Food & Health as Evolution Intended – Nora Gedgaudas

Yesterday I went to Nourishing Australia’s “Food & Health as Evolution Intended” seminar.  The seminar was held at the University of New South Wales in Sydney and featured five lectures by Nora Gedgaudas, and lectures by Bruce Ward on naturally grazing animals and Costa Georgiadis on the importance of where food comes from.

I’d heard Nora Gedgaudas speak at the Ancestral Health Symposium in August and really enjoyed her talk – it was just 45 minutes though, so the opportunity to hear her talk for a whole day, in my own city, was too good to miss.

meeting Nora Gedgaudas in Sydney

I was so pleased to see such a full lecture theatre yesterday.  The audience was a very varied mix of medical professionals, nutritionists, as well as people who had only recently heard about Paleo.  There were also a few familiar faces from the Sydney Paleo meet-up group.

Nora Gedgaudas Sydney

As much as I enjoyed the AHS in August, food wasn't included, and being on the UCLA campus good Paleo food wasn’t on hand.  At yesterdays seminar however, the event was catered and the food was fantastic.  Agape Organic Restaurant provided all of the beautiful food yesterday.  Whilst the food was organic and sourced locally, it wasn’t Paleo as it included a bit of dairy, quinoa, corn chips (!) and some sweetened dressings.  It was fairly easy to avoid these elements though and the good sized portion of beef and chicken at lunch was very satiating.

The seminar started with an overview of where we have come from and the food we evolved eating.   The other topics covered included fats and carbohydrates; grains, the link between nutrition & mental health & primal fitness.  The key messages I got from the conference concerned insulin and blood sugar.  Reducing the insulin requirements – by controlling blood sugar appears to be crucial in so many aspects of our health and longevity.  Gluten was also spoken about frequently – and I’m now going to be a lot more cautious to ensure I completely avoid it, especially when I’m eating out.

I really enjoy listening to Nora Gedgaudas, as she is a great speaker who has the ability to put across complex science and theories in a very accessible way.

If you’re in Australia and missed the Sydney seminar, they are going to be in Armidale on the 16th November and the Gold Coast on the 19th November; so it’s not too late to book!

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Morning tea: Pumpkin, spinach and basil frittata, Ham, tomato and cheddar frittata. Salmon, pear, chilli, chive & quinoa tatare Corn chips Wagu & pork meatball & Cherry tomato relish

Nora Gedgaudas Sydney

Lunch: Grass fed wagu beef, Roast chicken

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Lunch: Roasted Vegetable & Honey mustard dressing salad Broccoli, daikon, carrot, zucchini, adzuki & miso sesame dressing salad Beetroot, parsley, sultana & honey yoghurt dressing Spiced poached pear & cream

Nora Gedgaudas in Australia

I'm currently at the “Food & Health as Evolution Intended” Seminar in Sydney. Nora Gedgaudas is the main speaker and has just finished her first two lectures on “Diet and Evolution” and “Fats and Carbohydrates”. After first hearing Gedgaudas at the AHS, it's great to hear a lot more depth on these topics!

The lecture theatre is full of paleo curious Australians, the menu is provided by an organic paleo friendly restaurant – it's going to be a great day!

I'll post a full report about the day tomorrow!

Nora Gedgaudas speaking at the Food & Health as Evolution Intended seminar in Sydney, discussing diet, fats, and Paleo principles

Who Is Nora Gedgaudas?

Nora Gedgaudas is widely recognised in the ancestral health community as one of the leading voices in the space of evolutionary nutrition, neurobiology, and metabolic health. Based in the US, she is best known as the author of Primal Body, Primal Mind, a foundational book that delves into the role of fats, proteins, and carbohydrate restriction in supporting optimal health and brain function.

What sets Nora apart from many other Paleo speakers is her background in neurofeedback therapy and clinical nutrition, giving her a uniquely holistic and deeply researched perspective. Rather than just focusing on food as fuel, she frames nutrition as an integral driver of mental clarity, emotional resilience, and long-term well-being.

What the Seminar Covered

The Sydney seminar was titled “Food & Health as Evolution Intended” – a nod to the evolutionary biology that underpins the entire Paleo approach. The first two sessions of the day focused on:

1. Diet and Evolution

This talk explored how our modern food environment is starkly mismatched with the genetic blueprint shaped by millions of years of evolutionary pressure. Nora broke down the pitfalls of the modern industrialised food supply – from excess processed carbohydrates and inflammatory seed oils to the demonisation of dietary fat.

She challenged the outdated notions of the “balanced diet” that include whole grains and skim milk, making a compelling case that these foods are a recent – and biologically inappropriate – addition to our plate. Nora argued that understanding the evolutionary context of food isn't just theoretical – it’s key to reversing the epidemic of chronic disease and mental health issues.

2. Fats and Carbohydrates

The second lecture dove into the specifics of dietary fats and carbohydrates. Nora emphasised the crucial role of dietary fat in cognitive function, hormone production, and cellular health. Far from being the enemy, she explained, healthy fats (especially saturated fats from animal sources and monounsaturated fats from foods like avocado) are foundational to optimal health.

She contrasted this with the overconsumption of carbohydrates in the modern diet, particularly those from grains and sugar. Her position is that most people are far better off relying on fat for fuel (becoming fat-adapted), rather than depending on quick-burning glucose.

She also discussed the effects of blood sugar swings on mood, mental performance, and long-term disease risk. Her view is unapologetically pro-fat, pro-protein, and very cautious about carbohydrate intake – especially for those with metabolic issues or neurological concerns.

The Paleo Movement in Australia

Having an international speaker like Nora Gedgaudas in Sydney speaks volumes about the growing traction the Paleo movement is gaining in Australia. Just a few years ago, the word “Paleo” was rarely heard outside of fitness circles or alternative health forums. Now, we’re seeing packed lecture halls, community meetups, and more local authors and practitioners getting involved.

In many ways, the movement here mirrors what happened in the US a decade ago – people fed up with standard dietary advice, frustrated by persistent health issues, and willing to try a radically different approach grounded in ancestral wisdom.

It’s also clear from the event that Australians are hungry for deeper, science-backed education about nutrition. With so much conflicting information in the mainstream, events like this help people connect the dots and feel empowered to make their own decisions about what they eat – rather than blindly following food pyramids or government guidelines.

A Paleo-Friendly Event – Right Down to the Menu

One thing that stood out was the catering — how often do you go to a seminar and find yourself choosing between grass-fed beef, seasonal roasted veggies, and coconut-oil-roasted sweet potatoes?

The menu was supplied by an organic, Paleo-friendly provider and perfectly aligned with the values discussed from the stage. No sugary muffins. No gluten-laden wraps. No soft drinks or artificial juices. Just real food that kept everyone energised and focused throughout the event.

It really highlights the point that Paleo isn’t just a theoretical diet or a temporary detox. It’s a sustainable, real-world approach to living and eating – and it’s being embraced in more places than you might think.

Why This Event Matters

When someone like Nora Gedgaudas comes to speak in Australia, it’s not just about a one-day seminar — it’s a signal that the conversation around health is changing. That more and more people are starting to question the status quo. That maybe margarine isn’t better than butter. That maybe breakfast cereals aren’t the health food they claim to be. That perhaps we’ve been sold the wrong story about fat, cholesterol, and what it means to be healthy.

The paleo movement isn’t just about what’s on your plate — it’s about critical thinking, self-experimentation, and reconnecting with the rhythms and instincts our bodies evolved to follow.

What Nora Taught Me

Hearing Nora speak again (having first seen her at AHS), I walked away with several key takeaways:

  • Never underestimate the power of fat – especially animal fat from quality sources. It supports hormones, brain health, and metabolism.
  • “Calories in, calories out” is overly simplistic – hormones, micronutrients, and inflammation all play a role in how the body manages energy.
  • We are not broken; we are mismatched – our bodies are responding exactly as expected to a toxic food environment they were never designed for.
  • Resilience is built through simplicity – by stripping away modern food and lifestyle noise, we allow the body to do what it’s always done best: survive and thrive.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re new to Nora Gedgaudas or just want to explore more of what she covers, I highly recommend the following resources:

  • Primal Body, Primal Mind (her bestselling book)
  • Her talk on “Optimising Brain Function Through Diet” (available online)
  • Her more recent work around ketogenic nutrition and neurobiology

Final Thoughts

Events like these are a rare opportunity to deep dive into the “why” behind the Paleo lifestyle. They remind us that we’re not weird for questioning modern food, and that yes – it’s totally okay to prefer butter over canola oil and bacon over cereal.

I’ll be posting a full write-up tomorrow with notes from the rest of the day, but in the meantime I’d love to hear:

  • Have you ever seen Nora speak?
  • What’s the best health event you’ve ever attended?
  • Do you think there’s a future for more Paleo-focused events across Australia?

Let me know in the comments – and if you attended the seminar too, I’d love to compare notes!

Paleo Barbeque

Yesterday was the Sydney Paleo meet-up group’s Paleo Barbeque.  We met at beautiful Tamarama beach, where there are a couple of public barbecues, which were in hot demand yesterday!  The weather couldn't have been more perfect for the barbecue, with sunshine and beautiful blue skies!

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I spent yesterday morning making a few dishes from the new “Make it Paleo” cookbook, to take along to the barbecue with me.

I made the guacamole to go with some raw vegetables I cut up.

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I made the barbecue sauce, which went beautifully with the organic grass fed streak I took along.  This had a bit of a kick to it with the mustard and paprika and proved very popular.  I’ll definitely be making this one again over the summer.

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I was really excited to try the Fennel & Orange salad.  The combination of the anise flavour of the fennel and the peppery flavour of the radishes made for an unusual, but very enjoyable salad.

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I grated up some carrot, which I mixed with shredded coconut (I love the combination)

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Finally, I roasted some seasonal vegetables which were colourful and delicious!

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It was great to see such a good turn out to the barbecue – Paleo in Sydney seems to be well and truly gaining momentum.  Despite a few people attending for the first time, we were an easy group to spot; as the only party at the beach without bread, crisps and junk food!

I hope we’ll be able to have a few more outdoor Paleo meet-ups this summer – it seems so much more Primal!

New Events In Australia

Check out the newly listed events down under….

Upcoming Paleo events across Australia and New Zealand including expos and workshops in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and more

Lectures on Sleep, Sugar, Vitamin D, Allergy Workshops, Health & Fitness Expo & the Australia Beef Expo in NSW, VIC, ACT & QLD

Have you heard of any Paleo related events in your area? WA, TAS, NT, SA and New Zealand seem to be a bit under represented? Let me know below and I'll add them to the list!

Why Attending Paleo Events Matters More Than Ever

With the explosion of interest in ancestral health, real food nutrition, and sustainable living, Paleo-focused events are starting to pop up all over Australia and New Zealand. And while online communities, podcasts, and blogs are an incredible way to learn and stay inspired, there’s something uniquely powerful about stepping into a room filled with people who share your passion for wellness.

Whether it's a hands-on workshop about fermenting vegetables, a lecture series on the role of sleep in hormone regulation, or an expo featuring grass-fed beef producers — these in-person events offer something the internet simply can't replicate: connection, community, and practical, real-time learning.

What Types of Paleo Events Are Popping Up?

If you’re just getting started with Paleo or are looking to level up your lifestyle, here are the types of events you’ll want to keep an eye on:

🥩 Local Food Festivals & Farmers Markets

These are often where you’ll find ethical meat producers, regenerative farmers, and artisanal food makers who align with the values of the Paleo lifestyle. It’s a brilliant opportunity to speak directly with the people who raise your meat or grow your veg – and you’ll often find specialty products like bone broth, tallow, and organ meats not typically available in supermarkets.

🎓 Health & Nutrition Seminars

Talks on the microbiome, circadian biology, hormone balance, or functional approaches to health can give you a fresh perspective and help you navigate your own wellness journey. Speakers often include integrative GPs, naturopaths, or independent researchers.

💪 Movement & Fitness Workshops

Whether it’s barefoot running clinics, primal movement workshops, or functional fitness sessions – many Paleo-aligned events incorporate movement into the mix. These workshops often focus on mobility, natural range of motion, or bodyweight strength (instead of endless reps on gym machines).

🛌 Sleep, Stress & Recovery Seminars

The importance of sleep in ancestral health can't be overstated. You’ll often find events diving into practical tips for optimising circadian rhythm, melatonin production, and nervous system regulation – all essential for fat loss, focus, and longevity.

🧂 Cooking Demos & Meal Planning

Cooking real food from scratch is central to Paleo – but for many of us, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where cooking demonstrations, fermenting masterclasses, or batch-cooking meal prep events can provide loads of inspiration.

🐄 Agricultural & Livestock Expos

Surprisingly, these can be a goldmine of Paleo-friendly insight. You’ll meet regenerative farmers, discover local grass-fed and pastured meat suppliers, and learn more about ethical and sustainable food systems. Look out for events like the Australia Beef Expo, or smaller field days held regionally.

Upcoming Paleo-Relevant Events to Watch For

Here are some of the event categories and locations to keep your eye on:

NSW: Sydney, Newcastle, Byron Bay

  • Health expos often run at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney.
  • Byron Bay is a hotspot for wellness retreats with ancestral health themes.
  • Local Meetup groups in Newcastle and Sydney often organise Paleo potlucks or hiking groups.

VIC: Melbourne, Geelong, Mornington Peninsula

  • Melbourne’s thriving wellness scene means you’ll regularly find low-tox living expos, natural food markets, and primal fitness workshops.
  • The Mornington Peninsula often hosts holistic retreats, particularly around gut health and nervous system regulation.

QLD: Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast

  • Brisbane is home to several functional medicine practitioners who run regular seminars on food as medicine and hormone health.
  • The Sunshine Coast boasts multiple organic farming tours and surf-inspired primal retreats.
  • Look for expos at the Brisbane Convention Centre or Noosa Wellness Festival.

ACT: Canberra

  • As the home of government and policy, Canberra hosts some fantastic science-based nutrition talks and professional development days – occasionally open to the public.
  • Paleo-friendly health food stores often post in-person tasting sessions and talks.

How to Find Events Near You

If you’re not already in the loop, here are some tips for finding out what’s happening:

  • Set Google Alerts for keywords like “Paleo event Sydney” or “ancestral health Australia”.
  • Join local Facebook groups: Try searching for “Paleo Melbourne”, “Real Food Brisbane”, or “Primal Australia”.
  • Follow local producers on Instagram: Grass-fed meat suppliers, kombucha makers, and organic farms often post upcoming appearances or market days.
  • Check community boards at your local health food store, CrossFit gym, or farmers market.
  • Eventbrite and Meetup are both great platforms to search for niche, local wellness events.

Why These Events Are Crucial for the Paleo Movement

One of the criticisms Paleo often receives is that it’s an elite or restrictive diet. But in person, at these events, you see the diversity of people it benefits. From busy mums and overworked tradies to former vegans and naturopaths – the Paleo community is full of people who’ve taken health into their own hands.

Paleo events allow you to:

  • Connect with like-minded people who get it when you say you avoid seed oils or ferment your own kraut
  • Try new foods in a low-pressure, supportive environment
  • Hear experts clarify common misconceptions about saturated fat, insulin, cholesterol, or ancestral diets
  • Get hands-on experience preparing nourishing meals or trying new movement modalities
  • Ask questions in real time that you can’t always get answered in a blog comment thread

Let’s Build the List: Know an Event? Share It!

Right now, some regions are under-represented – particularly WA, SA, NT, TAS and New Zealand. If you know of a local event that would interest the Paleo crowd, I’d love to add it to the list. Whether it’s a seasonal market with great grass-fed meat, a surf retreat serving whole food meals, or a seminar by a nutritionist debunking modern food myths – if it supports ancestral health, it belongs here.

Email me, tag me on Instagram, or drop the details in the comments below. Let’s keep this list growing so we can all discover new opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive.

Final Thought

Living a Paleo lifestyle isn’t just about what’s on your plate – it’s also about who’s at your table. Surrounding yourself with others who value real food, movement, quality sleep, and stress reduction is one of the most powerful things you can do to stay on track.

So don’t wait for an event to find you – go looking for it. And when you find a great one, tell us all about it.

Let’s keep the Paleo community strong, curious, and connected – one event at a time.

When Paleo Meets Vegan

There's an interesting talk at the Sydney Opera House tomorrow, as part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas.  The talk is entitled “What We Are and What We Eat”, by Jonathan Safran Foer.  Foer has written a book called “Eating Animals”, and it sounds like he has a strong vegan, anti-Paleo agenda.

From what I've read, it looks like he is very concerned about cheap, factory farmed animal produce, which is a viewpoint I completely agree with.  However, whilst I tackle this by sourcing very good quality, grass fed, organic meat, with a minimal degree of separation between myself and the farmer – I wonder if Foer's approach is tofu and grains?

I'm always interested in hearing and understanding differing viewpoints about diets and food sustainability, so I'm quite tempted to go along.

Must remember to take some beef jerky with me, I think they only sell sweets & crisps at the Opera House…

Paleo vs Vegan: Are We Really So Different?

There’s nothing quite like the topic of food to stir up passionate debate – and few dietary camps are as seemingly opposed as Paleo and vegan. On the surface, it looks like a black-and-white issue: one embraces animal products, the other avoids them entirely. But scratch beneath the surface, and you might be surprised by how much common ground there really is.

The talk by Jonathan Safran Foer at the Sydney Opera House, part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, is a brilliant example of how important these conversations are. They force us to examine what we believe – and more importantly, why we believe it. When it comes to the ethics of eating animals, sustainability, and modern food systems, both the Paleo and vegan movements raise compelling arguments that are well worth hearing.

What Paleo and Vegan Diets Have in Common

At first glance, Paleo and vegan lifestyles seem worlds apart. One champions grass-fed steak; the other praises lentils and tofu. But look a little closer, and you’ll see that both approaches:

  • Reject processed, industrialised food
  • Advocate for whole, nutrient-dense ingredients
  • Emphasise seasonal, local, and sustainable sourcing
  • Are rooted in a desire for better health and ethical choices

In fact, many long-term Paleo eaters start their journey by cutting out processed food, seed oils, sugar, and factory-farmed meat – which aligns closely with a wholefood vegan’s commitment to clean eating. The difference often comes down to one core question: is it ethical and sustainable to eat animals?

The Ethical Dilemma: Animals, Agriculture, and Accountability

One of Foer’s major criticisms – and a view shared by many vegans – is the cruel and unsustainable nature of factory farming. And here’s the truth: they’re absolutely right. Industrial animal agriculture is an ethical and environmental disaster. Confined animals, antibiotics, monoculture feed crops, and long, inhumane supply chains are all in direct conflict with both ancestral health and environmental stewardship.

This is where thoughtful Paleo advocates differentiate themselves. We don’t support factory-farmed meat either. We actively seek out pasture-raised, grass-fed, ethically sourced animals – ideally from local producers where we know how the animals are treated and what they’re fed. In many cases, the farmer is as much a part of the community as the butcher, grocer, or gardener.

So while vegans reject all animal consumption on principle, many Paleo eaters reject industrial meat while embracing regenerative animal farming as part of a sustainable ecosystem.

What About the Environment?

Veganism is often hailed as the most environmentally sustainable way to eat – and in some respects, this is true. Industrial meat production contributes significantly to greenhouse gases, water consumption, and deforestation. But when you consider regenerative grazing models, the picture changes.

Properly managed grazing can improve soil health, support biodiversity, and even sequester carbon. Local, pasture-raised livestock are part of a natural cycle – fertilising the land, controlling weeds, and helping restore damaged ecosystems. In Australia, regenerative farmers are proving that meat production can be done responsibly and sustainably.

Meanwhile, many plant-based staples like soy, almond milk, or out-of-season avocados often require monoculture farming, significant water resources, or long-distance transportation. There’s no perfect system – and both sides must make trade-offs. But the key takeaway is this: how food is grown matters more than what category it falls into.

Is Tofu Paleo? (Spoiler: Not Really)

In posts like this, people often ask, “But what about tofu?” It’s a vegan staple – high in protein, easy to cook, and widely available. But from a Paleo perspective, soy is generally off the table. Here’s why:

  • Soy is often genetically modified and heavily sprayed with pesticides
  • It contains phytoestrogens, which may disrupt hormone balance
  • It’s a legume – and many Paleo eaters avoid legumes due to antinutrients like phytic acid

That said, it’s not about demonising foods – it’s about understanding how they affect the body. Traditional fermented soy products like miso or tempeh might be better tolerated by some, but they’re still not considered Paleo by strict standards.

Food as Identity

Diet is never just about nutrition – it’s tied up in culture, ethics, and identity. Whether you’re sitting at a vegan café in Newtown or tucking into lamb chops from your local farmers market, the food you choose says something about how you see the world.

What’s refreshing is when people – like the attendees at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas – are willing to listen to opposing views without judgement. These are the conversations that move us forward. They also remind us that we all care deeply about food – where it comes from, how it’s made, and how it impacts our bodies and the planet.

Can Paleo and Vegan Ever Coexist?

While it's unlikely we'll see a Paleo-Vegan fusion café anytime soon (though stranger things have happened in Sydney), there’s room for overlap. Here’s how:

  • Both can celebrate seasonal, organic produce from local farms
  • Both can support food sovereignty, farmers markets, and transparent labelling
  • Both can champion fermented foods, healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil), and sustainability
  • Both can benefit from understanding the ancestral roots of human nutrition

There’s even a term – “Pegan” – used to describe people who combine elements of both diets. While it’s not technically strict Paleo or vegan, it’s an interesting sign of how people are seeking middle ground between these philosophies.

So… Did I Attend the Talk?

Yes, I did bring my beef jerky. And yes, I found the talk thought-provoking, even if I didn’t agree with all of Foer’s conclusions. But that’s the point. Hearing someone else’s perspective – especially when it challenges your own – is what makes conversations around food so important. It forces us to think, re-evaluate, and sometimes even strengthen our own beliefs.

And who knows – maybe a vegan in the audience left thinking more critically about food miles, regenerative agriculture, or the health impacts of ultra-processed soy products. Or maybe someone Paleo-curious discovered they could go a little lighter on the meat and heavier on the veg, and still stay true to ancestral eating.

Final Thoughts on Paleo vs Vegan

At the end of the day, the best diet is one you can sustain – physically, ethically, and emotionally. Whether that includes animal products or not, we all benefit from eating real food, supporting responsible farming, and staying curious.

Food doesn’t have to be a battleground. It can be a bridge – between people, between philosophies, and between the modern world and our ancestral roots.

How do you navigate the Paleo vs vegan debate? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Do you avoid soy and grains? Have you found common ground with vegan friends or family? Let’s keep the conversation going.

7,497 Miles to PrimalCon

One of the highlights of 2011 so far was the weekend I went to PrimalCon 2011 in California in April.  I enjoyed it so much, that I booked my ticket for the 2012 event as soon as the tickets went on sale this morning.

Sunset at PrimalCon-min

Sunset at PrimalCon

I hadn't realised quite how far America was from Australia when I booked this year.  I went at quite short notice and used my air miles, so didn't pay too much attention to minor details like flight times.  I was trying to minimise time off work, so I left Australia on the Friday and flew back on the Sunday night.  This was a big mistake!  I now know very well that Los Angeles is a very long 14 hour 7,497 mile flight from Sydney.  To make matters worse, as I used my air miles, I was assigned a very impressive route of Sydney to Brisbane, a night in Brisbane, a flight from Brisbane to Melbourne, then finally I got on my international flight at Melbourne!

It was all for the best however, as I met a wonderful new friend on the flight to LA, who was also attending PrimalCon (with just two people going from Australia, what were the chances of us being on the same flight?)

I'm planning to make PrimalCon 2012 into a much more sensible length America trip, especially as it falls the weekend after Easter.

I made some lifelong Primal friends in April, in fact, I spent a wonderful week in Texas with two of my PrimalCon friends, and met up with some others at the AHS in August.  I'm really looking forward to catching up with them and making some more Primal friends.

Over the whole weekend, the food was incredible.  So much was local Californian produce and it was great to have things like Kale and Turkey, which I find so difficult to find here in Australia (if you know of any good sources here, please let me know in the comments!)

One of my highlights from the weekend was the running workshop with Barefoot Ted.   I learnt so much from him and my running style has changed forever.  In fact, it was his workshop that inspired me to buy my Vibrams!  I'm thrilled to see Barefoot Ted is back again for next year’s event – hopefully I can refine my technique further still.
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Erwan Le Corre is a new presenter for the 2012 event.  I really enjoyed his talk and demonstration on MovNat at the AHS this year, and to have the opportunity to have a small group workshop with the guy who does this is incredibly exciting!

I just received my latest Amazon book order of Exuberant Animal by Frank Forencich yesterday – so couldn't believe it when I read Frank Forencich is also a presenter at PrimalCon!  I’d better get started on his book…

Hopefully we'll be able to get Mark Sisson over to Australia/ New Zealand in the near future, but in the meantime…  anyone else coming to PrimalCon with me?

Exploring the Sydney Gluten Free Expo

I went along to the Gluten Free Expo yesterday, at the Sydney Showground.

Gluten Free Expo Conference Paleo Event

I'm not sure why now, but I expected it to be very Paleo friendly and full of Vibram clad feet. Surely going completely grain free would be the natural conclusion for those with Coeliac disease? Ditching the bread and refined carbs in favour of real, whole food?

The Gluten Free event was sponsored by Coles and the stands were almost all offering packaged, processed food. Crisps, pasta, processed meats, ready meals, breakfast cereals, cakes and sweets. They all seemed to have removed gluten and replaced it with more sugar, other grains and lots of chemicals. I studied the ingredients on every stand and managed to find one little jar of spices, that would get the Paleo seal of approval! One product!

Gluten Free expoPerhaps a Paleo stand at next year's expo beckons!

Going Gluten Free?

It's well worth trying to remove Gluten from your diet. So many people don't tolerate it well, without being full-blown Coeliac. When constantly exposed to Gluten, it's hard to even realise what impact it has on your body. It isn't until all traces of Gluten are out of your system that you can begin to understand how it affects you.

Gluten intolerance seems to be strongly correlated with inflammation issues such as IBS, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, autoimmune diseases, HD, ADD, ADHS, Autism, indigestion, stomach complaints and many other health complaints.

If you're looking to go Gluten Free, the Whole30 is a great program to use to kick this off with! I haven't ever heard of anyone regretting going Gluten Free!