Paleolithic Diet
So all that separates me from Thanksgiving break now is a short presentation I am to give on Thursday afternoon. The topic? The Paleolithic Diet. Of the twenty-something possible topics, I chose this one, not because I agreed with its principles, rather because it offended my sense of nutrition more than any of the others. The article discussing this topic that we were assigned for class has some merit, in that the diet encourages the consumption of lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. However, it also declares that grains, beans, and potatoes are “bad” foods, representing “poor sources of vitamins and minerals.” Uh, last time I checked whole grains were aiding in the prevention of heart disease and diabetes, potatoes are pretty rockin’ in the mineral department, and beans…well, I think we vegetarians know that they’re kind of vital for adequate protein and iron. Clearly, I have much to talk about and critique in my presentation, but I am quite anxious about the whole thing—public speaking is not my favorite activity. How do you feel about speaking in public? Got any tips for the ill at ease?
Now, here’s a glimpse into my decidedly non-Paleolithic diet:
Monday
I’m predicting a new favorite smoothie combination…I just can’t get enough of the peach-banana action.
Tuesday
All my nut butter jars are pretty barren these days. I polished off my Sunbutter stash this morning with some oats in a jar, or more precisely, Cream of Wheat in a jar. Anyone know if consuming hot cereals out of these plastic jars puts me at risk of BPA poisoning? It was damn tasty, but I’m not sure it’s worth risking BPA exposure.
Due to the presentations being made this week, my class was expected to run a little longer than usual today. Considering my love of packed lunches, I once again seized the opportunity to bring along my afternoon meal. Pretty basic but still delicious.
Amidst practicing my presentation, I stuck some Cashew Ginger Tofu in the oven for dinner. Never fails to satisfy:)
Alright, I am off to obsess over my slides a bit more. Ciao!
Filed under: Meals
Hello and welcome! I have created this blog for people who love food, especially healthful, vegetarian food.
I currently attend college in North Carolina, where I am studying English and psychology, although I plan on pursuing an additional degree in nutrition after I graduate. Ideally, I would like to combine my love of food and the written word someday as a health writer.
I’m not so good at speaking in public, either… I think you just have to keep doing it!
Hmmm, I heard that you shouldn’t eat oats in a plastic jar from another blogger. I wouldn’t just to be safe!
I’m not a fan of public speaking either. Practice helps me become less nervous though! Good luck, Caroline!!!
what is the yellow veggie in your lunch?
with your speach, just go in with complete confidence! you will rock it!
thats what stresses me out about nutrition.. you hear one thing that “potatoes are bad” “bananas make you fat” “tomatoes are dirty” etc. then you hear the complete opposite.
does that frusterate you ?
I also don’t like that paleolithic stuff. I mean, we developed as a civilization,and with that, our nutrition also developed. I like my grains and I definitely won’t stop eating them.
Good luck!
I’m per-eeeetty sure that the plastic used for PB jars is safe. I remember reading something about that in Jillian Michaels’ “Master Your Metabolism”.
Caroline, you’ll do fine! breath in, breath out! Just speak with confidence…honestly, you can talk bullshit, but if you exude confidence, everyone will still listen and believe you!
I double checked. If it’s PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) then it’s OKAY.
Check the bottom of the jar to see what type of plastic it is!
a girlfriend of mine has systemic candida and the candida cleanses use the paleo diet as their staple.
i have not seen that brand of sunbutter. i think they are all delish, bpa and all! LOL
You will do amazing in your speech b/c you have confidence that you know your stuff!!
I hate when people/diets say that they know what is good or bad or people. Everyone’s bodies are different and respond differently to foods! I have heard of this diet from people and it always bothers me b/c they are so preachy!!!
I could never live without sweet potatoes and squash!! And I KNOW they are good for me and my body agrees with them!!
You will do fabulous love, don’t question it!
<3, D
That diet sounds a little crazy- where would I be without beans?? They’re such a daily staple! Love your afternoon meal- so yum! A great, healthy, portable meal- love it
it’s all about confidence and practice which are interconnected. The more you practice and do public talk, more confidence you gain and better you do. Also knowing the material well is important and be prepared for all kind of questions! good luck!
Rock out that presentation!!! I have one today too
Speaking in public = zero fun. I don’t think it ever gets easier, either. As soon as I am a few people in line away from speaking, anxiety kicks in. I don’t know why either – especially at the college level, nobody in class is really paying attention or cares what you’re saying anyways! It is the strangest thing.
I am SO bad with public speaking! I mean I’ve improved since 7th grade when I first had to do it, but I still get pretty nervous.
I’m not generally a shy person, but public speaking makes me downright queasy! I hope it all goes well for you.
PS…I’m not a huge fan of the Luna bars, but as well as the dulce de leche, I like the chocolate peppermint stick one….
Good luck on your preso!! That smoothie looks and sounds yummy
I’m not one for speaking in public either. These past couple of years have been full of public speaking for me, which has stretched and pulled me in directions that are so against my personality! The good news is that it gets much easier with practice!
My best tips of advice are: 1) PRACTICE! Speak in front of the mirror, speak in front of your family and/or friends, etc. The more you talk about it, the more you’ll think about your topic so that it will just be second nature when you’re presenting it.
2) Remember that the people are there to hear the info, not to scrutinize you! If you forget what you were saying, it’s okay! Pick yourself up and keep going.
3) Relax and have note cards available if they’ll help. Sometimes it helps to have key words to focus on for each part of your presentation.
Lastly, wear a favorite outfit that makes you feel and look confident! You’ll be great, especially since you have an interest in the topic you’re presenting.
I recently saw something on TV about that diet. I thought it was great about the non processed part, but the part about eliminating beans and grains was off-putting!
I am terrible at public speaking. One time, I had to speak in front of a small crowd to discuss a movie we had just watched and I almost started crying! Everyone thought I was so upset because I was so touched by the movie but really, I was just SO SCARED!
Tips? Fake it until you make it! If you aren’t feeling confident, people will notice so exude that you’re confident and you KNOW what you’re talking about. Eventually you will feel more comfortable talking in front of others. I had to learn this when I ‘taught’ my classmates. Just remember that everyone is probably freaking out about their own presentation, so you’re not alone in feeling nervous. Act confident and true confidence will follow. You’ve got this!!
“Terrible” doesn’t even begin to describe my public speaking skills (or lack thereof) — “paralyzed by fear” is a little closer to it! Unfortunately for me, my school is REALLY into presentations, so I’ve been doing them a lot more than I’d like.
Turns out that a lot of people hate it, and they know just how you feel, so they’re not judging you. Admittedly hard to remember when you’re up there, but it does get easier with practice.
<3 <3
I was so excited to see the title of your post this morning since this seems to be an ongoing debate in our household. My boyfriend who does Crossfit Workouts trys to subscribe to a Paleolithic diet most of the time because he believes that it helps with performance. I tried eating Paleo for a time but couldn’t get over the fact that they outlawed such wonderful foods as lentils, or whole grains. I know there are a lot of arguments for both sides out there but am always trying to convince him that whole grains can’t be bad for you. Those in favor of paleo lithic eating as I am sure you have read think that man developed all sorts of health problems including diabetes once grains were introduced into the diet. I hope your presentation goes well and if you feel like sharing any of your key talking points, I am all ears!
Hey, I am sure you practiced enough for your presentation so just take some deep abdominal breaths and go for it, deep breathing through your abdominal helps you relax and focus. Plus, you have a passion on your point of view and that will show through your arguments and help you shine, I am sure you will do great!
I am hooked on the almond butter (seriously, thanks for talking about it often cause I just love it now!) but am yet to try the sunflower seed butter, next on my list to try!
You know, I always read you talking about reading blogs while you enjoy your smoothies and all.
I have a smoothie every morning for breakfast and just realized that every morning I come here to read your post while I sip my smoothie!
Good luck with the presentation, I like the topic you chose, very interesting and pretty open for good discussion! Let us know how it goes!
Ana
i acutally enjoy speaking in public! there is something powerful about it when you know that the whole room has eyes on you, you just have to be confident and and think, heck yes the whole room is looking at me and I am going to show them what I got! (also doesnt hurt to picture them in their underwear
)
I made the banana french toast sticks the other night, inspired by you! you even got a shout out on my blog! thanks girl!
Cashew Ginger Tofu sounds baller!! I HATE public speaking but some lovely people once told me to pretend I am acting in a play – if you disassociate yourself from the situation a bit, it’s a lot easier to deal with!
I hate speaking in public, but I’ve gotten used to it as I have more projects that call for it. I don’t think the butterflies ever go away completely though
Good luck with your presentation!
I have the same fear of eating oats out of a leftover jar – I haven’t been able to do it yet!
Good luck on the speech! At least it’s a topic you’re passionate about. Being a Communications major, I got pretty used to speaking in public. Don’t just read off the slides. Also, “pretend” to make eye contact with the crowd, even if you’re looking right above them or something, they can’t tell. Lastly, go slow!
aww your gonna rock that speech! i just gave a presentation last night and i think what works for me is just getting to know the stuff really well to where you don’t have note cards. note cards always make it awkward like you feel like you have to read and stuff but if you just do it standing there with what you know then you’ll totally be fine
if all else fails picture the audience in their unders
Good luck! I get really nervous speaking in public…using handouts or posters (anything to detract attention away from ME) helps!
You’ll be great
I don’t like Paleo because I think it puts too much emphasis on what is “evolutionary,” and not necessarily what is backed by science. That’s one reason why I like the “good calories bad calories” argument (Taubes’ only argument is that sugar (not cholesterol, not fat) is the biggest reason we have cardiovascular disease, overweight, cancer, and other modern health problems) and it’s VERY well-reasoned and VERY scientific. He goes into very nitty gritty biochemistry to back up his points. I’m kind of a sciency person so this kind of reasoning really appeals to me
AHHH so much rambloing, but I love debating diets! As much as I think low-carb has been shown to improve markers of overall health, I don’t actually follow it. I lean towards it a little, but I try to strive for balance, and I kinda like carbs anyway so I eat em, but it’s cool to try to read and understand the way different macromolecules affect every aspect of our body’s functioning, even though I’ve never changed my eating habits because of it.
OH ABOUT PRESENTING. Oh goodness I am THE WORST when it comes to presenting. For my socieal neuroscience class we had an HOUR LONG PRESENTTATION. No joke, it was an hour. I stood in front of my power point at the front of the class for an hour. I think IO got 2 hours of sleep the night before. Not helpful
don’t think about it too much. Just get up there, get it done, and THANKSGIVING!!!!!!
Good luck Caroline
I’m so glad someone else uses plastic pb jars! I always do.. I’m not worried about toxins from them!
I’m right there with you on public speaking. Except I avoid it at all costs!
How did your presentation go? That paleolithic diet concept is so stupid! I’m sure you rocked your presentation.
I’m not big on public speaking either but I found that the more familiar I am with my topic the easier it is to present it.