"Cheating" (or implementing the 80% rule) is becoming really uncomfortable. page

[dianemc]

I've been highly primal since July and am having terrific success with it--have lost weight, coming out of my brain fog, and have lots of energy and newly discovered vitality at 49--but now, any time I have that Ezekiel bread sandwich (~once a week) or some other mild treat that is higher in carbs or processed sugar, I struggle with bouts of diarrhea/nausea/vomiting. I have dairy daily (high fat Greek yogurt with a little honey and fruit) which doesn't at all seem to bother me. I think the bread/non-primal food is linked to the symptoms. Why such a violent response? Cheating is no fun anymore.

[sbhikes]

That's how they induct you into the cult. Bwuaahhahahahaha!

[Dirlot]

80/20 was never about cheating but managing to live in the real world were all food is not perfect wild caught fish or grass fed, hormone free beef.

[Crabbcakes]

Seems to me that the grains really, really aren't to your body's liking. I have one kid who gets diarrhea at 1/4 cup of white rice, so I have seen this kind of thing before. My advice: be glad that the Primal is doing so much for you and that if grains cause this kind of response, be glad to be rid of them now and not in 5-10-15 more years when they have had much more time to damage your body.

Start a little food log and track what/how much you "cheated" and any response. After a while you will see a pattern. Everybody has stuff that won't feed them well, and stuff that feeds them exceedingly well, and this is highly individual. I can't tolerate processed sugars any more - I get weak, sweaty, fuzzy-headed (highly Primal since May 1, currently doing a Whole30 for October), which sucks big time because I would really like to cheat with some peppermint patties. But that is truly okay because I started Primal as a way to test whether sugars were at the root of my health challenges (they are) and knowing this about my system gives me a real incentive to stay away from something that is essentially a non-food.

And rethink the word "cheat". Try "cheating" with something expensive that you don't usually allow yourself, like an awesome cheese or pate or lobster or something - the money you would have spent on Ezekiel bread can go toward the cost.

I'm glad you are feeling great and getting healthier!

[Drumroll]

I find gluten is a major trigger for bloating and general uncomfortableness for me now. I do my best to avoid it. Even on "cheat" (though I'm not sure I like that term) days. Other grains that don't have gluten are less of a problem so I would indulge in those grains first, before I would dive into that bowl of delicious spaghetti.

[Chaohinon]

I find gluten is a major trigger for bloating and general uncomfortableness for me now. I do my best to avoid it. Even on "cheat" (though I'm not sure I like that term) days. Other grains that don't have gluten are less of a problem so I would indulge in those grains first, before I would dive into that bowl of delicious spaghetti.

that's what these are for:

[Drumroll]

that's what these are for:

Very nice. Rice does me pretty well too, as do oats.

For an OCCASIONAL treat.

[EyeOfRound]

No one says you have to cheat with bread. You can have cheesecake, butter chicken, or sticky-sweet ribs or whatever else floats your boat.

[Dirlot]

What EyeOfRound said...if you are gonna cheat at least make it something tasty.

[Damiana]

Nobody says you're required to cheat. If its no fun, then just don't do it. The 80/20 is just a guideline to make primal an easier fit into your lifestyle for when times call for a little flexibility or when you really need that f---ing pint of Haagen Dazs. There's no need to go diving for the wheat if you feel you must cheat, personally, I think that's a massive waste of calories that could otherwise be spent on delicious, delicious chocolate. Also, after you've cut out wheat for awhile, your body becomes more aware that it has a sensitivity to it. Many people here have reported much the same symptoms after a cheat meal involving grains.