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.