Kale + Paleo = Kaleo. It’s a joke, yo! A word I made up because people always seem to want to label my way of eating, to put me ‘in a box’. I kinda liked it though, and it took on a life of it’s own. It grew into something more than a play on words, an anti-dogma if you will. Kaleo resists the philosophical dogma that there is only ONE right way to eat.
Everyone’s ‘ideal’ diet is very individual and unique to themselves. Here’s a graphic that depicts how I decide what to eat.
I try to get as much of my nutrition as possible from foods that fit into the ‘Food Foundation’ intersection. Of course I do eat foods that aren’t in there, like coffee and chocolate, but those aren’t the foundation of my diet, and I consider them treats. Using this template, everyone’s diet would be unique to their values, goals, personal tastes and local climate. There is no one right way. I live in a temperate climate with a year-round growing season that supports a rich and varied plant based diet, so that is what I eat. It is also how I enjoy eating, and it supports my value system of using the fewest resources possible to support my needs, so that there is more for everyone to thrive. These things are important to me. Others have different tastes and values and other climates support different food systems. There are some places on earth where animal foods require fewer resources to produce (or import) than plant foods; climates like that would more sustainably support an animal foods based diet.
My way of eating evolves as I learn, and as my body changes, so flexibility is also a component of Kaleo. And most important of all, a sense of perspective: we are unbelievably fortunate that we have the freedom and resources to spend time optimizing our diets. Lets be gracious to others who are just beginning their lifestyle change, and lets be aware of how our food choices impact our environment and the people and creatures we share it with.
What a great blog post!! Well done on your progress and truly inspiring.
I started Powerlifting at 40 (last year) and am 10 months in, I’ve competed in two competitions and am looking foward to 2 more this year, along with 2 strongwoman comps.
I can’t recommend lifting enough to people and am privileged that some women / friends have said it’s inspiring reading about my lfiting.
I don’t think I’ll ever be as trim as you but will be subscribing and reading up on your blog.
I was 227lbs at one point and am currently 188lbs.. but hoping to lose more bodyfat over the coming months. I have backed off on ‘diets’ for a year now and am reducing body fat slowly.
thanks for sharing.
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A friend of mine just posted something of yours on Facebook, and I was intrigued with the term “Kaleo” and came here to find out what it meant. I’m refreshed and relieved to see how balanced your view on nutrition is, and how well it has worked for you.
I tend to become rather obsessive with my weight, and find myself trying very restrictive diets wherein I just get so anxious and frustrated with what I “can’t” have (whether it be dairy or carbs or… whatever the enemy of the month might be), that I give up and gain back the weight I lost while on that diet. I have a hard time finding exercise I enjoy and quickly become bored with “normal” workouts, following a routine or video, or even going to the gym.
I’m going to start following your blog and your page on Facebook, because I really need a voice of reason and encouragement in my life, to find the balance between being healthy and actually enjoying life.
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THIS!!!!!!!!
This is how I eat, too, I think putting too many restrictions on the types of foods we eat just makes it more likely that we’ll lose our resolve and backslide into piles of cheetos and hamburgers. We’re resourceful omnivores, designed to eat as varied a diet as our climate, resources, and individual metabolisms allow. Enjoy it – some creatures have to subsist entirely off of plankton.
Eating a mostly plant based diet, are there any supplements you recommend?
You’re awesome, that’s what Go Kaleo is. The comments posted via your FB page on my 1500 calories per day/Nazi blog show that your readers GET IT. I posted that same info elsewhere and wound up in arguments that those low calories are “necessary” sometimes. You also get the bit about ultra-low bodyfat vs long-term health. Keep fighting the good fight! I’m reassured by the changes I see in the way people are thinking about diet, fitness, fat, and food! Goooooooo Kaleo!!!
so glad i found your page…i been a runner for over 20 yrs last year we stop eating processed food and that was good but iam still learning what is the best for me since iam a very active mom, i work part time and always on the move all day until i go to bed. i havent been feeling like working out eventhough i still do it but i feel like iam pushing thur it. iam 5″4 120 lbs.and enjoyed long really long distance running but i feel i cant do it anymore, I have the desire but dont feel strong, something is not right with my diet. i know it.
Have your B12 evaluated. Keep it above 800, 1000 is ideal for very active people.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Well said. The Food Foundation… that is a good set.
It is so refreshing to see someone eating a certain way and encouraging others to create their own ideal diet using thier own value system, culture etc. What works for one does not work for another – and may not be a sustainable way of eating for them. There are so many healthy diet options, and people need to find what works for them – sometimes that is something that is “tried and true” – paleo, primal, kaleo (Love it), weight watchers (a balanced diet following the food pyramid)… etc. So many choices! Thanks for this – a site I will share with many.
So glad to find you! I have been experimenting with eating a vegetarian diet with a ton of local produce from the pick your own farms and my allotment. I go every week to pick veg and fruit with my daughter. I am not eating meat because I don’t like the way animals are treated, but if I was to find ethically raised meat, i would partake if i desired to. I hate the strict rules of labels…. people can sometimes jump on my case when I say something about eating meat. who says i have to be one thing 100% of the time. so refreshing to find others feel the same
I love this!! Your no-nonsense approach is just so refreshing. So glad I found you (via skwigg of Happy Eaters)!
I love your philosophy! I eat a plant based whole foods diet (no animal products) – my site is “the almost vegan” because I hate labels!! Good for you not to be pressured by the influence of so many fad diets and strict regimins! You look great!!! Do you take supplements?
Love your site – found it by accident on a friend’s facebook page. I love that you eat a plant based diet AND work out. As a vegetarian athlete, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked how I get my protein by someone who has no idea how much protein we need. I would bet that I get more protein by lunchtime than most people get all day. I would love to see recipes or suggestions on ways to spice up typical vege meals. THANKS for sharing all your thoughts!!
Beans!!!!
Get an Ottolenghi cookbook. It’s unintentionally vegetarian and amazing! You know, the kind of vegetarian food you don’t realise is vegetarian until someone points it out to you? It’s just good food that happens to be vegetarian.
Awesome! So many people looking for a “prescription” on how to eat instead of just eating real food that makes them feel good. Also love your environmental impact statement. I just may have to adopt the term “kaleo” – love it!
So thrilled to find this site (a friend referred me). This is precisely the balance I have been mulling over myself. Happy to know someone is on the path ahead. Thank you!
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