course, the opposite is also true on occasion. Mistakes will be made, but we have to stay logical until science can provide all the answers.
Sometimes my adventures as a coach, fitness geek, husband, and father lead me to epiphanies, moments of enlightenment, and I feel like screaming the details from my rooftop for all the world to hear. But the roof is slippery and the neighbors already think I’m crazy, so I’ll be venting here from now on. If you find these rants useful, then I’ve done some good. If not, then I apologize in advance for any time you may waste here.
Wolfie
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