2014 - Page 13 of 14 - The Paleo Network

How people react when I tell them I eat paleo 6 reactions diet healthy eating-min

The 6 Most Common Reactions When I Say I Eat Paleo

In a world where different cultures, races, religions and sexualities gain more acceptance than ever before, it never fails to surprise me how much shock and confusion people express when I explain to them about my Paleo lifestyle. It’s amazing how even though the knowledge is out there for everyone to access, so many people choose to ignore it and follow conventional wisdom. When explaining how I choose to live and eat, I'm usually hit with a barrage of questions. These are the most common reactions:

1. So what do you actually eat?

By far the most common, and perhaps the most stupid question people ask me is ‘what do you actually eat!?’ When I tell them that I don’t eat grains, sugar, dairy, or processed food, people seriously struggle to contemplate what would be on my plate at meal times. ‘So no pizza? No bread? How do you survive?’ I don’t just survive; I thrive, and feel healthier every day. Instead of explaining to people what I don’t eat, I now tell them all the wonderful things I do eat instead. Meat, fish, loads of veggies, nuts, coconut, fruit, even the odd bit of dark chocolate. I find this generates a much more welcome response.

2. But doesn't eating meat give you colon cancer?

No. No it doesn't. Do your research – meat is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and if you don’t eat it, you’d feel much healthier and stronger if you did.

3. How can you be healthy without whole grains?

The amount of people that are still tricked into believing that whole grains are healthy is startling. If I have the energy, I’ll explain to them about anti nutrients, lectins, gluten, phytic acid and intestinal permeability. If I don’t, I’ll simply tell them that vegetables are much more nutrient dense and therefore healthier.

4. But how do you get your calcium?

‘Calcium makes your bones grow stronger’ said the famous Petit Filous advert. Many people ask me how I get my calcium without dairy – when I just tell them how kale, broccoli, sesame and almonds are my friends – and how it’s also important to balance your calcium levels with adequate magnesium and other trace elements, if you really want strong bones.

5. So do you run around chasing wild animals with a spear (sarcastic laugh)

The more facetious opposition will often snigger and make a very silly comment implying that a ‘caveman’ lifestyle has no relevance in the modern day world. I’ll often explain to them how my workouts replicate real life situations that our ancestors would have found themselves in – including weightlifting, sprint training, and CrossFit. I’ll then go on to tell them what a difference this has made to my body composition and general fitness. Sometimes though, I’ll just laugh and say ‘Yes. Yes I do. Don’t you?’

6. And what’s with the shoes? Aren't they bad for your joints?

Once again, the way modern day marketing has invaded the vulnerable brains of our fellow humans amazes me. When people see me running in my Vibrams, they genuinely believe that I'm going to cause serious damage to my knees, ankles and spine because there isn't enough ‘cushioning.’ Quite honestly, this one doesn't even warrant a response!

These are just a few of the questions I am faced with whenever I tell people about how I live. Have I missed any? What are the funniest reactions you've ever received when you tell people you are Paleo?

The Broader Social Reactions to Eating Paleo

One of the most interesting aspects of following a Paleo lifestyle isn’t just the food — it’s navigating the social reaction it often triggers. Unlike some dietary choices that people seem to accept without question, saying you eat Paleo often prompts immediate curiosity, confusion, or even debate. For a way of eating rooted in ancestral health and whole foods, it certainly seems to provoke disproportionate scrutiny.

There’s a cultural assumption that if your choices don’t align with conventional nutrition advice — like eating whole grains, low-fat dairy, and avoiding saturated fats — you must be misinformed. This can make conversations around Paleo exhausting, especially when you’re met with an air of smug scepticism rather than genuine curiosity. And yet, these exchanges are often opportunities in disguise — chances to plant seeds, share ideas, and maybe even inspire change.

Understanding the Root of the Reactions

The intensity of these reactions often comes down to how entrenched food beliefs have become. From government dietary guidelines to decades of marketing campaigns, we've been programmed to believe that cereal is a healthy breakfast, low-fat yoghurt is essential, and red meat is a danger to our arteries. When someone lives outside of those guidelines, it can be jarring to people who haven’t questioned the mainstream narrative.

There’s also an emotional component to food. It’s not just about nutrients — it’s about identity, culture, and comfort. When someone rejects the foods others see as staples, it can feel like a personal judgment, even if that’s not the intention. Understanding this helps make sense of why people sometimes react so strongly to the mention of Paleo.

Why the Paleo Lifestyle Seems Threatening

The Paleo lifestyle often implies effort — meal prepping, label reading, cooking from scratch, and staying active. For people who feel stuck in their own habits or overwhelmed by the idea of change, hearing about someone else's discipline or intentionality can stir up feelings of guilt or defensiveness. It’s not really about your lunch of grilled lamb and roasted cauliflower — it’s about what it represents.

And then there’s the deeper threat: that if Paleo principles actually make sense, it means the conventional wisdom they’ve trusted might be flawed. That’s a difficult realisation to grapple with, especially for those who’ve followed the guidelines to the letter and still struggle with their health.

Finding Connection Instead of Conflict

Rather than treating every reaction as a challenge to defend against, it can help to reframe them as moments of connection. Often, people ask questions because they’re genuinely curious — they’ve seen you looking healthier, stronger, or more energetic, and they want to know more. Even sarcastic comments usually come from a place of uncertainty or misunderstanding, not malice.

Over time, I’ve learned to tailor my responses. Some people are ready for a deep dive into nutrition science and ancestral health. Others just want to know if I ever eat cake. Either way, approaching conversations with empathy rather than exasperation goes a long way. No one ever changed their views because someone made them feel stupid.

When to Share — and When Not To

There’s a time and place for sharing your Paleo perspective. Not every BBQ or office lunch is the moment to unpack the problems with seed oils or the myth of whole grains. Sometimes, just living by example — looking well, feeling great, and not making a fuss — is the best advocacy there is.

That said, if someone is struggling with their own health and comes to you with questions, it’s an invitation to share. These are often the most rewarding conversations, where you can share not only what you eat, but why it matters and how it’s changed your life. For many of us, Paleo isn’t just about food — it’s about reclaiming our energy, mood, mobility, and self-confidence.

Making Paleo Your Normal

The more time you spend eating Paleo, the less it feels unusual — even when the people around you don’t get it. Over time, you’ll likely find new friends who share your outlook, favourite cafes that cater to your needs, and go-to meals that make staying on track effortless. What once felt radical or isolating begins to feel like second nature.

And here’s the irony: while you might still get the occasional eyebrow raise or snide remark, you’ll also be the one people turn to when they’re ready to make a change. Whether it’s because of weight gain, fatigue, or a health scare, many people eventually reach a point where they’re ready to question the status quo. When they do, you’ll be there — living proof that there’s another way.

Final Thoughts

Choosing to eat Paleo isn’t just about food — it’s about opting out of a broken system. It’s about trusting your body, honouring your ancestry, and building a lifestyle that supports long-term vitality. And while it may invite some awkward conversations or unsolicited opinions, it also invites transformation — for you, and potentially, for the people around you.

If you’ve experienced your own funny, frustrating, or inspiring conversations about Paleo, share them in the comments. Let’s keep normalising this way of living — one reaction at a time.

Secret Green Smoothie vitamin c paleo diet recipe primal juice juicing-min

My Vitamin C Secret Green Smoothie

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Not only is this delicious smoothie bursting with over 100% of your daily requirement of vitamin C – you’d never know it was hiding a bunch of greens in there too! When I made it, it came out a wonderful deep red, thanks to just a touch of beetroot and a dash of pomegranate juice. A great way to load up on greens without drinking something, well, green! This is very low sugar for a smoothie as well, as it’s a good balance between fruit and veg.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Vitamin C Secret Green Smoothie

A delicious and nutrient-packed smoothie that bursts with over 100% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. This deep red smoothie hides a bunch of greens, making it a great way to load up on veggies without drinking something green. It's also low in sugar, striking a perfect balance between fruit and veg.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Drinks

Keyword: Green Smoothie, Healthy Drink, low sugar smoothie, vitamin C smoothie

Servings: 2 Serves

Calories: 100kcal

Cost: $10

Equipment

High-powered blender

Ingredients

200 ml water
50 ml pomegranate or acai juice
1 large handful fresh spinach
1 handful fresh blueberries
½ cucumber peeled and chopped
½ orange peeled
½ raw beetroot peeled and chopped
Crushed ice for serving

Instructions

Blend the Ingredients: Whizz together all ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth.
Serve: Serve over a touch of crushed ice & enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the amount of pomegranate or acai juice based on your taste preference.
For added creaminess, consider adding a small piece of avocado.
This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Why This Smoothie Works So Well

One of the biggest challenges people face with smoothies is the sugar content. Many shop-bought options are loaded with fruit sugars and lack protein, fat, or fibre to balance them out. This Secret Green Smoothie stands out for its balance of nutrients. It’s designed to provide a substantial hit of vitamin C, with minimal sugar, and a powerful dose of greens – all while tasting great.

The Power of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, collagen production, and antioxidant protection. This smoothie includes ingredients like pomegranate juice and beetroot, both naturally rich in vitamin C and other polyphenols. Regularly consuming foods rich in this vitamin supports your skin, joints, and cardiovascular system. For those following a Paleo diet, getting nutrients from whole food sources is key – and this smoothie delivers just that.

Hiding Greens the Delicious Way

Getting more leafy greens into your diet doesn’t have to mean eating endless salads. In fact, this smoothie is a stealthy way to pack in greens like spinach or kale. Because of the beetroot and pomegranate, you won’t even notice the green colour – or the earthy taste. If you’re trying to get kids (or picky adults) to eat more greens, this is a great way to do it without the fuss.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Nutrition

Depending on your preferences and dietary needs, there are plenty of optional extras you can add to this smoothie without impacting the flavour:

Collagen peptides – great for skin, joints, and gut health
Chia seeds – for added fibre and omega-3s
Avocado – to boost healthy fat and make the smoothie creamier
Ginger or turmeric – anti-inflammatory and great for digestion
Lemon or lime juice – enhances the flavour and vitamin C even more

Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly

You can pre-portion your smoothie ingredients in freezer bags or containers to make your mornings easier. Just dump them into a blender with your chosen liquid (like coconut water or almond milk) and blend. The texture stays smooth, and the nutrient density is preserved.

Best Times to Enjoy This Smoothie

While it’s ideal first thing in the morning, this smoothie also makes a brilliant post-workout option. Its combination of nutrients helps replenish what you’ve lost while training and gives your cells a much-needed antioxidant boost. It’s also a perfect choice during flu season or any time your immune system needs extra support.

Making It Kid-Friendly

If you want to share this with younger family members, consider using a frozen banana or a few strawberries to make it a bit sweeter without relying on added sugars. A reusable smoothie pouch or fun straw can help get kids on board too!

What to Serve Alongside

Pair this smoothie with a boiled egg or some leftover roast chicken for a protein boost. You could also serve it with a few slices of avocado toast on a Paleo-friendly bread to make it a complete breakfast.

Tips for Getting the Smoothest Texture

Use a high-speed blender, and always blend the greens with your liquid first before adding the other ingredients. This helps break down any fibrous bits and creates a more pleasant texture. Adding the beetroot in small chunks also helps to avoid any grittiness.

Let’s Talk Colour

One of the reasons this smoothie is so appealing is its vibrant red hue. Colour plays a big role in how appetising we find food, and that’s part of why this smoothie works so well. It looks beautiful, tastes great, and still delivers a serious dose of nutrients.

Understanding Natural Vitamin C Sources

While oranges get all the fame, many other fruits and vegetables offer higher vitamin C content – without the sugar spike. Think of ingredients like kale, broccoli, capsicum, parsley, and even kiwi fruit. In this smoothie, we’re leaning on pomegranate, beetroot, and leafy greens to deliver a more stable, wholefood-based vitamin C hit. These sources are less likely to cause a blood sugar crash, making them ideal for anyone following a low-glycaemic or Paleo lifestyle.

Supporting Immunity the Paleo Way

The Paleo approach focuses on whole foods, seasonal eating, and nutrient density – all of which support a strong immune system. This smoothie aligns perfectly, offering immune-supporting compounds not just from vitamin C, but from plant polyphenols, natural nitrates (from beetroot), and anti-inflammatory compounds. For those prone to colds or fatigue, adding this smoothie into your morning routine can provide that extra layer of defence.

Blending vs Juicing: Why It Matters

Unlike juicing, which strips fibre from fruits and vegetables, blending keeps the whole food intact. This matters, especially in a Paleo context, where fibre plays a key role in digestive health, satiety, and gut microbiome balance. The leafy greens in this smoothie provide insoluble fibre, which helps to keep things moving, while the fruit and beetroot contribute soluble fibre for feeding beneficial bacteria.

Smart Smoothie Upgrades

Want to customise this base smoothie recipe for your specific health goals? Here are a few tailored ideas:

Energy boost: Add a teaspoon of maca powder or raw cacao for a natural lift
Gut health: Try adding a splash of coconut kefir or a spoonful of sauerkraut juice
Hormonal support: Add flaxseeds or sesame seeds, which are rich in lignans
Detox support: Add fresh coriander to help bind heavy metals

How to Batch Prep for the Week

To make weekday mornings stress-free, prep your smoothie ingredients in jars or ziplock bags and freeze them. Combine your greens, chopped beetroot, and fruit in each bag. In the morning, simply pour into your blender with your chosen liquid and blend until smooth. Not only does this save time, but it helps reduce waste and makes it far more likely that you’ll actually stick to your healthy breakfast habit.

Vitamin C Absorption: Best Practices

To get the most out of the vitamin C in your smoothie, pair it with ingredients that help absorption. Fat-soluble compounds, like the healthy fats found in avocado or chia seeds, aid in the uptake of certain antioxidants. Additionally, the iron in leafy greens is absorbed more efficiently when eaten alongside vitamin C – so this smoothie is doing double duty.

What Makes This Smoothie Paleo?

Unlike commercial smoothies, which often include yoghurt, added sugar, or processed juice concentrates, this recipe sticks to whole, unprocessed ingredients. No dairy, no grains, no additives – just nutrient-rich produce, blended to perfection. The natural sweetness comes from fruit and beetroot, not syrups or juices, aligning with the principles of ancestral nutrition.

Other Creative Ways to Use the Base

This smoothie isn’t just for drinking! Pour it into:

Popsicle moulds for a summer-friendly treat
Ice cube trays to use in future smoothies or mix into water for flavour
Chia pudding bases for a vibrant, fruity breakfast option

Stretch your ingredients further and reduce food waste by reimagining your smoothie in creative ways.

Boosting Your Child’s Nutrient Intake

Fussy eaters often miss out on vital nutrients – especially if they dislike vegetables. By presenting this smoothie in a fun cup or even adding a silly name like “Super Red Power Juice,” you’re more likely to get buy-in from kids. You might even involve them in the prep process, letting them choose a few ingredients to feel ownership of their healthy choice.

Seasonal Swaps to Keep Things Fresh

Depending on what's in season, try rotating your ingredients:

Swap beetroot for carrot or roasted pumpkin
Use raspberries or mango instead of pomegranate
Try cos lettuce or baby spinach when kale isn’t available

Eating seasonally is a big part of the Paleo lifestyle – and often far cheaper too, especially here in Australia where produce cycles can vary widely between states.

More Than Just a Smoothie

Think of this recipe not just as a drink, but as a simple, powerful tool in your health toolkit. It’s a low-effort, high-reward way to introduce variety, phytonutrients, and colour to your diet – without needing to cook. When mornings are rushed or your appetite is low, this smoothie can help you stay on track with your wellness goals.

Inspired to Try More?

If you love this smoothie, you might also enjoy experimenting with other vegetable-based blends. Think cucumber and mint, carrot and ginger, or even cauliflower and berry for a lower-carb option. The more vegetables you can sneak in without noticing, the more powerful your nutrition becomes – without sacrificing taste.

How do you sneak greens into your meals? Let me know in the comments – I'd love to hear your go-to tricks!

Final Thought

Don’t be afraid to experiment. The best thing about smoothies is how adaptable they are. You can swap the beetroot for carrot, use different greens, or even add herbs like mint or basil for a completely different profile. The core idea is to make vegetables delicious – and this recipe does exactly that.

YOUR Quick 20-Minute Paleo Dinner Ideas

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I recently asked the followers of the Paleo Network's Facebook page for their favourite quick paleo dinner meals and got some great replies (and only one “McDonalds” comment!) – here are 70 of them…

Steak & beef ideas

This was by far the most popular meat people use for a quick dinner, here are some of the responses:

Reheated beef stew that I make sure I have frozen
Steak and salad
Steak, eggs and broccoli.
Steak and salad
Steak and steamed veggies
Steak with a side order of steak
Sautéd kale & cherry tomatoes w garlic, onion & olive oil, sweet potato rosti & BBQ grilled steak – quick, easy & yummy
Steak and sweet potato
Grass fed beef broiled topped with egg. Sweet potato coins, Raw red onion slices on top of fresh spinach, grated carrots, sliced avocado with fresh lemon juice and thinly sliced elephant garlic. Yummy!
Bbq steak sliced placed on a large salad topped with a soft boiled egg and crumbled blue vein. Yummo!
Steak with Morton Bay bugs, Sweet Potato Mash and steamed beetroot and zucchini…..exactly what I'm having tonight!!
Steak or pork chop, pan fried with cumin seeds … then cabbage, kale spring onions and broccolini all sauteed in the pan juices…. super quick and absolutely delicious!
Steak on the BBQ on salad. That's what we are about to have.
Bison burgers with caramelized onions and grilled zucchini slices.
Steak and broccoli

Fish & Seafood

Another popular choice:

Salmon cooked on the sandwich press and steamed veg
Shrimp
Coconut salmon and green salad!
Tuna and salad
Steamed shrimp with broccoli/cauliflower!
Salmon with lemon, parsley and garlic, spinach and kale
Salmon and salad, bacon & eggs, ham & salad
Oven Grilled salmon or any other fish and greens or salad to go with it.
Baked Salmon vegies and dip
Half an avocado with fresh prawns
Grilled salmon with green veg
Salmon steak on a bed of English spinach with avocado and mango and drizzled with fresh lime….nom nom nom!!!!

Lamb Dinner

Lamb chops are so quick to cook, I thought a few more people would have suggested this:

Lamb chops, cauliflower rice and sweet potato mash
Lamb chops and sweet potato mash
Lamb tagine
Lamb chunks braised in onion garlic and ginger cooked with prunes
Sliced cold lamb roast with salt and fruit/veggie juice.

Chicken & Turkey

Lots of great ideas here too:

Chicken broccoli and kumara gets boring but fast and effective haha
Baked chicken with kumara all in one tray
Grilled chicken breast and sweet potato mash with steamed veggies.
Paleo turkey nuggets pan fried in coconut oil. Yum!
Baked chicken thighs with green beans & shallots sautéed in coconut oil.
Chicken breast meatballs with herbs, sundried tomatoes, onion, garlic and Parmesan served with walnut salad. Or poached chicken breast and steamed veggies.
Ground turkey, kale, Brussels Sprouts, bone broth fried over mashed parsnip
Chicken (scrambled eggs with onion, spinach, bacon)
Chicken Red curry on a bed of grated zucchini
Salad & coconut chicken
Salad and chicken Sandwich using lettuce instead of bread! Mmmm
Chicken thigh marinated in my garden herbs and a big salad
Spiced grilled chicken tenderloins on a mango, avocado, lettuce, tomato salad. With orange balsamic dressing… yummo…
Chicken breast, grape tomatoes and shallots. Cook in oil of choice in a pan and any spices you like on top of stove. Easy peasy.

Eggs

I use eggs a lot when I need to prepare something to eat in a hurry, as do you by the looks of it:

Eggs and almond butter
Bacon and eggs
spinach and mushrooms sautéed in ghee with soft boiled eggs= Heaven. It's the perfect meal.
Eggs and shrimp for my daughter, eggs and salami for my son… lol. Add chicken broth to it and stir, microwave if you are in a rush. Cook over a pan if you have more time. Quick and easy. You can also add in frozen/non-frozen veggies, herbs, etc. Apple slices, Clementine, other fruit on the side.
Squashed avocado with boiled eggs and steamed carrot and broccoli- all together it's DA BOMB
Eggs and anything or everything.
Eggs and sautéed sweet potatoes!
Omelette!!
Omelette filled with veggies, or meat and a big salad.
Onion, sweet potato, mushrooms, turkey bacon, all fried up with two whole and two egg whites cracked on top

And the rest

A few paleo versions of non-paleo favourites cropped up to:

Taco salad.
Paleo fajitas.
A salad with whatever meat I have cooked in the fridge.
Jamaican curry
Soup, salad, raw veggie tray, stir fry…
Cabbage and bacon
Fajitas and a great salad.
Meat & veg. Who knew?
A frittata loaded with veg, a chicken stir fry or Thai curry, grilled chicken and salad, or chicken thigh fillets marinated in coconut milk, ginger and chilli then grilled and served with steamed Chinese greens. So many quick, delicious, and stupidly easy meals to make!!
Paleo chilli con carne
Paleo bratwurst & sauerkraut
Leftover spaghetti squash with 3 over easy eggs…salt and pepper of course.
I make a stir fry….ANYTHING!! use eggs, meat, veggies, coconut aminos and spices…. The great thing about paleo….you can make dinner quickly and it is ALWAYS great!!! I keep my veggies cleaned…ready to cook or make salad. Always have a meat ready to cook…whether it is beef, chicken, fish or deer meat.
Whatever animal is unlucky and slow enough to be near my chompers

Why Quick Paleo Dinners Work So Well

One of the best things about eating Paleo is how fast real food can be. With no processed sauces, grains, or complicated prep, a nutrient-packed dinner can hit the plate in 20 minutes — sometimes even less. Whether it's steak and sweet potato, a chicken stir-fry, or a veggie-packed omelette, Paleo makes it easy to whip up meals that are both satisfying and simple.

In Australia, access to fresh meat and seasonal produce makes quick Paleo cooking even easier. With a bit of prep — like keeping your veggies chopped and your proteins ready to go — there’s no reason to rely on takeaway or processed food.

If you’re just starting out or short on time, don’t overthink it. Pair a protein with veg, add healthy fats like avocado or olive oil, and season generously. Done.

Got a go-to fast Paleo dinner that’s not listed above? Share it in the comments — let’s keep the inspiration (and the dinners) coming!

So over to you. Please share your answer in the comments below: “You've got 20 minutes to put dinner together – what's your favourite quick paleo meal to make?”

How Losing Weight Almost Killed Me

51 Comments

This post, on the surface, hasn't got much to do with the paleo diet. It’s also pretty self indulgent. I’m writing this post in the hope that people who relate to anything I’m about to write below, will get in touch. Perhaps we’ll be able to compare our stories – maybe someone will point out similarities we hadn't even considered?

Apologies – this is a long post, you might want to make a cup of tea first…

So, let’s go back. In early 2010 I lost weight, A lot of weight. About 20kg (44lb) in fact. I found out about paleo, completely transformed my diet, started walking/ running to work and developed a mild addiction to taking dance classes. Over the three months I lost the weight, I could almost see it falling off. Every day at work people would comment. But then as quickly as the weight loss began, it stopped. A huge plateau (I’ll be writing a lot more about this in future posts). I remained 17kg lighter, and didn't put any back on.

Around three months after my weight hit a plateau, I travelled back to the UK for the wedding of one of my oldest school friends (that makes her sound old, but you know what I mean). This is a long, long journey, that I’d made several times before. I had never been as slim and physically fit as I was then; I felt great and was itching to show my family and friends in England the new me.

The Flight

It’s a long old flight, is Sydney to London. I opted for the shortest time, a mere 26 hours, meaning I had just a couple of hours stopover in Singapore. I've always been cautious on flights, walking around lots, moving my feet and ankles constantly and wearing flight socks. I even special-ordered my flight meals, with the aim of keeping to my healthy paleo diet. I never drink alcohol on long haul flights, and even carried my own water bottle to make sure I kept hydrated. I must have been one of the most health-cautious passengers on the entire plane.

So I got to England, went to the wedding, saw my friends and family and generally had a great time. Due to the level of fitness I’d built up, I went out for a few runs during my trip. I had been diagnosed with asthma in 2005, but it had almost disappeared earlier that year, after adopting a paleo diet – or so I thought*. In England, on my last run, I really struggled to breathe. Really struggled. In this situation in the past using my inhaler wasn't an instant remedy, but it always made breathing a bit easier. This time however, it didn't even touch my breathing difficulties, which was quite scary. I put it down to the change in climate (that November in the UK was pretty cold and wet) and decided not to do any more runs until I got back to the Australian sunshine.

Towards the end of my trip I’d started to feel, what I assumed was, a really uncomfortable heartburn sensation. My “asthma” wasn't improving either. The pain got progressively worse – and I did think it odd that it didn't seem to make a difference whether or not I’d eaten. I chose to blame it on eating white potatoes for the first time in ages – see – proof that paleo is the right way to eat!

I left England, with what had become quite constant pain, and headed to Bangkok, Thailand. I had a few days planned to see the sights, before heading back home, to Sydney.

Bangkok

When I woke up on my first morning in Bangkok, I was in a lot of pain. I knew it was my lungs, and I kind of knew it was a “serious” pain. To breathe, I had to double over and take very shallow breaths. For some stupid reason, the night before I had thought it a great idea to unpack my suitcase so I could repack it neatly the following day. It took me most of the day to repack as the pain was so great, and the effort so exhausting. I had to sleep sitting upright, but as I needed to bend forward to breath – and was in pain, and scared – I didn't get any sleep.

I foolishly decided not to tell anyone, whether in Thailand or back home. I knew if I did, I’d have to go to a Thai hospital, and my panicked self thought that would not be a good thing**. So somehow, I and my suitcase, made it to the airport and through check in, despite being doubled up and probably quite obviously in pain. Very, very foolish, I know.

I got back home to Sydney, made it through what seemed like a never ending queue for immigration and went immediately to my doctor. After hearing I’d just got off a long haul flight, my doctor was very concerned and called the emergency department of the nearby hospital, to tell them I was coming. I declined her suggestion of an ambulance, and drove myself, feeling scared, but relieved it was all about to be sorted out and this horrific pain might actually stop.

I didn't meet any of the non-flying risk factors associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) as I was young, a non smoker, didn't have it in the family, hadn't had surgery and was not taking the contraceptive pill. So I was given an x-ray, which (of course) gave me the all clear. I was told it was probably muscular, and to go back to my doctors in a week if it hadn't improved. I knew it wasn't muscular – but these were the experts – the x-ray showed nothing – they had to be right?

At this point, the story goes off on a bit of a tangent, which I’ll include for completeness, but feel free to skip…

Anaphylaxis

Before being discharged, the nurse gave me some Nurofen to help with the “muscle pain”. I’d already told her I was allergic to drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen, but just to be safe, I asked her if that was definitely ok for me to take, since I was allergic to aspirin and ibuprofen. She went away and “checked” and came back to assure me it’s fine, take them. I knew Nurofen make ibruphen, but since it’s a brand name, I assumed they must make other drugs too and took the two white pills she gave me from the little plastic cup and off home I went.***

I got home and was heading to the shower when my face began to feel really odd and tight. It felt odder and odder by the second. I went back downstairs, where my housemate took one look at me and told me to get straight back in the car. I thought it odd that Kev kept looking at me and telling me it had almost gone, whilst at the same time driving fast and straight through several dodgy amber lights… most unusual behaviour.

As soon as I got back to Emergency, they took one look at me, realised I was having an anaphylactic shock and took me straight to the resuscitation area, despite the fact there was a huge queue – and I hadn’t even filled the registration form in. I then had seven doctors and nurses around me and was being given adrenaline in one arm, and antihistamine in the other – as well as wearing a mask giving me more adrenaline (and who knows what else). All I could see was a little corner of my hand, tight, swollen and covered in bright red hives. I could feel my face was tight and swollen. I really thought I was going to die****. After a while the anaphylaxis went away and I started to feel more relaxed (except for the shaking, which I think is a result of the adrenaline) – but then it came back again. Round two followed – more adrenaline, more doctors, more fear – before finally, it went away and stayed away. I spent the night in the emergency medical unit being monitored every 30 minutes or so. Everyone had completely forgotten about my chest pain, and I was still recovering from the adrenaline and shock.

Back to the main story….

The chest pain. I went back to work a couple of days after the anaphylactic incident and spent the week trying to carry on as normal, it was just muscle pain after all. I forced myself to go on walks at lunchtime, but it was excruciatingly painful. That Saturday morning, I went straight back to my doctor, who was horrified and convinced it wasn’t muscle pain. She sent me straight back to emergency, who this time did lots of other tests that they hadn’t even mentioned the previous week. A nurse scanned my legs, looking for a clot, but nothing was found. I had a couple of different scans. The first one, I think, was a CT scan. The VQ scan turned out to be the crucial one. For the VQ scan, you’re given a funny tasting radioactive gas to breath in, then your lungs are scanned. Next you’re given a radioactive injection in your arm, so the scan can match the first scan to the blood vessels in your lungs. I’m not remotely medical, so this is a very basic (and quite possibly inaccurate) explanation. In healthy lungs, the scans match. If they don’t match it indicates a clot. Lo and behold, there was a mismatch.

It turned out I had a Pulmonary Embolism (PE), at just 30 years of age without any of the major risk factors (well, except for flying). PE’s often happens after DVT, due to a clot leaving the legs and travelling to the lungs. It’s often hard to tell what caused it, unless a clot is found in the legs. Apparently the clot can break away from your lung and go to your heart, which would be fatal. And to think I was wondering around for ten days in ignorance trying to (as they say here in Australia) “man up”… I was admitted and immediately given Clexane (heparin) injections twice a day to thin my blood, until the Warfarin (also know at the anticoagulant Coumadin) drugs I was given took effect.

As much as I try to avoid drugs and anything artificial, in situations like this, I’m always thankful for science. Three days later I went home, but had to take the Warfarin for a further six months and go to the doctors every few days to have my INR levels checked. You have to really watch your Vitamin K intake when taking Warfarin, and can’t have certain foods, which wasn't exactly the situation I wanted to be in. The drug was originally developed as rat poison apparently, so I was keen to come off it as soon as I was out of risk.

Again?

About nine months after the first instance, I travelled to America for the Ancestral health Symposium in LA in August 2011. I was off Warfarin and completely clued up. These things don’t happen twice. I didn’t only have flight socks, I now had whole body skins. I spent most of the flight pacing up and down. I managed to use my Qantas points to upgrade one of my flights to business class. I gave myself Clexane injections, before during and after the flight. It was only half the distance of a trip to the UK. What could go wrong?

I remember having a pain in my calf when I got to San Francisco, but put that down to all of the hills and thought I’d probably pulled a muscle. I had a great trip, the symposium was amazing, all was well. On my return flight I felt great, really well and full of healthiness. All of a sudden, I felt very really ill, from completely out of the blue. I got up and walked to the bathroom. The next thing I remember is being in a really nice deep sleep and being abruptly woken up by two aircrew (who were also registered nurses – how good is Qantas!) It turns out I’d passed out on the way to the bathroom and had hit my head on the way down. They insisted on me breathing from an oxygen canister for the rest of the flight, and I felt fine. The next few days I didn't feel “quite right”, so went back to the specialist (who I’d been assigned nine months before) and had another VQ scan. It turned out I had a new, but very small, Pulmonary Embolism. Another one! How is that even possible?

I ended up taking Warfarin for another six months before getting the all clear again, and coming off the Warfarin. I had all of the genetic clotting tests, and nothing was found. My specialist said it seemed to be “just one of those things”. I don’t agree with “one of those things”. Even if it was the long haul flight, something else must be going on to make me more susceptible to this. I live on the other side of the World to my family, I can’t simply not travel ever again? I have taken a lot of long haul flights since this, and been completely fine. I don’t fly more than eight hours without at least a night’s stopover. I have also exhausted all of my Qantas points upgrading as many long haul flights as I can, to business class, so I can keep my legs in what seems to be a safer horizontal position.

So, this is how it was left, until a chance conversation with one of my friends in Sydney. Her fiancé is also on Warfarin, having had a PE too. He doesn't have the typical risk factors either. We then realised he and I had both lost a considerable amount of weight just prior to getting the PE. An interesting coincidence. I mentioned this to a doctor I saw recently, who realised she had seen the same in one of her patients too – a PE after a significant weight loss.

Do processes to do with circulation not adapt quickly to reduced body weight? Do people who have recently lost a lot of weight, still produce too much of certain chemicals? I wish I was a scientist…

I’m now seeing a functional doctor and am having a lot of tests (more on this soon), so I hope to find out if there is anything underlying going on.

Why am I posting this?

I want to hear from other people who’ve had out of the blue PE’s (or DVT) like this. If you or someone you know has had a Pulmonary Embolism, I’d love to hear more about what happened to you – and what you think caused it or made you more susceptible. Had you also lost weight soon before getting the PE? If you don’t want to leave a comment, please send me an email, I’d love to hear from you.

* Incidentally in another interesting discovery, my asthma completely disappeared, after the massive doses of adrenaline I was given. I’ve found a few studies (I’ll link to them here when I find them again) that use adrenaline in asthma treatment. Very interesting.

** And before you ask – yep, I had a very comprehensive travel insurance policy. I should have used it.

*** I now won’t even take paracetamol without reading the packet myself. I also wear a medic alert bracelet, to make sure this won’t happen again.

**** Perhaps the worst moment was when I asked one of the medical team this exact question and they wouldn't answer me. This still puzzles me, I'm sure they aren't allowed to say you’re going to be ok (for legal reasons?) but in that situation, I just want to be lied to and reassured that everything is going to be fine. Even if it isn't. Lie to me, please!

TL/DR: Went paleo, lost a lot of weight fast, got a Pulmonary Embolism; wondering if rapid weight loss makes people more susceptible to DVT & PE’s?

Slow Cooked Chicken Livers with Cayenne and Paprika paleo diet recipe offal organ meat nutrition primal

Slow Cooked Chicken Livers with Cayenne & Paprika

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After finally acting on my resolution to use more offal in my cooking, I went to the butcher and purchased some chicken livers (along with some other interesting-looking cuts, which I’m sure you’ll read about soon!). Initially, my first attempt was pretty unsuccessful; the meat turned out tough. Although the flavour was good, it felt like it hadn't quite reached its potential. Therefore, I decided that next time, I would cook them much more slowly to ensure they are ultra-tender and full of rich flavour. Consequently, I paired them with the smoky and pungent flavours of paprika and cayenne, which turned out to be a match made in heaven in these slow-cooked chicken livers.

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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooked Chicken Livers with Cayenne and Paprika

Slow Cooked Chicken Livers with Cayenne and Paprika is a delicious and nutritious dish, perfect for those looking to incorporate more offal into their diet. This recipe features tender chicken livers simmered in a smoky, spicy sauce, creating a rich and flavorful meal that's both paleo and satisfying.

Prep Time15

Cook Time2 10

Total Time2 25

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Paleo

Keyword: cayenne and paprika livers, chicken liver recipe, healthy offal recipe, paleo chicken livers, Slow cooked chicken livers

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 250kcal

Cost: $12