Review: The Paleolithic Solution Seminar (Robb Wolf)

I recently attended a one day seminar by Robb Wolf on the Paleolithic Solution held at Crossfit South Brooklyn.

Robb Wolf, is a former research biochemist (studying under Dr Cordain author of the Paleo Diet) and a world class strength and conditioning coach.  Thus making him a leading contributor on discussing how to live a 'modern' Paleolithic lifestyle from a nutrition, exercise, performance and lifestyle perspective.  

I have read many articles and books, and currently 'practice' a contemporary Paleo Diet.  But I still had a few concerns.  I had my notepad and pencil ready with many questions prepared.  I was seriously looking forward to this!

A significant amount of material was covered in a single day, and the benefits discussed in terms of improving performance, body composition and health.  

Useful for:

• the lay person who wants to know why a Paleo lifestyle will benefit them (and what they need to do to get there);
   
• For trainers/coaches who want to make informed and goal-based paleo-centric decisions for their clients;
   
• Science geeks who want to know more about Endocrinology, digestion and nutrition's relationship to modern scourges such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, Parkinsons, Alzheimer's, etc.

When taking a superficial look at the Paleo Diet it is easy to fall into the trap that 'a one-size fits all' can work for all individuals.  However, that is not a criticism of the methodology.  There are certain principles that should be applied to all that will provide a solid foundation (for you or your clients) when aligned to goals and objectives.

The mark of a good teacher:

the ability to relay complex topics with simplicity (without diluting the message);

presenting practical and theoretical applications of the concepts;

discussing counter arguments and tackling difficult questions;

presenting with humour, passion and relevance.

Not patronising or condescending;

The above Robb delivered with ease.    

Sometimes I attend seminars and come away with more questions than answers.  Not this time.  I had many questions answered (and I had quite a few).  I was given further reference material to peruse and now feel much more confident in asserting my position when challenged.  I also met many interesting people.

If you have the opportunity to attend one of his seminar's, I would highly recommend it.  If you don't have the opportunity, just buy his book as soon as it's available! The Paleo Solution

Comments

[PaleoMomma]

Hey! I am very interested in what sort of questions you presented to Robb Wolf and his answers.
Thanks in advance!

[Darryl Edwards]

PaleoMomma

Well I did ask a good few questions :-)

But in summary one of my questions was around the relationship between food volume and obesity.

Some of those in the Paleo Community seem to dismiss excessive food consumption. With conversations I have had in the past centring around - "Darryl, eat as much fat and protein as you like, exercise is more or less optional and you will still lose weight."

I believe we still have to be mindful of how much we eat as well as the type of foods we eat. Robb was right on the money in this respect (in my opinion) and he gave many practical examples of this.

In very simplistic terms for someone seeking weight loss a reduction in fat consumption (as well as carbohydrates) may need to be explored as we may want to ensure a calorie deficit for this individual to get the results we need. Just as we may need to increase healthy fat intake and carbohydrates including the form of dense carbs such as sweet potatoes occasionally to ensure sufficient calorie consumption supporting an athletes recovery and performance.

It is dependent on the individual with a more shades of grey than I expected (useful for me to know) especially in relation to working with my clients. But I also have sufficient reinforcement of where the lines are that we shouldn't cross, very carefully marked off as no-go areas.

It is difficult to discuss all of the finer points here, but I hope the above is clear?

-Darryl.

[Spartan Warrior]

I have gone Paleo recently after reading about your experiences. I'm looking forward to this book. Keep up the good work Darryl!

[shanna]

Very clear. People should know that you can gain weight on a paleo diet. Binge eating is not healthy even if its paleo foods.

[Diane @ Balanced Bites]

Hi Daryl-

I was at the seminar with you last weekend and I remember your question about over eating. One of the points Robb made about that was that he recommends that people shoot for 1g of protein per pound that they weigh- though I think he was saying he wasn't positive how to quickly convert that to kilos for you...

That said, when a person first aims to hit that goal of protein consumption, they hit satiety far before they consume too many calories in a day. Does that make sense? If you're eating sufficient protein, it's nearly impossible to over consume calories. If you find that your calorie intake is too high, however, looking at how much fat you're taking in is helpful, and while limiting fat isn't necessary on a Paleo diet, if fat loss is a concern, it's not to be ignored that total caloric intake will matter.

Thanks for this post- I'm going to share it! Check out my review of the book here: http://www.balancedbites.com/2010/09/book-review-paleo-solution-original.html

Diane @ Balanced Bites
http://www.balancedbites.com

[Darryl Edwards]

Hi Diane

I agree to an extent, but again I believe it is dependent on the individual. Satiety levels of protein not withstanding - I wouldn't advise a 202lb woman trying to lose weight to eat as much protein as myself (I am a 202lb / 92kg male). I think some people whether due to Leptin issues or just plain gluttony :-) enjoy over-eating.

1g per 1lb I would only recommend for certain individuals who are looking to build/maintain muscle and only where the body requires this level of repair and recovery. But even if there is sufficient justification getting 1g or protein per lb of bodyweight, isn't easy. Especially if you avoid Dairy, Grains, Legumes and Whey protein shakes.

As an example I require around 200g of protein based on the above calculation. With the 3 square meals a day below (on the basis of protein consumption)I am only half way there!

Breakfast: 4 Eggs (28g of Protein)
Lunch: 150g of Chicken Breast (40g of Protein)
Dinner: 150g Mackerel (35g of Protein)

If my training goals required me to eat double this per day, then I would. But I don't believe all people fall into this category, and that is not even considering body constitution i.e. mesomorph, ectomorphs and endomorphs. It's all about balance. But would love to know your thoughts on this.

Thanks for the post and I look forward to reading your review, will be posting my review of the book in the next few days.

-Darryl.

[clif]

Darryl and Diane,
the point that a 202lb overweight client would not need to eat the same amount of protein as a 202lb lean athlete is, I believe, very accurate. I often will advise the goal of 1g/1lb of lean mass of dietary protein each day. This is much more attainable, and probably more in line of whats necessary for the repair/maintenance of lean tissue(s). However, upping that protein would be beneficial if one were trying to increase lean mass. I really enjoy both of your pages!!

[Jon Sam]

I was somewhat skeptical that fish oil causes heartburn, too, but my mother was taking one Costco fish oil pill per day or something like that (max 3 per day). She reported that it gave her heartburn so badly that she avoided taking the pills at all.