How to Get Cheap Vibrams

As I explained in my previous post, I love running barefoot, in VFFs.

My Vibrams

My Vibrams – I've got a pair of pink Treksports and black Classics. So far.

When I was in America for PrimalCon & the AHS this year, I was so shocked to see how cheap Vibrams were, compared to here in Australia.  I bought two pairs, the Treksport in pink from a big outdoors store in Texas and a pair of Classics in black from another store in San Francisco.  Each pair worked out at well under $100 AUD, including taxes.  Not only were they cheaper, but the stores stocked so many different models, colours and sizes.  I should have bought more.  It takes going overseas to realise how expensive things are in this part of the world.

The bigger sports shops in Sydney seem to carry just a few models, and you can forget about getting them in exciting colours.  The bigger Rebel Performance stores sell a small selection, for upwards of $169.99 AUD, which is a lot of extra money to pay, especially for a small selection.

cheap_vibrams_vffs

Vibrams can be expensive in Australia

I bought my first pair of Vibrams on Ebay last year.  I carefully researched the model and tried an equivalent pair on in the city, to make sure I ordered exactly the right size.  I still paid about $100, so not that much of a bargain.  They arrived and I was instantly disappointed with Vibrams in general.  The toes were all the same length – meaning only my big toe would fit properly.  The top of my other toes didn’t even reach the bottom of toe section!  I initially assumed this was just how they made them, perhaps I had freaky toes, as they weren’t all the same length?  On close inspection it became apparent that the box and literature in the box was quite odd too.  It was upside down and back to front.  I think I probably spent my hard earned cash on a pair of fake Vibrams.  So my word of warning is be really careful where you buy them from.  If you buy them online, be sure they are genuine!

Luckily I wasn’t put off and after meeting so many VFF owners at PrimalCon I soon realised how they were supposed to fit and behave.  I bought my next two pairs earlier this year.  The difference is incredible!  They are an amazing fit.  Wearing them feels as close to barefoot as I’m realistically likely to get in the city centre.

Prices generally do seem to be coming down in Australia.  I found a sale today at the Adventure Mega Store in Sydney CBD selling VFF’s starting at $99, which seems to be a great deal (but I'd love to find a better price in this country).  They had by far the largest range I’ve seen in Sydney.  I also saw an indoor yoga style for the first time (with 40% discount) which looked perfect for dancing, though I’d need to see how they would compare to my existing dance footwear.  I don’t have the “Sprint” model, and think this might be a good choice for my next pair, I’m very tempted.

cheap vibrams VFF

I found a good sale on Vibrams in Sydney today…

If your toes do happen to all be exactly the same length, I could do you a great deal on a second hand pair of VFF’s.  Unworn…

Have you found any good deals on Vibrams in Australia and New Zealand?  Have you found a great stockist with lots of choice?  Have you managed to get any “real” ones shipped here at a good price?  I’d love to hear your tips in the comments below.

Where to Find Vibrams in Australia (Without Paying a Fortune)

If you’re looking for affordable Vibram FiveFingers in Australia, there are a few places to keep an eye on. Outdoor retailers like Adventure Megastore occasionally run sales, and stores such as Wild Earth and Paddy Pallin sometimes carry discounted stock or discontinued models. It's worth signing up to their newsletters so you’re notified of flash sales.

Another option is to check overseas stores that ship to Australia. While postage and customs may add to the price, you can sometimes still get a better deal—especially if the Australian dollar is strong. Just make sure to buy from authorised retailers to avoid fakes.

Vibram shoes are growing in popularity in the barefoot and Paleo communities, and more Australian stockists are beginning to carry them. Whether you're after a pair for running, hiking, yoga or everyday use, doing a bit of research and price-checking can save you a significant amount.

Let me know in the comments if you've found a local bargain or discovered a stockist with a wide range of VFFs — let's help fellow barefoot fans find the best deals!

How to get cheap vibrams vff five fingers barefoot shoes running sydney australia-min

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, it’s NLPaleo Boy…

Author:  Kevin Bees (whole 30 sceptic-turned convert)

OK, a Marathon run (42.2km / 26.1m) is not very ‘Paleo’.  But, let’s play for a while to find out how ‘Paleo’ eating could impact a distance runner and ask the question:

What would happen if you mixed the Paleo diet, 28 degree heat, with a Whole 30 sceptic-turned-convert into the Sydney Marathon?

I did just that… and the results are in, and have been counted and verified… and you want to hear this, especially if you are non-Paleo runner (or any non-Paleo athlete for that matter).

NLP paleo boy running marathon primal diet-min

Pre-run preparation:

  • Training– my training was actually not exemplary.
    • Between 21 May and 14 August I did not run.
    • Between 14 August and the 18 September Marathon, I squeezed in six runs only.
    • In this time, and before I started the Paleo diet, I had to drop out of a training run at 22km due to lack of energy.
    • Two weeks later and fuelled by the Whole 30 Paleo diet (and some simple and powerful NLP techniques), I accidentally ran a whole marathon when aiming at 30km.  (I don’t run with a watch or Satellite Navigation, and I have never made that mistake before – since my reducing energy would prompt me to stop… which in this instance it didn't!) 
  • Fuel – Whole 30 Paleo for the four weeks prior to the Marathon.  Therefore pre-race pasta feast – gone.  This was substituted for the much tastier and enjoyable Chicken, Sweet potato and pumpkin… which I incidentally had for breakfast too the next day.  (My only Paleo cheat in this process is GU gels whilst running).

The BIG day:

Arriving at the race with a face full of banana, I meet my Non-Paleo running partner.

I thought it would be a good idea to join this running partner since she is younger, fitter and well trained. Her personal best is 3H 44Min and mine is 3H 47Min – so, hopefully some inspiration to knock a few minutes off of my best time. (Plus she has a very nice bottom, so it would be a pleasure to run a few steps off of her pace!)

The Start

Bang… the gun goes and we push across the start line to the tune EVERYDAY I'M SHUFFLING (and my slightly amended lyrics):

Paleo-Grok is in the house tonight,

Everybody just run a good-time

So fit you gonna keep your mind

Everybody just run a good time.

And we’re off.  For the first 10km we settle into a comfortable pace.  Only, I am noticing that I am going a little faster than my pace setting friend… and she is getting to check out my butt instead.  Lucky girl.

At this point, I have no idea if I am faster or slower than hoped (still no watch), but I just keep running at the pace that feels comfortable.  Only another 2km and I fully settle into my faster stride and my friend and I run our own races.

It wasn't until the finish line at 42km that I actually realised what had happened.  I thought my friend was having an off day and going slower than we expected, but in actual fact, I was faster than I could have even dreamed.

I smashed my personal best by 13 minutes.

In the heat.

With very poor training.

That’s 13 minutes off of my personal best.

‘Chuffed’ doesn't quite cover it – especially when I understand the story of the post run statistics:

  1. Energy consistency
    1. My 1st, 2nd & 3rd 10km were all 50 minutes (give or take a few seconds).  Over this distance you would expect a degradation of performance… impressive since I had no pacemaker… just my own feeling of energy.
    2. My 4th set of 10km was also very close to the 50 minute mark and probably would have been equally consistent except for the two convenience stops.

 

  1. Comparative performance improvement

My rank Vs other runners in the race at each set of 10km went:

  1. 1,027
  2. 596
  3. 383
  4. 369

And the last 2.2km – arguably the hardest:

  1. 57

Put another way – in the hardest 2.2km, I was in the top 1.5% of all marathoners.

Do you think I might have got higher if I didn't stop and pose for these too??

The Paleo diet delivered me consistent energy to make this achievement a reality and left me with enough juice in the tank to finish very strong.

FINISHING STRONG

Watch my finish video here, I'm the fast one!

The best part about this is that I know there is more to come.

30 days of Paleo, poor training, and I smash a personal best.

What if I combine this new fuel source with a training program that is greater than six runs!?

With a Paleo diet, you too can see, hear and feel your goals coming to you faster too, can you not?

Give it a go… NLPaleo Boy say so!

Paleo Sausages

I've found an amazing organic butcher, really close to where I live.  I've used them for almost all of my meat for a while.  I was there earlier this week buying some bacon (the best bacon I've had in Australia, actually) and pork, when I mentioned what a shame it is that all of their sausages contain flour (though they only use rice flour, which is obviously a lot better than many alternatives out there).  He asked me if I wanted some special grain free Paleo Sausages made up for me!  I had no idea they would do this.

I could choose whatever I wanted to go with the organic beef, but he suggested capsicum (bell pepper), shallots and salt – I thought that would be a great combination for my first batch.  Even more exciting the castings for all of their sausages are made the proper way – from intestines, instead of synthetic castings, which can be made of all sorts of materials like  collagen, cellulose, or even plastic.  I certainly don't fancy eating any of those!

I picked up my order today, which worked out at about 30 sausages for the 2kg batch.

Paleo sausages and eggs-min

I've just had my first taste – and they were fantastic!

This is the ingredients for one of the better ranges of supermarket sausages: –

Ingredients: Beef (76%), Water, Potato Starch, Sea Salt, Dehydrated Vegatables (Onion & Garlic), Dextrose (Tapioca or Maize), Mineral Salt (451), Sugar (Cane Sugar), Preservative (223), Spices, Herbs, Natural Colour (160c), Natural Flavour, Yeast Extract, Herb Extract

And this is the ingredients for my Paleo sausages: –

Ingredients: Organic Beef, Capsicum, Shallots, Salt

There's no comparison is there?

Why Your Butcher Could Be Your Best Paleo Ally

Finding a trusted local butcher who understands and supports your Paleo lifestyle is a game changer. Not only are you more likely to get access to high-quality, ethically sourced meat, but you also open the door to tailored cuts and custom options you’ll never find in a supermarket. Most butchers are far more flexible than we give them credit for. Once they understand your dietary needs – like avoiding grains, sugars, and preservatives – many are happy to create Paleo-friendly options for regular customers.

If you’ve got a local butcher, start by building a relationship. Ask questions about their sourcing practices, whether their animals are grass fed, and how their products are made. You might be surprised at what they’ll offer once they realise you’re a serious, loyal customer. The sausage example is just the beginning – some butchers will even prepare organ meat blends, custom mince combinations, or preservative-free broths if you ask.

Benefits of Custom Paleo Sausages

Standard commercial sausages, even the “premium” ones, often include fillers, preservatives, stabilisers, sweeteners and seed oils – none of which belong in a clean Paleo lifestyle. By getting your sausages made to order, you know exactly what’s going in them and can tailor the flavour profile to suit your preferences or seasonal availability. More importantly, you avoid the long list of unwanted ingredients often found in store-bought varieties.

Some key advantages of butcher-made Paleo sausages include:

  • Complete control of ingredients – No gluten, rice, potato starch or chemical preservatives.
  • Better fat-to-protein ratio – Ideal if you follow a higher-fat version of Paleo.
  • Nutrient density – Add in organ meats or fresh herbs for an even bigger nutritional punch.
  • Digestive support – Natural casings are easier to digest than synthetic alternatives and are more aligned with ancestral eating.

Flavour Ideas for Your Next Batch

Now that you know your butcher is open to creating custom Paleo sausages, it’s time to get creative. Here are a few flavour combinations that work beautifully with organic beef, pork, or even lamb as the base:

  • Beef + Fresh Coriander + Garlic + Chilli Flakes – Perfect for lovers of heat with a Mexican-inspired twist.
  • Lamb + Rosemary + Garlic + Lemon Zest – Bright and aromatic, this is great served with roast veg or salad.
  • Pork + Apple + Sage + Sea Salt – Naturally sweet and savoury without added sugars or syrups.
  • Beef + Thyme + Caramelised Onion + Cracked Pepper – A more traditional profile with rich, earthy tones.
  • Pork + Fennel Seed + Garlic + Paprika – Reminiscent of Italian sausages but made clean and Paleo-compliant.

Don’t forget that you can ask for a mix of meats too – lamb and beef together make for a rich, satisfying combo, especially when balanced with bright herbs or citrus zest.

Freezing and Storing Your Paleo Sausages

Making or buying Paleo sausages in bulk is a smart move, particularly if your butcher only makes custom batches occasionally. Once you’ve received your sausages, freeze them in meal-sized portions to make future cooking easier. Use baking paper to separate layers and freeze flat to save space. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, retaining both flavour and texture when defrosted properly.

For quick dinners, consider pre-cooking some of the sausages and storing them in the fridge for 3–4 days. You can reheat them in a pan or crumble them into a frittata, stir-fry, or salad. They also make a brilliant breakfast addition when paired with eggs and sautéed greens.

Cooking Tips for Homemade Sausages

Because these sausages lack fillers and artificial binders, they’re slightly more delicate than commercial varieties. Cook them gently over medium heat to avoid drying them out or causing them to split. A few tips for the best result:

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan – give them room to brown properly.
  • Use a cast iron pan or grill for a crispy finish.
  • If barbecuing, pre-cook them slightly in a pan or oven to avoid drying out the casing.
  • Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.

Serving Suggestions

Paleo sausages are incredibly versatile and work in almost every meal of the day. Try them:

  • Chopped into a warm salad with roasted pumpkin, rocket, and balsamic dressing.
  • Alongside mashed sweet potato and steamed broccoli for a classic plate.
  • In a breakfast hash with zucchini, kale, and eggs.
  • As sausage meat crumbled into a Paleo Bolognese sauce or frittata.
  • Grilled and served on a lettuce wrap with avocado and sauerkraut.

Make Your Own Sausages at Home

If you’re feeling adventurous or your butcher isn’t open to custom batches, you can always make your own. All you need is quality minced meat, your choice of vegetables and herbs, and some natural sausage casings (available from most butchers or specialty stores). A sausage stuffer attachment for your mixer or a manual sausage press can help streamline the process. Homemade sausages are a brilliant weekend cooking project – and you’ll always have control over the ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Switching to Paleo sausages – whether custom ordered or homemade – is a simple but powerful upgrade to your meals. With just a few quality ingredients and a little planning, you’ll enjoy tastier, healthier, and more satisfying meals that fully support your lifestyle. Once you taste the difference, you won’t want to go back. If you’ve got a favourite Paleo sausage flavour or tips for making your own, I’d love to hear in the comments below.

Have you made your own Paleo sausages, or had them made?  I'd love to hear your suggestions of ingredients for my second batch!

The Problem With Shoes

I used to wear heels every day, and bigger heels at weekends.  When I wasn't in heels I’d be wearing my supportive, shock absorbing, high-tech trainers.  After a lot of running I ended up with shin splints, apparently cause by incorrect over pronation.  My physio had some impressive equipment & software which took measurements of my running and feet, to create a pair of orthotics to put in my shoes.  These forced my feet into the correct pronation.

Since I've been leading a Primal lifestyle, I became very interested in barefoot running.

The problem with shoes barefoot running vff vibrams paleo feet walking running-min

At PrimalCon earlier this year I was fortunate enough to have a lesson with Barefoot Ted, which was an amazing experience.  I'd never given much thought to running style before, so it was very eye opening.  When you try to heel strike with bare feet it is not easy to do – yet when you wear trainers with lots of cushioning, it's easy – and lots of runners do heel strike.  Running in shoes constricts the natural movement that your feet would otherwise take.  Our ancestors had to hunt for their food and walk and run considerably more than then average office worker today.  So it makes no sense that we now need to wear expensive high-tech shoes, in order to be able to run safely.

I now wear very soft soled ballet style shoes every day, and of course vibrams as often as I can the rest of the time.  Since doing this I've noticed that my footprint has changed – indicating that I have managed to improve my pronation.  I've had no leg or feet related injuries – despite now walking (with the occasional sprint) my daily 5km commute to and from work.

Vibrams are  great practical way to go barefoot around the city.  Tomorrow I'll share my tips about buying a reasonably priced pair in Australia.

The Science Behind Barefoot Benefits

Modern podiatry often encourages structured, supportive footwear. But the more we learn about biomechanics, the more it seems that less is often more when it comes to foot health. The human foot contains 26 bones, over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, and is designed to move dynamically. Thick-soled trainers and structured shoes can inhibit this movement and weaken the muscles that help stabilise the foot.

By contrast, barefoot walking or wearing minimalist shoes allows your feet to flex, splay and respond to the ground naturally — just as they were intended to. This increases proprioception (your body’s sense of spatial awareness), strengthens foot muscles and encourages a more efficient walking and running pattern.

Transitioning to Barefoot Living Safely

While the benefits are compelling, it’s important to make the switch gradually. Most of us have spent years or decades in padded, restrictive footwear. Going barefoot full-time without preparation can place unfamiliar stress on muscles and tendons.

If you're starting out, follow these tips to transition safely:

  • Start indoors: Spend time barefoot at home before tackling outdoor terrain.
  • Begin with short walks: Try a barefoot walk on soft grass or sand before increasing distance or frequency.
  • Stretch and strengthen: Incorporate exercises like toe splaying, calf raises and towel scrunches to support your transition.
  • Listen to your body: Soreness is normal; sharp pain is not. Allow recovery time between barefoot sessions.

Common Foot Issues That Improve With Minimalist Shoes

Many people report significant improvements in foot health after switching to barefoot or minimalist shoes. Some of the most common conditions that benefit include:

  • Plantar fasciitis: Weak arch muscles often contribute to this condition. Strengthening the feet through barefoot walking can help reduce pain over time.
  • Bunions and hammertoes: These often stem from narrow, pointy shoes. Wide, natural-toe-box footwear can allow toes to return to their natural alignment.
  • Flat feet: Rather than relying on artificial arch support, training the intrinsic foot muscles can help restore the arch naturally.

Of course, individual results vary, and anyone with severe foot issues should consult a knowledgeable physiotherapist or sports podiatrist familiar with natural foot function.

Why Modern Shoes Might Be Making Things Worse

Traditional footwear often features raised heels, arch supports, toe spring, and cushioning that alters our natural gait. While these features may feel comfortable initially, they can compromise posture, create muscular imbalances, and lead to chronic injuries over time.

Heeled shoes, for instance, shift the body's centre of gravity forward, forcing the spine and hips to compensate — often resulting in back pain. Thick soles dull the sensory feedback from the ground, leading to inefficient movement and overstriding.

By stripping away these artificial features, barefoot shoes promote a more grounded, balanced way of moving — one that's aligned with how we evolved to walk and run.

Choosing the Right Minimalist Footwear

There are more barefoot and minimalist shoe options available now than ever before. While Vibrams remain iconic, many brands now offer more subtle or office-appropriate styles for everyday wear.

Key features to look for in barefoot-friendly footwear include:

  • Zero drop: No elevation between the heel and toe, which helps maintain natural posture.
  • Wide toe box: Allows the toes to splay and grip as they would naturally.
  • Thin, flexible sole: Encourages ground feel and responsiveness.
  • No arch support: Encourages the foot to work harder and grow stronger over time.

Brands like Vivobarefoot, Wildling Shoes, and Xero Shoes offer a wide variety of options to suit both urban and trail environments.

Incorporating Barefoot Time Into a Modern Life

While going completely barefoot in all environments may not be realistic, it’s easy to include more barefoot time into your routine. Here are some ideas:

  • Go barefoot at home as much as possible
  • Do your morning stretch or yoga routine with bare feet
  • Try short barefoot walks on safe natural surfaces like grass, sand or forest trails
  • Switch to minimalist footwear when commuting or on casual days

Over time, you may notice stronger feet, better balance, and fewer lower limb issues — all without expensive interventions or gadgets.

My Personal Experience With Barefoot Walking

One of the most surprising things I noticed was how much my gait changed. Instead of striking hard with my heels, I now land midfoot, with a softer, more fluid motion. My stride shortened slightly but became more efficient. I feel more connected to the ground, more stable, and more energised after walks.

Equally remarkable was how my posture improved. Without the artificial lift of heels or supportive soles, my hips naturally adjusted, and my shoulders felt more aligned. Walking 5km each way to work now feels less like a chore and more like a daily grounding ritual.

What the Research Says

Recent studies have begun to back up what many barefoot enthusiasts have long claimed. A 2016 study published in *Nature* found that barefoot populations had significantly lower incidences of flat feet, bunions, and other structural issues. Another study in the *Journal of Foot and Ankle Research* confirmed that minimalist footwear increased foot muscle strength and balance in adults over a 12-week period.

While more long-term studies are needed, the evidence is mounting in favour of a return to simpler footwear — or none at all.

Final Thoughts: Reclaiming Natural Movement

Adopting a barefoot or minimalist approach isn’t about throwing out all your shoes or running a marathon barefoot tomorrow. It’s about reconnecting with the way your body was designed to move and gradually undoing the damage caused by years of unnatural footwear.

Start slowly, be mindful of how your feet feel, and stay consistent. You might just find that walking — something you’ve done your whole life — becomes more enjoyable, empowering, and energising than ever before.

And if you’ve never tried Vibrams or similar footwear, there’s no better time to explore. Your feet might thank you for it.

What Happens When a Skeptic Goes Paleo for 30 Days?

Article Mission:  Trial whole 30 and discuss your experience.

Article Author:  Suz's housemate (Kevin Bees).

Male, 31, and a ‘Whole 30’ / Paleo sceptic for the following reasons:

  • No carbs?  Are you crazy?  I have lived my whole life on carbs – I am always healthy (I refuse to do ‘sick’) and amongst a hectic work life, I find all the energy I need to rock climb, play football (soccer) and run challenging marathons.  I have a marathon to run in week 3 of starting this trial… and a marathon without carbs to burn concerns me greatly.
  • Weight loss – many people find Paleo is fantastic to assist with weight loss.  I am already slight – I do not want to lose weight.
  • What?  Tea without milk??  You are having a laugh!
  • No chocolate for 30 days???  Shudder the thought.

That all sounds a bit hard.  So, why even bother with the whole30 trial at all?

What Happens When a sceptic Goes Paleo for 30 Days-min

Entrée

1.       Support my housemate and best friend Suz in her weight loss and lifestyle improvement goal.  If I was so passionate about something like this, I would want the person I shared a refrigerator and mealtimes with to be on board.

2.       Understand if the claims of additional energy are true.  (Who wants to feel sleepy after lunch when they have work to do!?)

3.       Cancer.   Understand more about what we put into our bodies in the SAD diet.  Has this been the cause of cancer in two of my friends?  Could leading a Paleo lifestyle reduce the risks of this?

These reasons alone were enough to get me started, and to tuck into the Main Course of 30 days trial, but did I like what I found as the main course was delivered?

Main Course

Like all good dishes, there are a range of ingredients that have made up my experience over the 30 days and we experience those dishes with all our senses…

What did I See over the 30 days?

Trying on the new lifestyle for 30 days was like putting on a new pair of glasses.  At first things didn't quite focus and before long, my eyes adjusted and I started seeing things I hadn’t before:

  • Nasty ingredients.  What actually are these chemicals I have been putting into my body? It’s the only body I’ll ever own and I like to think of my body as a Ferrari.  And if it was a Ferrari, fueling it with chemical waste rather than top grade petrol would cause a break down, right?  (OK, ok, I am probably more of a mini cooper than a Ferrari – but you get the gist, right?)  The realisation that even MILK might not be as good for me as I previously thought is shocking news to me.  How can I have gone 31 years without this knowledge?
  • More variety in my food.   Usually a ‘diet’ restricts choice.  I have found the opposite here.  My new lenses have actually allowed me to see things on the menu that I would have previously filtered out.  And, at home, rather than cooking up the same old, I have found new recipes that taste so great.  The coconut crusted chicken on a bed of curry flavoured veg was a treat.  Yummy.  And NoOatmeal beats milk saturated cornflakes hands down.
  • My abs.  Welcome back – it’s great to see you again!  I thought my good friends deserted me half a lifetime ago when I stopped doing sit ups at age 16.  Now my tort buddies are back in town, I want them to hang out for longer, so I’ll be doing all I can to keep them happy.
  • The sun rising.  My sleep pattern means I mostly awake naturally before the alarm clock.  A much more natural and enjoyable way to live.
  • The Bathroom and not in a good way.  I saw too much of this place in the first two weeks.  As my body adjusted to the new fuel routine… it decided it would have a bit of a clear out.  Everything is back to normal now though.  Thanks for your concern.

What did I feel over the 30 day?

Ignoring the blip just mentioned… actually very good… especially when doing exercise.

Rock Climbing –  I have felt stronger and been able to last longer on tougher walls, much to the dismay of my competitive climbing partner.

Running – endurance and recovery has meant that I could do more training in a shorter space of time.  In fact, I went out for a 30KM training run… and I felt so good I kept going and I accidentally ran 42km. (A big bonus since I had to give up at 22km two weeks earlier when I was on non Paleo fuel source).

I feel confident for the Marathon coming up now, which I was not at the start of the 30 days.

More importantly, there were some things I didn't feel over the 30 days:

1.       Carb-flu.  Is this a myth?  As a carb-junkie and cutting out most carbs (something I term ‘going carb-turkey’), I should have suffered this, right?  Something I clearly sidestepped by refusing to believe it was true.

2.       Insulin Spike.  So many times before, I became sleepy after lunch, due to the insulin spike caused when my body was digesting the carbs I had eaten.  I have not felt this in the whole 30 days.  Imagine my productivity improvement.

What did I hear over the 30 days?

I listened to an aunt trying to ‘treat’ the nephews or nieces … she offers them crisps or fizzy pop.

Previously I would heard the aunty being kind to her little loved ones, although, what I heard was – ‘anyone for a dose of chemicals that your body is not designed to handle?’  Chemicals of course that will build in faults to their Ferrari before it even leaves the assembly line?

What did I smell?

The winds of change, maybe??  Let’s have a dessert and find out.

 30 Day summary – The dessert

So, it’s been an interesting entrée and main course… will I continue to a Paleo Dessert now the 30 days are up?  Or tuck into the chocolate I have been so missing – and wash it down with a warm cup of milky tea?  And I have missed chocolate badly.  (It has been a daily habit forever).

Even still, that choice is too easy.

The sceptic has been converted and as I type these last words, I am tucking into some home-made Paleo ice cream (made with coconut milk and plenty of fruity goodness).  Thanks SUZ!

Rather than asking myself now if I will continue with Paleo, I am actually asking why would I ever go back to the SAD lifestyle?

Seriously, why would I give up the improved productivity, improved sleep pattern, increased strength and stamina?  Oh, and the Abs.  Don’t forget the abs.

It’s been a life changing 30 days for me.    And I wonder where another 30 days will take me?

And what will a 30 day trial do for you, I wonder?

Is a 30-Day Paleo Trial Worth It?

Whether you’re a full-blown sceptic or just Paleo-curious, doing a 30-day trial like Whole30 can be eye-opening. It’s not about perfection — it’s about paying attention to how your body feels when you stop fuelling it with sugar, grains, and processed foods and instead load up on clean protein, vegetables, good fats, and real food.

For many people in Australia and around the world, this kind of short-term experiment becomes a long-term lifestyle shift. Increased energy, better sleep, sharper focus, and even visible body changes are just a few of the benefits that come up again and again — even among those who started out completely unconvinced.

If you’ve been thinking about trying Paleo or a Whole30-style reset, what’s stopping you? You might be surprised by how much better you feel when you give your body what it really needs — and ditch what it doesn’t.

Have you tried a Paleo challenge like this? Share your experience (or your hesitations!) in the comments below. Let’s help more people discover just how much 30 days can change.

The Magic Pill

So many people seem to blame being overweight on a factor outside of their control.  It's in their genes, it's hormonal, it's their metabolism.  It can't be their diet, they eat wholemeal bread with margarine, cereal with skimmed milk and a low fat meals every day!

Articles like this one in the Daily Mail (my guilty pleasure) further fuel this lack of responsibility.

The article explains how it might not, in fact, be your fault that you are fat.  What a relief!

The magic pill paleo network instant quick fix solution diet-min

Apparently you might really be fat because you have a slow metabolism – which is made even worse by strict dieting.

Or, you might really be fat as a side effect from your medication.  Diabetes medication is listed as one potential drug with a side effect of weight gain.  But surely people commonly put weight on – and are then diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?  Anti-depressants are another drug, they tell us, that can have a side effect of weight gain.  But given the links with depression & inflammation – and diet, isn't this the wrong way round too?

The wrong type of exercise is another reason it is just not working for you, apparently. If only you'd swapped from crossfit to zumba!

“Painful Fat Syndrome” could also be your real problem.  The mind boggles…

Thyroid problems, hormone issues, polycystic ovary syndrome are other potential causes.

Or it could be genetic – or failing that, it might be your friends fault.  Seriously.

Food intolerance does get a mention, but eliminate wheat, milk or eggs and you should be fine.

Must be a coincidence how people who change to eating Paleo have more energy, lose weight, overcome depression & diabetes and stop chronic cardio?

Nope, it's nothing to do with nutrition & lifestyle.  Take a magic pill and carry on as you were.

Reclaiming Responsibility: Why the Nutrition Narrative Needs to Change

It’s easy to understand the appeal of externalising blame when it comes to health and weight struggles. Modern life is stressful, food is hyper-palatable and engineered for overconsumption, and movement has become optional. But when we accept the idea that our weight is purely out of our hands — whether due to genes, hormones, or unlucky circumstance — we hand over our power along with it.

The truth is, while some factors like genetics or health conditions can influence the rate or difficulty of weight loss, they rarely make change impossible. What matters more is consistent, intentional daily action — and diet is often the foundation.

The Issue With the “Not Your Fault” Mentality

Articles that downplay the role of nutrition and personal responsibility might feel comforting in the short term. But ultimately, they’re disempowering. They subtly imply that no matter what you do, your body is destined to be unwell or overweight — so why try?

Of course, there’s nothing empowering about guilt or shame either. But recognising that we have a choice in what we eat, how we move, and how we care for ourselves is not the same as blaming ourselves. It’s about ownership. Once you accept that your daily habits matter, you can take steps to improve them — and that’s where true health begins.

When Medication and Medical Conditions Are Real

That said, it would be unfair to pretend that medication and health conditions don’t sometimes affect weight. Thyroid dysfunction, PCOS, and insulin resistance can make weight loss slower and more complex. Certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and even beta-blockers have been linked to weight gain.

But here's the nuance: these aren’t immovable obstacles — they’re factors to work with. A real food diet rich in protein, healthy fats and fibrous vegetables can support hormone regulation and insulin sensitivity. Movement tailored to your current capacity can help restore energy balance without triggering more stress. And for many people, reducing processed foods and inflammatory oils can dramatically shift how their body feels and functions — regardless of medication use.

Can You Really Blame Your Genes?

Genetics may predispose you to store fat more easily or respond differently to macronutrients — but they do not dictate your destiny. The field of epigenetics shows that gene expression can be influenced by environment, stress, sleep and diet. This means that even with a family history of obesity or metabolic disease, your daily actions still matter enormously.

A Paleo approach aligns well with this idea. It prioritises whole, unprocessed foods that reduce the risk of insulin spikes, support gut health, and lower systemic inflammation — all crucial in turning “bad genes” down and optimal health up.

Why Nutrition Should Be the First Port of Call

Despite what some headlines suggest, diet remains one of the most powerful levers you can pull for health. A diet based on real, nutrient-dense foods is not a trend — it’s how humans have eaten for most of history. When people strip out grains, sugars, and industrial seed oils in favour of meat, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and healthy fats, the results speak for themselves.

Weight begins to normalise. Energy increases. Sleep improves. Blood markers move in the right direction. These are not placebo effects — they’re the body’s natural response to finally receiving what it needs and shedding what it doesn’t.

Mindset Over Magic Pills

The promise of a “magic pill” — a single supplement or medication that fixes everything while you carry on with poor eating habits — is one of the biggest false hopes sold in modern wellness culture. Even when pills assist, they’re rarely the full solution.

What really works is a shift in mindset. When you see food as fuel and medicine, you naturally gravitate toward what supports your energy and clarity. When you honour movement as something that builds resilience, rather than punishes the body, you show up more consistently. When you connect to your reasons for change — whether that’s being present for your children or waking up without pain — the motivation becomes internal, not imposed.

Food Intolerances: More Than a Trend

The brief mention of food intolerances in mainstream media often doesn’t do the topic justice. While some people do have identifiable intolerances to gluten, dairy or eggs, others may simply be reacting to an overload of processed, unnatural foods that overwhelm their digestion and immune system.

Through an elimination-style approach, such as Paleo or autoimmune Paleo (AIP), many individuals discover what foods truly make them feel best — often finding that symptoms like bloating, skin issues, fatigue and joint pain resolve without needing a formal diagnosis.

The Inconvenient Truth: There Is No Shortcut

Most people know deep down that transformation takes time and effort. But the wellness industry often profits from selling quick fixes and false promises. There’s a massive market for diet pills, detox teas, fat-burning devices and metabolism-boosting powders — all designed to make you believe you can have change without effort.

But the truth is simpler and much less marketable: eat real food, move often, sleep well, and manage stress. Not flashy, not immediate — but absolutely effective.

Empowerment Through Simplicity

The good news is that taking control of your health doesn’t have to mean complicated macros, extreme workouts or expensive meal plans. A back-to-basics approach can be transformative. Swap sugary snacks for boiled eggs or avocado. Replace your morning cereal with a veggie-packed omelette. Start your day with a walk and end it with a stretch. Little changes, done consistently, lead to big results.

And when you approach it from a place of self-respect rather than punishment, it becomes something you want to do — not something you have to do.

Final Thought: Choose Ownership Over Excuses

It's tempting to believe that our health challenges are someone else's fault — genetics, the pharmaceutical industry, the media, even our friends. But there’s a quiet power in choosing ownership. When you stop waiting for someone else to fix you and instead decide to show up for yourself, everything shifts.

No, it’s not always easy. But it’s possible. And often, it starts with the simplest step — putting down the margarine-laced toast and picking up a forkful of real, nourishing food.

The magic pill isn’t magic. It’s you.

My Paleo Inspired Book Shelf

I love reading, in fact, reading is how I found out about Paleo almost two years ago.  I’ve now amassed quite a big collection of Paleo Books.  And my Amazon wishlist is just as long again!  I learn so much on blogs and podcasts – but there is something about having a book in your hands that can't be beaten.

My paleo inspired bookshelf

So, these are the books in my collection : –

  1. The Calcium Factor, Barefoot & Reich.  I'm really want to learn more about calcium, but find this book a bit heavy going – I will get through it though!
  2. Nourishing Traditions, Fallon.  This is a wonderful book, although she uses fermented grains most of the nutritional elements are sound.
  3. Dietary Healing, Alexander.  An interesting read that sums up by telling us to eat wholegrains and legumes.  Well, I do like to read lots of different opinions.  Even if they are wrong.
  4. The Complete Book of Raw Food, Rodwell.  I went through a brief raw food stage on my way to Paleo.  There are some good recipes in here that I still incorporate.
  5. Taking the Medicine, Burch.  A really interesting book that made me question the faith and trust we place in our Doctors
  6. Our Troubles With Food, Halliday.  This is a completely different take on nutrition.  Written by a social historian it looks at how society got to where we are today with food.
  7. The Cure, Brantley.  This was one of the first books I read, and whilst it's not Paleo, I still found it really inspirational.
  8. The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer, Whisett.  I got this before I'd understood about chronic cardio.  This book was refreshing as it was mainly about the mental aspect to endurance activities, which I think could be applied to all aspects of life
  9. The Primal Blueprint, Sisson.  This was another early purchase.  I love this book and this is one of my top choices to lend out to friends who are curious about Paleo
  10. The Primal Blueprint Cookbook, Sisson & Meier.  I was given this book at PrimalCon 2011 and it has some great recipes in it!
  11. The Inflammation Syndrome, Challem.  Another topic I'd heard a lot about and wanted to explore in more depth.
  12. Primal Body, Primal Mind, Gedgaudas.  I bought this book at the AHS from Nora herself.  I'm reading it at the moment ready for the Australian conference in November
  13. Sweet Poison, Gillespie.  Another top book, This is a great introduction to insulin and is presented in a really easy to understand fashion.  Another top book to lend out!
  14. The Paleo Diet, Cordain.  Loren Cordain, what else to say!  Definitely a favourite.
  15. Why We Get Fat, Taubes.  I've only just got this book and am desperate to read it.  But I'm really distracted by the “deckled” edge – why can't it just have nice normal pages?
  16. The Diet Delusion, Taubes.  This was my first introduction to Taubes.
  17. Natural Health & Weight Loss, Groves.  An interesting read that starts to go in a Paleo direction.  But then no.  It has a HFLC agenda, but rules out grains only on a carbohydrate basis.
  18. Enzyme Nutrition, Howell.  I was reading a lot about digestion and what happens to enzymes, so thought a bit more reading was in order.
  19. The Vitamin D Cure, Dowd & Stafford.  Particularly since I've moved from the UK to Australia, I've become really interested in Vitamin D.  Should I supplement?  Should I wear sun screen?  I read everything I can on the topic.
  20. Your Body’s Many Cries For Water, Batmanghelidj.  I had high hopes for this book!  However, I found it almost all observational with little evidence to back up the incredible claims.
  21. The Paleo Diet For Athletes, Cordain & Friel.  This book has been particularly useful in the marathon training effort of my housemate.
  22. Born To Run, McDougall.  After having a barefoot running lesson with Barefoot Ted at PrimalCon, this book (along with my first pair of VFF's) was a must buy!
  23. The Metabolic Plan, Cherniske.  This was the first nutrition/ health book I happened to pick up.  It sparked my interest in nutrition and eventually led me to Paleo.
  24. The Vitamin D Revolution, Khalsa.  See, I'm very interested in Vitamin D.
  25. The PH Miracle, Young & Young.  PH is mentioned quite frequently, so I got this book to delve into the topic further.
  26. The Magnesium Miracle, Dean.  I read so much in the Paleo world about Magnesium I thought it would be helpful to learn more.  I've not got very far yet, I'll have to make more effort with this one.
  27. Complete Nutrition, Sharon.  I found this a great introduction into macro & micro nutrients.  Even if it does have some very non-Paleo information in it.
  28. [On Loan!] The Paleo Solution, Wolf.  I love this book!  I always lend this one out too.  I've actually just ordered a second copy as it's such a good overview and more and more friends are asking what this Paleo thing is all about.

I've also just ordered

  • Lights Out, Wiley.  I'm fascinated by sleep and think it's possibly as important as nutrition to get right.  I've heard lots of good things about this book and can't wait to get my hands on it!
  • Exuberant Animal, Forencich.  This was another recommendation that I'm looking forward to reading.
  • Wheat Belly, Davis.  I've read lots of reports about this book and I have it on pre-order.  I'm eagerly awaiting it's release.
  • Food and Western Disease by Lindeberg is at the top of my wishlist – I just wish the price would go down!

What’s On Your Paleo Bookshelf?

Looking back, I can see how each of these books has played a role in shaping my Paleo journey — from challenging conventional wisdom, to diving deep into topics like inflammation, micronutrients, barefoot running, and ancestral approaches to pregnancy, sleep, and athletic performance. Some were inspirational, others left me more skeptical, but together they’ve helped me build a broad and ever-evolving perspective on health.

If you’re starting out, I’d say The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf, The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson, and Sweet Poison by David Gillespie are great books to lend to curious friends. They strike that perfect balance between accessible, evidence-based, and genuinely motivating.

As I continue to grow my Paleo library, I’d love your help:
What books have had the biggest impact on your health journey? Are there any must-reads on leptin, metabolism, or newer areas like circadian biology or environmental toxins that I’ve missed?

Drop your top titles in the comments — I’m always ready to add to my wishlist.

Soy, Grains & Margarine for Better Health!

I really shouldn't read health supplements any more.  They generally just annoy me.  But I could resist.  I found this gem in the Sunday Telegraph yesterday.

Sunday-Telegraph-Lower-Cholesterol

Just before I ditched Paleo and went out to buy some soy and margarine, I thought I'd see if I could find out a bit more about the study.

So it appears the study split 351 men & post menopausal women into two groups for the six-month period.  One ate low fat, the other low fat – with “special cholesterol lowering foods”.  Hmm, interesting, low fat compared to low fat…  The group with the special cholesterol lowering foods lowered their LDL by 13%.  But then there was also a 22.6% drop out rate.  This is taking me back to Tom Naughton's Science for Smart People lecture at the AHS…

The group with the “special food” also received sessions with a dietitian.  The other low fat group did not.

They summed up saying that because the diet was complex, researchers couldn't tell which foods made a difference in lowering cholesterol.  Excellent.  Regardless, write ups of the study, like the one I saw are still identify these foods as being proven to help lower LDL: –

  • Soy proteins such as soy milk and tofu.
  • Viscous or “sticky” fibres from oats, barley and psyllium.
  • Nuts, including tree nuts and peanuts.
  • Plant sterols in margarine.

Whilst Loblaw (a Canadian food retailer), Solae (who sell Soy products) and Unilever (who own lots of products, including margarine) sponsored the study and provided some of the foods used, that obviously had no impact on the study.  Whatsoever.

I think I'll stick to my high fat diet…

Digging Deeper: When Studies and Sponsorships Collide

It’s always wise to read between the lines when encountering “science-backed” nutrition claims, especially when those claims align neatly with processed food marketing. Studies funded or supplied by companies with direct financial interest in the outcomes — like Unilever, Solae, or Loblaw — are not inherently invalid, but they do deserve extra scrutiny. When a study concludes that “cholesterol-lowering foods” (conveniently available from the sponsoring companies) improve health outcomes, the conflict of interest should at least raise eyebrows.

In the case of this particular study, the fact that both groups followed low-fat diets makes it impossible to determine if the outcomes were related to the removal of saturated fat, the addition of sponsor-supplied foods, or simply the regular dietitian check-ins only one group received.

The Real Problem With Cholesterol-Lowering Narratives

Public health messaging has long been obsessed with lowering cholesterol, particularly LDL, as though it’s the single most important marker of health. But this is an oversimplification. Cholesterol is essential for producing hormones, supporting cell membranes, and helping the body produce vitamin D. Rather than blindly pursuing lower LDL numbers, a more balanced conversation around lipid ratios, inflammation, and metabolic health is overdue.

Numerous studies have shown that total cholesterol — or even LDL alone — is a poor predictor of heart disease in isolation. Far more telling are factors like triglyceride to HDL ratios, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. Yet articles like the one in the Sunday Telegraph continue to focus on LDL reduction via dietary tweaks that promote processed food products.

What the Study Didn’t Say: The Role of Inflammation

Interestingly, there’s little to no mention of inflammation in the article — or the study itself. Chronic inflammation is now widely recognised as a key driver of cardiovascular disease. Reducing inflammation through a nutrient-dense, low-toxin diet is a far more holistic and effective strategy than simply trying to push down cholesterol levels with soy milk and margarine.

A Paleo diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioavailable nutrients, naturally addresses inflammation by removing the root causes: seed oils, refined sugars, grains, and ultra-processed foods. But this concept rarely makes headlines, perhaps because there’s no branded margarine to sell alongside it.

The Soy Dilemma

Soy protein is frequently positioned as a “health food” — particularly for its supposed benefits on cholesterol. However, soy comes with its own list of issues. Most commercial soy is genetically modified and heavily processed, often treated with hexane and other chemicals. Additionally, soy contains phytoestrogens, which can interfere with hormone function — especially concerning for those with thyroid issues or hormone-sensitive conditions.

In a wholefood-based Paleo context, soy is excluded not only because of its antinutrients and processing, but also because there are far more nourishing, less controversial sources of protein available — like grass-fed beef, pastured eggs, and wild-caught fish.

What About Oats, Barley and Psyllium?

The “viscous fibre” component of the cholesterol-lowering formula mentioned in the study usually comes from oats, barley, or psyllium husk. While soluble fibre can certainly support gut health and slow digestion, it doesn’t require grains to be effective. Vegetables like okra, sweet potato and pumpkin, as well as chia seeds and flaxseeds, also provide soluble fibre — without the blood sugar spikes and gluten-related inflammation grains can cause for many.

Barley and oats both contain gluten or gluten-like proteins that can trigger gut irritation and immune responses, especially in those with sensitivities. And let’s not forget: these grains are almost always heavily processed before they reach the supermarket shelf.

Peanuts and the “Nut” Misunderstanding

Yes, nuts were included in the study's cholesterol-lowering foods. But it’s worth noting that peanuts are not actually nuts — they’re legumes. This distinction matters in the Paleo world, where legumes are typically avoided due to their antinutrient content (like lectins and phytic acid), potential to cause gut irritation, and high omega-6 content.

Tree nuts, when consumed in moderation and in their whole, raw form, can be a good addition to a Paleo diet. However, over-reliance on roasted, salted nuts as a “health food” — especially when they’re used to bulk out ultra-processed snack bars — often leads to more harm than good.

And Then There’s Margarine

The inclusion of margarine in any list of “cholesterol-lowering foods” is perhaps the most telling sign of industry influence. Margarine is often made with hydrogenated or interesterified vegetable oils, designed to stay shelf-stable and mimic the texture of butter. While many brands now avoid trans fats due to public backlash, they still rely on heavily processed seed oils that are high in omega-6 fats and prone to oxidation — both of which can fuel inflammation.

Butter from grass-fed cows, by contrast, contains fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K2), healthy saturated fats, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) — a naturally occurring fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. Yet somehow, margarine is still sold as the “heart-healthy” option. Go figure.

Why Real Food Doesn't Need a Sponsor

One of the most consistent themes in mainstream nutritional studies is that real, whole foods rarely get the spotlight — largely because they can’t be patented, branded, or profitably packaged. When large corporations fund dietary studies, the outcomes often reflect a subtle (or not-so-subtle) preference toward products they manufacture and sell.

A study comparing a standard Western diet to a Paleo template rich in real food would be fascinating — but good luck getting funding from a margarine company.

Final Thought: Stick With What Humans Have Always Eaten

The idea that cholesterol should be lowered at any cost is outdated and oversimplified. Rather than relying on margarine, soy milk and barley to prop up your lipid numbers, focus instead on a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet that your ancestors would recognise as food.

Eat eggs. Cook with butter. Add fatty cuts of grass-fed meat. Include plenty of vegetables, leafy greens and good-quality fats. These foods won’t just lower your risk of disease — they’ll make you feel better, stronger and more in control of your health.

And next time you read about a miracle food study in the Sunday paper, check who paid for it. You might find the answer is as manufactured as the margarine it’s trying to sell.

Soy, Grains & Margarine for Better Health newspaper Telegraph paleo diet health advice-min

A Paleo Look at the Sydney Marathon

As I've mentioned before, my Marathon running house-mate is currently doing the Whole30 Paleo challenge with me.  We’re on day 26, and it’s going fantastically, but I’ll tell you more about that in a future post.

My housemate is a marathon runner, so I've been particularly interested to see how Paleo affects his running performance and recovery.  So far, it seems to have made an incredible difference.  10 days ago he did his long practice run and was aiming for 30km (18.6 miles).  The run was going so well, he had so much energy, the sun was shining – so he just kept on running!  He got home to find out he’d run 42km (26.09 miles); just a few paces shy of a marathon!  Tomorrow however, is a different ball game.  Tomorrow is the race, the Sydney marathon.  He’s going for a really good time.  And he’s doing it Paleo.  I can’t wait to see how he does and how he feels and performs as a Paleo Marathon runner.  I’ll keep you posted!

I was interested to see the contents of the Marathon pack.  Which foods would the marathon organisers give away to their competitors, to give them good race nutrition?  Chia Seeds, a “Smooze” fruit ice (unfrozen) and a “Trio” bar.    I guess it could have been a lot worse, but, is this really the best things for a marathoner to be eating?

Marathon snack pack

Chia Seeds are everywhere at the moment and being promoted as a super-food.  Whilst they do provide Omega 3, it’s in plant form, which isn't so ready for human absorption – and they also contain a not so good amount of Omega 6.  The amount of protein contained is minimal – it would take considerably more than an 8g packed to give a decent protein supply.  So, whilst they certainly aren't the worst thing a marathoner could eat, I think this is probably the best use for them.

The “Smooze” (unfrozen) frozen fruit ice contains: pink guava juice 47% (from purée), coconut milk 40%, natural cane sugar, fruit pectin, citric acid, natural fruit flavours, ascorbic acid (vitamin C).  I'm pleased to see the coconut milk, though after my own investigation into coconut milk, can only hope they use a pure brand.  The juice element is just sugar, which isn't so good.  Also, after reading the Food Renegade’s awesome post on Orange Juice, I've been really wary of juices and “natural” flavours.

I was surprised the “Trio” bar ingredients weren't as bad as I was expecting: Cashew, Almonds, Pistachios, Blueberries, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Dates, Raisins, Rice Malt, Natural Flavours, Evaporated Cane Juice and Sea Salt.  It’s a shame they had to add the rice malt, “natural flavours” and sugar (though doesn't evaporated cane juice sound so much better!).  I can’t think why you’d need to add flavours to so many wonderful tasting foods?

With some fantastic Paleo sports inspiration, dinner tonight came with sweet potato, a great Paleo Carb source.

Fingers crossed for a great Sydney Marathon day tomorrow!

Do you combine endurance with Paleo?  I'd love to hear how it works for you.

Sydney Marathon running paleo perspective diet healthy grain-free no sugar

Meeting Real, Local People – Who Lead a Paleo Lifestyle Too

Last night was the fourth meet up of the Sydney Paleo group – and the third I’ve had the pleasure of attending.  We met at a Korean Barbeque restaurant, tucked away down a side street, in the city centre.  A few of us had met before and there were some new faces to meet.  The food couldn’t have got much more Paleo.  We had all different types of meat, which we barbequed ourselves.

I’m becoming more and more obsessed with all things Paleo as time goes by.  I always want to talk about an amazing new blog I’ve found, or find out what others think about the latest research.  But I am aware that a lot of my non Paleo friends aren’t as interested in this as I am!  To be able to meet up with a group of people on the same wavelength is amazing.

We were able to jump straight into topics such as Jack Kruse’s Leptin theories, Nora Gedgaudas’s Australian Primal Body Primal mind conference, the AHS and how we handle social events with our non-Paleo friends.  We discussed our favourite blogs and books, how we do Paleo and local Paleo friendly suppliers & restaurants.

As much as I benefit from & value my online Paleo friends and the online community, there is nothing like meeting Paleo people in real life.

Next month we’ll be meeting again, only this time for an outdoor meet up.  A barbeque by the beach, frisbee, slack line & lots of paleo talk – I can’t wait!

If you don’t know any Paleo folk in real life, I suggest you join your local meetup group – or if there isn’t one – create it yourself!

Why In-Person Paleo Meetups Matter

Online forums, blogs, and social media are fantastic for discovering new Paleo recipes, delving into ancestral health theories, and asking questions in real time — but nothing compares to sitting down face-to-face with someone who truly gets it. Meeting up with others who also prioritise whole foods, movement, and an evolutionary approach to health adds an entirely different dimension to the journey. It's energising, validating, and often downright fun.

Whether you’re the only one in your workplace who brings bone broth for lunch or the only one skipping the bread at family dinners, connecting with like-minded people in real life can remind you that you’re not alone — and that this way of living is both practical and sustainable.

Shared Conversations and Tangents You Can’t Script

One of the joys of meeting fellow Paleo enthusiasts in person is the freedom to dive deep into topics that might feel too niche or intense in other social circles. You don’t have to explain why you avoid seed oils or what intermittent fasting is — you can jump straight into comparing organ meat recipes, dissecting the latest Paul Saladino video, or swapping tips for cooking with tallow.

It’s also a great chance to trade ideas on supplementation, local sourcing tips, home fermentation experiments, or favourite workouts. Many conversations spiral into spontaneous detours — like ancestral parenting philosophies, EMF concerns, or cold exposure routines — things that rarely get airtime in conventional social settings.

Discovering Local Paleo-Friendly Spots

One of the unexpected benefits of these meetups is learning about hidden gems in your area. At the Korean BBQ dinner, several people recommended butchers that stock grass-fed offal, small-scale farmers' markets, and even cafes willing to accommodate grain-free, dairy-free requests with a smile.

These local tips can be hard to find online, and they often make sticking to a Paleo lifestyle far easier — especially if you’re busy, cooking for a family, or just prefer variety. If you're new to an area or transitioning into Paleo eating, these meetups are an invaluable source of local knowledge.

Expanding Your Paleo Horizons

Even if you’ve been doing Paleo for years, there’s always something new to learn — whether it’s a new book, a podcast you’ve never heard, or a food prep tip that makes all the difference. Others in your group might follow similar principles but take inspiration from keto, carnivore, primal, AIP or Weston A. Price traditions. Seeing how others implement their version of ancestral health can offer fresh perspectives and ideas to experiment with.

You might meet someone who dry fasts, someone who eats raw liver, or someone who’s hacked their sleep using red light therapy and mouth taping. Even if you don’t adopt all these practices yourself, the exposure can spark curiosity and deepen your own understanding of what works best for you.

Socialising Without Compromise

One of the biggest hurdles when transitioning to Paleo is navigating social events. Most gatherings revolve around chips, alcohol, bread, sugary desserts, and awkward conversations about why you’re “not eating that.” Meetups with fellow Paleo enthusiasts remove all of that tension. You don’t have to justify your food choices or explain your dietary preferences — everyone’s on the same page.

This relaxed environment allows you to fully enjoy yourself, connect over shared values, and even get recipe inspiration from what others bring or order. Whether it’s a beach picnic, a potluck dinner, or a hike followed by a barbecue, it’s refreshing to be in a group where your “weird” food is normal.

Organising Your Own Paleo Meetup

If there’s no local Paleo meetup group near you, why not start one? You don’t need to be an expert or have a huge following — just a desire to connect. Start small: a casual dinner at a Paleo-friendly restaurant, a brunch with a few like-minded people, or a park meet-up with a bring-your-own picnic.

You can use websites like Meetup.com, Eventbrite, or even post in Facebook groups or Reddit threads specific to your city. Libraries, health food shops, and gyms may also let you display a flyer. Don’t be afraid to reach out — most people are just waiting for someone else to take the first step.

Ideas for Future Gatherings

Once your group is established, the possibilities are endless. Here are some event ideas that go beyond the dinner table:

  • Cook-along workshops: Fermenting, jerky-making, bone broth simmering or organ meat recipes
  • Outdoor movement meetups: Barefoot bushwalks, beach workouts, slacklining, or natural movement sessions
  • Documentary nights: Screening food or health documentaries followed by a discussion
  • Farm tours: Visiting a regenerative farm or organic produce supplier to learn where food really comes from
  • Guest speakers: Invite a local naturopath, primal fitness coach, or nutritionist to share insights

Strength in Community

There’s something powerful about finding your people — especially when your lifestyle choices go against the grain (pun intended). Whether you’re new to Paleo or have been living this way for years, community makes a difference. It helps you stay motivated, stay accountable, and stay inspired.

The Sydney Paleo group has shown me just how energising it can be to be surrounded by people who care about food quality, personal responsibility, and ancestral health. I can’t wait for next month’s outdoor gathering — and if you're reading this and haven’t found your tribe yet, maybe it’s time to start building one.