We certainly have a lot of fabulous, zealous people in the low carb/paleo/Primal community, ready jump to tell those interested how to eat in a truly healthful way. But do you think it's a better idea to tell those wanting to start one of these lifestyles to ditch the bad stuff cold turkey, or to ease into it? Just wanting some feedback, give me your opinion, and why you feel that way...
For me, it's a personality-dependent thing. When I went low carb (hadn't heard of primal back 12 years ago) it was all-in, and that worked well for me, despite the worst headache of my life...for one day.
ReplyDeleteMy husband, on the other hand, didn't want to deal with the sudden effects of induction, so he took his carb intake down a little at a time. That worked well for him, too.
So, after all these years, we are both still LC and loving it. The primal thing....working in that direction. I am personally finding it hard to give up my dairy and my protein powder, but that's just me....
I, too, think it depends on the person and their situation. For me, I was having medical issues and a gradual cut down would not have worked for me. It was easier for me just to deal with a few days of carb withdrawls instead of dragging the whole thing out.
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally, I had to use the same approach when it came to smoking. The only thing that worked for me was going cold turkey. :)
Thank you both for your responses. On a daily basis I usually have someone who asks me about my way of eating. Some react with interest, but many more tell me they could never give up their (insert highly processed carb laden food here).
ReplyDeleteI have been adjusting my response to those people from, "Just give that up and everything with grains, sugar and starches," to, "Well, have that occasionally, but give up your Pepsi, french fries, and burger buns and see if it doesn't make a difference."
I think it's true, not everyone can go "cold turkey," whether it be cigarettes, or addictive food habits. Some do better easing into it.
It took some learning on my part about that, because I am a "cold turkey" type of person when it comes to giving up bad habits.