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Paleo Interventions

Like me, I'm sure you frequently hear people discussing their ill health. Sometimes it’s so glaringly obvious that they would likely benefit from a 30-day Paleo trial. So what do you do? Are you in favour of an Intervention?

Last week I was preparing my lunch in the shared kitchen in my office, when I was joined by a lady complaining to another colleague about her terrible stomach problems. She’d seen so many doctors and specialists, had so many tests – but nothing was found and none of their suggestions helped. She went “low-gluten” and “almost dairy free” a few days ago and was feeling a bit better, which she put down to avoiding pasta in the evenings. She wasn't feeling great, so was just preparing some toast (whole grain bread, obviously) with margarine, to settle her stomach. I spent ages in the kitchen, waiting for a chance to intervene, looking for a chance to tell her about Paleo and suggest she just tries it for 30 days. But no chances arose and I'm always really unsure whether or not it’s wise to intervene.

I generally take the stance that if I'm asked anything about what I do, that’s an opportunity for me to tell someone about it. But in a situation like this, where I'm not asked – and don’t even know the person's name, I normally don't intervene.

Hopefully another opportunity will arise.

The Delicate Art of the Paleo Intervention

We’ve all been there — listening quietly as a friend, family member, or colleague describes an ongoing health complaint while tucking into a processed, grain-laden lunch. It's one of those moments where you want to stand up, gently remove their sandwich, and hand them a sweet potato and a handful of macadamias. But of course, that’s not how real life works. Performing a Paleo intervention is a fine art, and one that requires far more tact than passion.

The truth is, even when it's glaringly obvious that someone could benefit from trying a 30-day Paleo reset, unsolicited health advice rarely goes down well. That’s not because people aren’t interested — often, they’re desperate for answers. But timing, delivery, and your relationship with the person are everything.

When Is the Right Time to Speak Up?

The ideal moment for a Paleo intervention is when someone actually opens the door. Phrases like “I just don’t know what else to try” or “I feel like I’ve tried everything” are often indicators that someone is ready to hear something new. If they mention symptoms you’ve personally overcome (fatigue, bloating, migraines, skin flare-ups), that’s often your in.

Start by relating — share that you’ve struggled with similar issues and casually mention that what helped you was trying a whole food approach, cutting out grains, seed oils, and sugar for a short period. By framing it as your personal experience and not a lecture, you’re more likely to pique their curiosity than trigger their defensiveness.

What Not to Do

There’s a fine line between helpful and pushy. As tempting as it is to rattle off everything you’ve learned about gut permeability, inflammation, or the insulin response to refined carbohydrates, it’s best to hold back unless you’re specifically asked. Avoid judgemental comments about their current food choices or medical treatments. No one wants to feel shamed — even if you’re watching them spread margarine on toast while lamenting their gut issues.

It's also not the time to unload your entire Paleo journey in one breath. Keep it brief, relatable, and most of all, positive. Think of yourself as planting a seed — not digging up the whole garden.

Tips for a Gentle Paleo Pitch

Wait for curiosity: Let the other person lead the conversation. A simple “I used to have similar issues” might be all you need to say to open the door.
Don’t call it Paleo (right away): Unfortunately, the word “Paleo” can still be met with eye-rolls or assumptions. Try “I cut out processed foods” or “I focused on whole, unprocessed meals” to get the conversation going.
Offer a challenge: If they’re receptive, suggest a 30-day trial — not as a diet, but as an experiment to see how their body feels. Emphasise that it’s about adding nourishing food, not restriction.
Be a resource: Have a few key recipes, blog posts or book recommendations ready if they want more information. It helps if they know where to start without feeling overwhelmed.

When to Stay Silent

Sometimes, the best Paleo intervention is no intervention at all. If you’re in a professional environment, or if the person seems resistant to change, it’s often better to lead by example. Bring in a vibrant, colourful lunch. Share your homemade bone broth. Be the one with energy at 3pm when everyone else is reaching for caffeine or sugar. Over time, people notice.

You might be surprised how often someone will quietly approach you weeks or months later asking, “Hey, what was that thing you were doing again?” When you’re living proof of the benefits, you don’t have to sell anything — your results speak for themselves.

What to Say When They’re Ready

When someone does ask, it can help to have a simple explanation prepared. Something like:

“I cut out processed food for 30 days to see how I’d feel — so no grains, sugar, seed oils, or dairy. I focused on meat, veggies, fruit, eggs and healthy fats. I was amazed how quickly my energy, digestion and sleep improved.”

You don’t need to explain evolutionary biology or cite peer-reviewed papers. Just speak from your own experience. And if they want to dive deeper, that’s when you can introduce them to your favourite blogs, books or recipes.

Helping Without Preaching

If you really want to support someone without putting them on the defensive, consider bringing them something to try. A homemade Paleo snack, a hearty soup, or a sweet treat made from real ingredients can be a powerful nudge. People are far more open to new ideas when they come with delicious food attached.

Another option? Share content on social media. You don’t need to tag or direct it at anyone in particular, but posting your meals, a new recipe or a quote about wellness might be just the spark someone needs. And if they’re curious, they’ll come to you.

Lead With Empathy

Remember, most people struggling with health issues have already been through the wringer. They’ve tried the medications, followed the advice, and often feel frustrated or defeated. Your role isn’t to “fix” them — it’s to offer hope that there may be another path.

The Paleo lifestyle isn’t about perfection, and it’s certainly not about superiority. It’s about nourishment, healing and tuning into your body. If someone is ready to hear that message, it will land. And if not, you’ve still shown kindness and respect — and that counts for just as much.

So… Should You Intervene?

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. It depends on the person, the setting, and your relationship. But always remember: the goal isn’t to convince. It’s to connect. Share your experience, offer gentle guidance if it’s welcomed, and let your own health be your loudest message.

Have you ever had a successful (or not-so-successful) Paleo intervention? I’d love to hear how you handled it. Share your stories in the comments below — the awkward ones, the amazing ones, and everything in between.

What do you do in situations like this? Have you ever performed a Paleo Intervention?

Paleo Networking

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Is alcohol paleo beer wine allowed alternatives can you drink diet-min

Does Drinking Alcohol Fit With Paleo?

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So, yesterday was my Birthday and I had a fabulous time. I hadn't drunk for a long time, but as it was my Birthday, it seemed only right to have a few drinks at my Halloween party last night! Alcohol and Paleo? Do they mix?

I think there are two main problems with drinking whilst adhering to a Paleo lifestyle. Clearly the ingredients in alcohol are often far from Primal. Alcohol can contain a lot of sugar and gluten in grain based drinks, such as beer. I think the other big issue with drinking is that you may start off with good intentions, but after a few drinks you may become less cautious with drink choice, and more prone to eat un-Paleo food when you inevitably get hungry later on.

Alcohol clearly is not Paleo, and I think it’s a best kept as an occasional treat. There, of course, are times that you want to enjoy a few drinks. At these times, by making good choices along with a degree of planning, you can minimise the damage from a night out.

Before Going Out

Think about where you’re going and what you’ll be drinking before you go. This way it will be a lot easier to stick to your plans, instead of trying to work it out at the bar and ending up with a beer in your hand.
Are you going to be eating at a Paleo friendly restaurant during the evening? If not, I think it’s very wise to eat just before you go out. Make sure you don’t shy away from fat and protein in your pre-drink meal.
Also, I think it’s very wise to prepare some delicious Paleo food for when you get home! If you come in hungry with nothing ready, you might find non-Paleo food a more attractive proposition than you would usually!

At the bar

So, what are the least-bad drink options? And which drinks should you avoid at all costs?

BETTER CHOICES

Many Paleo people swear by Robb Wolf’s NorCal Margarita. This is made with 100% agave tequila, juice and pulp of a fresh lime, ice and soda water. The tequila is made from fermented agave juice, so it is gluten and starch free. The lime is said to dull the insulin response to the alcohol sugars and provide a net alkaline load in the blood stream. The CO2 from the soda water is said to help the alcohol reach the blood stream sooner, meaning you need to drink less.
Other than Tequila, vodka can be a reasonable choice. Look for vodkas distilled from grapes or potatoes.
Gin can be an option too, but avoid those distilled from sugar and other grains (look for juniper berries)
Red wine has the benefit of containing anti-oxidants; another fair choice. • Cider, especially if you can find a good, organic brand, is a far better choice than beer, though still high in sugar.
Generally dry wines and spirits are the best choices in terms of low-carb content, but be careful with those ingredients!

AVOID

Beers are generally going to be heavily grain based. Some barley based beers (such as Belgium beers) may be rendered gluten free by secondary fermentation. You can also get gluten free beers, however they are likely to still contain grains, and other undesirable ingredients. Gluten aside, beer is also very carb heavy; another reason to make a different choice.
Many drinks are extremely high in sugars. Avoid drinks with fruit juices (these are almost never made with real, fresh fruit juice anyway.
Premixed drinks often have very un-Paleo ingredients as well as lots of sugars; avoid!
Mixers such as fizzy soft drinks should be avoided as they are full of sugar and all sorts of artificial ingredients. Have your spirits with soda water, or on ice.

Afterwards

When you get home eat some good Paleo food containing good fat and protein and drink water. Even if it was a late night, try to get up at your usual time the next morning to avoid disrupting your routine for the next few days.

I stuck to vodka, fresh lime and soda water and had a great night. However, I probably won’t drink again for a long time as it doesn't fit in too well with my Paleo lifestyle!

What are your drinking strategies? Am I missing some good tips? What is your favourite drink? Or perhaps you don’t drink at all?

How to Recover After Drinking on a Paleo Diet

Even if you’ve made smart drink choices, alcohol can still take a toll. The day after drinking, your body is likely to be slightly dehydrated, inflamed, and in need of restoration. Fortunately, your Paleo pantry can offer excellent support to bounce back quicker.

Hydration Is Key

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it depletes your body of fluids and electrolytes. Start your day with a large glass of water, ideally with a pinch of natural sea salt or a squeeze of lemon for added minerals. Coconut water is also a fantastic Paleo-friendly rehydration option, packed with potassium and natural sugars to gently replenish energy stores.

Rebuild with Nutrient-Dense Food

Your first meal post-drinking should be built around high-quality protein and healthy fats. Try:

Scrambled eggs cooked in ghee with spinach and mushrooms
Grilled chicken or salmon with avocado and roasted sweet potato
A nourishing bone broth with added greens and slow-cooked beef or lamb

Avoid sugary breakfast cereals, pastries, or toast — these will only cause a blood sugar crash and worsen your energy levels throughout the day.

Paleo-Friendly Mocktails for Social Events

If you enjoy the ritual of having a drink in hand at social events but want to skip the alcohol, mocktails are a great option. You can create vibrant, refreshing drinks without processed mixers or added sugars.

Mocktail Ideas to Try

Cucumber Lime Fizz: Cucumber slices, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and soda water over ice
Berry Shrub: Muddle fresh berries with apple cider vinegar and top with sparkling water
Ginger Tonic: Grated ginger, lemon juice, and soda water with a dash of bitters (check for Paleo-friendly brands)

These not only taste fantastic but help you feel included and festive without the downsides of alcohol.

Planning a Paleo-Friendly Party

Hosting your own event is a great way to control your food and drink environment. Whether it’s a birthday, celebration, or casual get-together, you can easily make it Paleo without guests even noticing.

Tips for Hosting

Serve a DIY taco or burger bar using lettuce cups or sweet potato slices instead of buns or wraps
Offer a cooler stocked with sparkling water, infused water, and a few low-sugar cocktail ingredients for guests to mix themselves
Prepare sweet potato wedges, grilled skewers, or Paleo dips like guacamole and baba ganoush to keep people satisfied

Planning ahead makes it much easier to enjoy yourself without derailing your eating style.

Does Alcohol Affect Fat Loss on Paleo?

If one of your goals is fat loss, it’s worth understanding how alcohol impacts your progress. When you drink, your body shifts its priority to metabolising alcohol — meaning fat burning, muscle recovery, and digestion all take a backseat. While the occasional drink is unlikely to stall your efforts long-term, regular drinking can slow things down noticeably.

Tracking Progress Honestly

If you notice fat loss has plateaued and you’re drinking every weekend, consider scaling back for a few weeks to assess the impact. Often, it’s not just the alcohol itself but the after-effects — skipped workouts, poor sleep, and snacky choices — that cumulatively affect results.

How Alcohol Affects Sleep Quality

Many people believe alcohol helps them sleep, but in reality, it disrupts the quality of rest. Alcohol reduces REM sleep, the deep, restorative stage of the sleep cycle. This can leave you groggy, unrefreshed, and craving more sugar and caffeine the next day — not a good combo for staying Paleo.

If you do drink, stop at least 2–3 hours before going to bed and hydrate well to reduce the impact on your sleep.

Alcohol-Free Living and the Paleo Lifestyle

For some people, cutting out alcohol entirely becomes a natural extension of the Paleo lifestyle. They find more energy, better skin, improved mental clarity, and a stronger connection to hunger cues when alcohol is removed altogether. If you’re curious, you might try an alcohol-free month and track how you feel.

Benefits Reported by Those Who Quit

Better sleep and recovery
Reduced bloating and inflammation
More consistent energy and mood
Improved relationships with food and routine

You don’t need to declare yourself sober for life to benefit from periods of sobriety. Even cutting back can yield noticeable improvements.

Social Pressure and Drinking

One of the biggest challenges around alcohol is navigating social expectations. Whether it’s a friend insisting you “have just one” or a festive occasion, saying no can feel awkward. But being confident in your choices — and having a polite response ready — makes it easier.

Example Responses

“I’m taking a break and seeing how good I can feel — want to join me with a mocktail?”
“I’ve got an early morning tomorrow, so just sticking to soda and lime tonight.”
“I’m on a wellness challenge — I’ll tell you all about it next week!”

Most people are more supportive than we expect — and if they aren’t, it says more about them than it does about your choices.

Final Thoughts on Alcohol and Paleo

Navigating alcohol while staying Paleo is a personal choice — one that depends on your goals, values, and how your body responds. Whether you enjoy the occasional NorCal margarita or prefer to stay completely alcohol-free, the key is awareness and intentionality. By planning ahead, making mindful choices, and recovering well, you can enjoy social occasions without compromising your health journey.

Have you experimented with alcohol and your Paleo lifestyle? What’s worked best for you? Share your experience and let’s keep the conversation going.

Paleo Barbeque

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Yesterday was the Sydney Paleo meetup 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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

Why Paleo Picnics Work So Well

There’s something uniquely enjoyable about bringing a Paleo spread to a picnic or barbecue. Without the need for heavily processed condiments, sugary drinks, or plastic-packaged snacks, the entire event feels more intentional and connected to nature. Sharing fresh, colourful food that everyone has contributed to creates a communal experience that feels very aligned with the core values of the Paleo lifestyle — community, simplicity and nourishment.

Whether you’re planning your next outdoor feast or hosting a smaller backyard lunch, the Paleo approach makes menu planning surprisingly easy. Seasonal vegetables, grass-fed meats, and simple homemade sauces all lend themselves beautifully to this setting.

Creative Paleo-Friendly Barbecue Ideas

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next Paleo-friendly picnic or barbecue, consider adding one or two of these ideas to the mix:

Sweet potato skewers: Roast cubes of sweet potato with herbs and stack them onto skewers with capsicum and red onion for a colourful and hearty addition.
Avocado and cucumber salad: Toss avocado chunks with thinly sliced cucumber, lemon juice, and a touch of dill. Refreshing and full of healthy fats.
Lamb koftas: Made with minced lamb, herbs, garlic and cumin, these are easy to prepare ahead of time and cook quickly on the barbecue.
Paleo dips platter: Include olive tapenade, beetroot dip, and cauliflower hummus served with raw veggie sticks for a snack everyone can enjoy.

Staying Cool and Hydrated Without Sugary Drinks

Soft drinks and bottled juices are often the default for hot summer gatherings, but Paleo-friendly drinks can be just as satisfying — and far better for you. At our Tamarama event, several people brought homemade options including:

Coconut water served in glass bottles with slices of lime
Chilled herbal teas like hibiscus and rooibos, lightly sweetened with raw honey
Infused water with berries, mint and cucumber

These drinks not only kept everyone hydrated in the sun, but also added vibrant colour to the picnic table. Investing in a few good-quality glass drink dispensers or reusable insulated bottles can make a huge difference to your Paleo barbecue setup.

Managing Cross-Contamination and Non-Paleo Foods

One topic that came up during the meet-up was how to handle food safety when other groups at the park might be cooking breaded sausages or marinated meats full of additives. A few attendees shared useful tips:

Bring a spare grill plate or foil tray to create a clean surface on public barbecues.
Use bamboo skewers to keep Paleo food separate and identifiable.
Label your dishes clearly if it’s a shared event — this helps avoid confusion and lets others explore your food with interest.

It’s encouraging to see how many people at these gatherings are curious about the Paleo approach, and some even commented that our food looked “fresher” and more appealing than the typical Aussie beach barbecue fare.

What to Pack for a Paleo Beach Barbecue

To make your next event seamless, here’s a quick checklist of Paleo-friendly essentials to bring along:

Reusable plates, cups and cutlery
A cooler bag with ice bricks for fresh produce and meats
Plenty of napkins or tea towels
A rubbish bag for cleanup
A sharp knife and chopping board (you’d be surprised how often these are forgotten!)
Sun protection: hats, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen

Optional extras include a Bluetooth speaker for music, a small folding table, or even a picnic rug with a waterproof base. Being well-prepared helps you enjoy the day without stress and focus on what matters — the food and the people.

The Social Side of Paleo

One of the best things about these gatherings is the community feel. Everyone comes with different motivations — some are long-time Paleo veterans, while others are simply exploring a more whole-food approach to eating. The shared values around wellness, movement and mindful living seem to create a bond that transcends age, background and experience.

A few of us even swapped recipes and discussed upcoming events, like bushwalks, cooking workshops and urban foraging sessions. If you're looking to connect with like-minded people in Sydney (or wherever you're based), joining a local Paleo meetup group is a great way to stay motivated and make genuine friendships.

Looking Ahead to the Next Meetup

With summer just getting started, there’s plenty more to look forward to. Plans are already in motion for a picnic at Centennial Park next month, with a possible barefoot frisbee session on the cards. If you haven’t joined us before, now’s the perfect time.

The great thing about these events is their relaxed, bring-a-plate style. No pressure to impress — just good, real food and a supportive community. You’ll likely walk away with new recipes, a few new friends, and a full belly.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to stick to Paleo when the meals are shared, social and seasonal. The Tamarama beach barbecue was a perfect reminder that this lifestyle isn’t about restriction — it’s about choosing vibrant food that supports our wellbeing and bringing people together over something we all enjoy.

If you haven’t hosted or joined a Paleo barbecue yet, why not take the initiative and organise one in your local area? With a little planning and a lot of delicious food, it might just become your new favourite summer tradition.

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

7,497 Miles to PrimalCon

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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

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.

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?

Handling Social Gatherings Whilst Remaining Paleo

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Throughout my “official” Whole-30 period, I found it really easy to keep on the Paleo-straight & narrow, without a single cheat. I think I'm especially fortunate living in Sydney, where many restaurants pride themselves on fairly whole, local (and often organic) food. I eat out fairly often, and continued to do so during the 30-day challenge. I've always avoided certain types of restaurant, so that wasn't a problem. In the restaurants I did eat in, without exception there have always been a few meals on the menu that are Paleo (for example fish and vegetables) and even more meals that I can “tweak” to make them Paleo (swapping the fries for a salad for example, and asking for no sauce/ dressing).

Last weekend however, I encountered my first Paleo difficulty. I was invited out for a friend’s Birthday as a Moroccan restaurant in the Sydney. However, as we were such a large group, we had to have the set menu. I’d been quite busy, so just had a cursory glance at the menu a few weeks ago. I saw “beef” and “chicken” and assumed I’d be able to make it work, and left it there. Had I looked properly, I would have called the restaurant ahead as often, with notice, they can be very accommodating. Fortunately I played it safe and had a late lunch on the day, a tactic I often employ before social events. I've found there is nothing worse and more challenging than being ravenously hungry, surrounded by less than optimal food options.

We started with bread and dips. One of the dips seemed to be egg plant, but with nothing to “dip” in it, I gave that a miss.

We were then presented with a Tabouli Salad, which after asking about the ingredients I dived into. It contained parsley, mint, onion, olive oil, lemon & something called Bulgar. After the first two mouthfuls I found out Bulgar is basically wheat, so didn't have any more of that. Why put wheat into a lovely salad?

With the salad came Halloumi Cheese (I’m avoiding dairy, as I’ve felt so good since I eliminated it for my Whole30), Fried Cauliflower with Eggplant jam (sugar!), pinenuts and yoghurt (more dairy). I was starting to get a bit embarrassed by this stage that I hadn’t eaten more than two mouthfuls, so I was very relieved when the next dish was BBQ Garlic & Harissa Octopus & Skordalia. Octopus – perfect. One of the things I love about eating out is having things like Octopus that I would never have at home. Octopus is supposed to have a good amount of Omega 3, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and selenium, so a good option. I’ve since found out that sometimes Skordalia is made stale bread in the puree; or potatoes, walnuts or almonds in olive oil; but I guess you can’t win them all. The other dish in this course was the Moroccan equivalent to Spring Rolls; spicy lamb & pinenut boreks, with yoghurt sauce. Didn’t have any of that either.

I was sat with lots of people I’d not met before, who were very interested in my “unusual” diet and why I was quizzing the waiting staff about what was in every dish. I love talking about Paleo, and it definitely helps to be upfront about what you’re doing. I always find it interesting to hear how others perceive Paleo – the main response I get time after time is how impossible they would find it to give up bread.

The main dishes would have to be more Paleo, surely! Fortunately they were, we had: –

Lemon Pepper Chicken Shish Kebab with Tomato Caraway Sauce, Served with Chickpea & Nut Pilaf Lamb Kafta Shish Kebab with Pomegranate Glaze, Served with Chickpea & Nut Pilaf
Beef Cheek Tagine with Sweet Potato & Caramelised Onions, Served with Carrot Steamed Couscous

Served with

Fattoush Salad Sumac and fries


The Chicken and Beef Tagine were great, and better still my fellow dinners were so full up on the bread, pastry and beer that there was plenty left for me. Luckily I realised the Fattoush salad contained pita bread pieces (why?) before I took any.Dessert was a beautifully presented sugar laden meringue with ice cream and lots of miniature sweets and cakes. I used to have such a sweet tooth, but I noticed my attitude towards food like this has completely changed. I wasn't even remotely tempted by these items. When I look at food like this, instead of the enjoyment and taste I used to see, I now see the unwanted insulin spike it will give me, the less than par feeling I’d get an hour later and the Gluten, Phytates & Lectins in the grains creating all sorts of problems I just don’t want.I left the meal $57 lighter, but feeling great – which certainly wouldn't have been the case had I indulged as I would have pre-Paleo.Going to a social event with non-Paleo friends soon? Here are my top three tips to make the occasion as Paleo friendly as possible: -1. Find out what food will be offered in advance – call the restaurant several days in advance to explain your requirements and see if they can help you out2. Be open with the people you’re with about what you’re doing & why3. Don’t go to the event hungry, this will make it much harder for you to find your way through the maze of SAD food to the best Paleo choicesHow do you manage social situations with SAD food? Are your friends supportive? Do you find particular social events better than others? Let me know in the comments!

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