The Politics of Primal Living

[chadwick]

Alright, so the Primal Tribe has obviously converted or at least has been persuaded enough to pursue primal living, but what about the other 300mm+ people out there? What will it take to get a mass movement of people to READ about the benefits, to SEE the benefits, and to LIVE the primal lifestyle?

Personally, I think it is largely going to come from the science community. The whole diet-heart hypothesis debacle and all of the other mislead studies are what brought us here today (eat more grains--its good for your heart), and the only way to get us out is a torrent of scientific research going the other way. Doctors have to talk to people about it, the talking heads on TV need to talk about it, etc. It will not be an easy process, but I believe it will the most effective on a large scale.

If we are not scientists what can WE do? Well, promote good scientific literature (Hyperlipid and PaNu are some of my favorite blogs for literature); we can share our own stories, which are just as powerful. But I think the best thing that we, as every day people have to do, is just set an example and let people see for themselves. As Edmund Burke says: "Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other."

What do you think Primal Tribe?

[pkafka]

Nice... What can we do? Always a good question to ask, especially when it pertains to a cause you care about. Well, pushing the discussions about primal living further, exploring the tenets deeper, and trying to introduce new people to these beliefs is crucial.

Being proud is important - when I order my burger without a bun, I am never apologetic about it! I do it without hesitation, and I feel as if it always makes the people around me second guess their decision to eat the stupid bun!

But in reference to your point about science... people do not listen to scientists, they listen to the media. The media needs to get on board, then the masses will follow. But that is a circular relationship too because the media covers what people want to read about, and if information about primal living is not in demand, it more than likely, will not be written about.

However, like nutrition, the media is changing. People look to bloggers (like we have in this community), and forums (like we are here!) for information. Thus, if WE, here in the Tribe, can create an inviting and educational online "seminar" (if you will), we can potentially be a nice environment for necomers and skeptics to come learn more.

A nice question Chadwick... I am looking forward to seeing some answers.

-pk

[pkafka]

Richard Nikoley over at Free the Animal (http://www.freetheanimal.com), just wrote a post that addresses this... I like his hard line stance. Here is a link to his article:Paleo Pussies (http://freetheanimal.com/2009/11/paleo-pussies.html).

Here is one line, in particular, that I really enjoyed:

That's what I say. You've got your approach, I've got mine. And as far as I'm concerned, yours has failed utterly and completely. Now it's time to name names, drag those names through the mud, ridicule those names, embarrass family members with the same name...all while having solid reasoning and evidence behind you. Reasoning like: given our evolution, it's highly unlikely that a ****ing box of Cheerios is better for you than a steak, *******. So, just go right on ahead, Mr. Research ****head and keep "associating" meat & its natural fat with bad things. Just keep it up; and I'll keep it up.

Most of you have probably been to Free the Animal, if not, check it out. Richard is a good example of what a primal lifestyle can do for those who adhere to it.

He also served extensively in the Navy - a real man!

-pk

[chadwick]

Hah! that is quite an article. Even though I mentioned that I think scientific research and a shift in thinking in the science/medical fields is the best hope for a MASS movement towards healthier lifestyle, in the end, the thing that matters above all else is results. If you do not believe or want to read an academic article, etc, then just try it out! The results speak for themselves.

[NoCarbsForMe]

I'm not convinced that the Primal Diet is any healther than a variety of other lifestyle/diets that encourage eating whole foods, natural foods, etc. Natural/Whole Foods in moderation with an emphasis on veggies, healthy fats, lean meats, etc. is also going to be good for people. I also don't think eating moderate amounts of rice, potatoes, and very whole grains is bad. I do think that many "whole grains" and "wheat" products might have bad reactions to certain people but not all 300+ MM of us.