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?
