The Primal Blueprint Health Challenge
Welcome Stumblers and all newcomers! If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, increase energy levels, reduce stress or just generally look and feel healthier you've come to the right place.
Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter for tips, advice and special insider-only information.
Learn more about the Primal Lifestyle by visiting the Primal Blueprint 101 page. Thanks for visiting!
If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, reduce stress, increase energy or just generally look, live and feel healthier you’ve come to the right place! Oh, and you can win lots of cool Primal gear, too.
Watch the following video and read the article below for all the details.
Create Your Own 30-Day Health Challenge
This is your first task. It’s time for you to define and commit to your own 30-day challenge.
I’ve created a special forum for The Primal Blueprint Health Challenge. In it you can:
Use the Primal Blueprint Health Challenge forum to receive positive feedback, advice and help along the way from myself and the Mark’s Daily Apple community.
The Primal Blueprint 101 Newsletter
I’ve created a special newsletter just for this health challenge – The Primal Blueprint 101 Newsletter. If you’re new to the Primal Blueprint or would just like a comprehensive overview of the Primal Blueprint health philosophy visit this page and begin receiving it today.
Daily Contests
The main challenge itself isn’t competitive but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some friendly contests along they way!
Over the course of the next month Mark’s Daily Apple, Primal Nutrition and sponsors will be giving away over $6,000 in prizes.
Here are some rules and answers to FAQ:
- Contests will run every day for the duration of the 30-day challenge (through Sep. 1), so check back daily!
- All contest prizes relate in some way to the Primal lifestyle.
- Some contests will require a bit of leg work while others will require something as simple as commenting on a blog post.
- There is no limit to how many contests you can participate in.
- The duration of any one contest depends on the nature of the contest. Some will last the full 30 days (to give you time to complete the contest task) while others will be as short as 1 day.
- Contest prizes will be awarded either by a random drawing, by reader voting/polling or by an executive decision (who I think should win!).
- Some prizes will only be available to United States residents.
- You can track the contests and contest results on the Primal Blueprint Health Challenge Contest Page. It will be updated every day.
- I’m not being paid by any company that is sponsoring the contest with a prize.
All you have to do to enter today’s contest is leave a comment on this blog post. For all the details visit Contest: Leave a Comment. Win Some Beef.
New to the Primal Blueprint and Mark’s Daily Apple?
If you are new to the Primal Blueprint and Mark’s Daily Apple and don’t know where to begin here are some resources:
1. Not sure what it means to “Go Primal”? Check out these articles for the basics:
The Definitive Guide to the Primal Blueprint
2. The Primal Blueprint 101 Page
3. The Primal Blueprint 101 Newsletter
4. The Forum – Ask any and all questions you have about the Primal lifestyle.
5. The Book
6. What to eat? – Primal Recipes
7. Have a question? – Contact Me
8. Check back tomorrow for an overview of how to eat and how to exercise according to the Primal Blueprint.
Tell your friends and family about the challenge so they can get Primal, too! Use the “ShareThis” link below to send this article via email.
The 2009 Primal Blueprint Health Challenge has come to a close. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take your own 30 day challenge! Go Primal for 30 days and see what happens to your body and your health. Stay tuned for future health challenges. Grok on!
Subscribe to Mark’s Daily Apple feeds
Posted By: Mark Sisson
Awesome Mark! Thanks for bring a new challenge to help get me back on track. Looking forward to making some real changes in the next 30 days!
I’ve got a beef with that picture. It’s driving a steak through my heart.
I love Primal and especially this prize-being able to eat steak without guilt-heaven
show me the beef! love ya!
I have been following MDA for a year now and have adopted some of primal blueprint (lots of vegies and protein). I have not given up carbs, but I try to stick with sprouted grains, sweet potatoes and brown rice – in much smaller quantities than in the past. I am still confused about all the conflicting info about the health of fatty meats.
Excellent. I am way way in. Got off track last week with 5 friends visiting and their desire to eat and drink their way around Oregon (which I admit I happily joined) so this is perfect timing.
Thanks Mark for setting this up and giving us a way to keep motivated and dedicated to being healthy and strong.
today’s contest is NOT a piece of cake…c’mon mark, how very non-primal of you…but a piece of STEAK! yea, baby, yea! in my belly!
Mmmmmmmm, steak! I am SO in.
Steaks yum!!! Choose me…!!!
As for the challenge, I’m in… next thirty days are going to be awesome!
Steaks sound real tasty.
I am so ready to go with the challenge.
I’m so excited! I’ve been waiting for this all week. I have a couple of friends that are joining me for this too. Steph, Sara, where are your comments??
im so excited too…also hungry for steaks
I am in Europe so I can only dream of tasting those juicy steaks…but one can dream for now!
I am moving at the moment so my primal challenge is to stick to it as much as I can. 20/80 here I come!
M x
Grass fed steak is the perfect prize for a pregnant lady!
Grok On!
hmm, steaks, yum yum.
but i life in germany, so i hope the 3 winners will tell how tasty the steaks was.
Thanks for setting up this Challenge Mark. I did really well with Primal living in June and then slipped a bit in July with vacation and a family reunion with a family more like the Korgs than Grok.
I started the day with a Primal workout alternating between push ups, pull ups, sledgehammering and a slosh tube that I built yesterday to prepare for the start of the challenge today. All I can say about the slosh tube is “OH MY GOD!”. I got an 4″ diameter 8′ PVC pipe and caps for the ends. Anyone thinking of doing this should start out with filling it 1/2 full of water (or less) before trying to progress to 2/3rds full of water.
I’m looking forward to feeling sore tomorrow.
Good timing with this. I’m in!
Steak rocks. I’m making the change as best I can to be more primal
Yay grass fed beef! My favorite!! So pumped about the challenge
Thanks so much for providing motivation and inspiriation for the primal lifestyle mark! So looking forward to making the primal challenge work for me!
Great way to get people motivated for a life change.
I love me some grass-fed beef.
I’m ready to get cracking on the 30-day Primal Challenge!!
I’m singing the “Steak and eggs and eggs and steak” song from Family Guy!
Awesome! I have been going sticking to Primal diet for the last 2 weeks with a cheat day on the weekend for thing like beer and some ice cream.
Mark,
Are there going to be any cheat days allowed. I have been trying to not take them but then on Sunday I hear this little voice saying “its now or never” for carbs.
Thanks,
Nathan
Started my journal. Needed this to motivate me not to cheat and eat garbage like toast or potatoes!
This was great timing for me! I started the primal lifestyle in January and have lost 40 pounds and kept it off. In July I slacked off, so this challenge will be a great way to get back into the groove
Yay for steak!
Mark..great kickoff! Journal is started, challenges listed and would love to try our some delicious grass fed steaks
Can’t wait to see what changes we can go through….make grok proud!
Let the games begin! (Literally for me; my own personal challenge is “play.”)
I think this challenge is a great idea to force people like me to finally get committed. Bring it on.
I have been looking forward to this challenge!
Commenting here, too! Let the challenge begin!
Awesome! I’m so excited to get started!
Looking forward to the challenge! I’m about half way through your book now, so the timing is great!
mmmmmmmmm… steak! This is gonna be FUN!
mmmm… beef.
Mmmmmm, looking forward to this, and am trying to get family members to join in as well.
I’ll celebrate the kickoff with a nice primal lunch: spinach salad, grass-fed porterhouse, and a glass of green tea.
Let the challenge commence!
Just read through many of the 350+ responses and I’m thinking “hey, Mark’s on to something here!”
You can remove my name from contention for this prize… there are too many grass-fed virgins on the board for me to qualify. BTW, the porterhouse was delicious. Salted for about 30 mins to make it extra-juicy, then rinsed, dried, peppered, grilled to “bloody-rare” and devoured with gusto.
I’m on board. I actually started eating strictly Paleo this past Saturday. I feel great so far! Thanks for the encouragement and advice!
Tasty Creatine!!!
So excited to kick up my efforts a notch – I’ve been eating fairly primal for the past month and doing CrossFit for the past two. This is just the thing to help me try harder!
Looking forward to how I can further adopt the primal lifestyle….and steak.
Where’s the (grass-fed) beef!?
Grass fed steak – Grrrrrrrr!
I’m a beef eater.
Beef for me, please!
Excellent! I’ve been reading for about 6 weeks, shifting more and more paleo from a “flegan” — flexible vegan
— diet. Was already there on the exercise bit. Looking forward to this challenge!
So excited to get started on this challenge. Just finished the book yesterday, so the timing couldn’t be better!
I LOVE that this starts on survival week, it’s a 2-fer!
Now, about that beef….give it up!
Mmmmmm… MEAT! Steak is good.
So, funny meat story: A few years back, while heading home from a week long camping trip, my friends and I stop in a truck stop along I-80 to eat. The waitress comes over and asks, “What can I get you?”
One of my friends says, “MEAT!”
Without skipping a beat, the waitress asks, “And how would you like that?”
My friend pulls a coin from his pocket, flips it, catches it, slaps it on the back of his hand, looks at it, and in a dejected voice says, “Cooked.”
I’m in for the challenge. My log is started. But, to be honest, I just ordered a side of local, grass fed beef this past Friday, so I certainly don’t need to win this prize.
DML
Count me in!
Very excited for the challenge. Just finished the book a few weeks ago!
Get in my belly!
A friend put me on to going primal – it has been two weeks now and I’ve enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to getting more involved in the community to develop better exercise programs and to stay focused.
I have lost 20lbs after going primal and have enjoyed many a steak (grass-fed) along the way.
yumsters!
ME WANT STEAK!
Another 30 days why not? Just finished 100 days and loved it so lets do another 30! and maybe get some yummy beef out of it!
Count me in too!
Since going #primal 3 years ago, I’ve lost 30 pounds, found CrossFit and have kept in the best shape of my life. Got my mother to go primal and she lost 30 pounds, and as a Type I diabetic that is awesome for her!
Looking forward to the contests Mark, but in the end, everyone who changes for the better is a winner!
-PrimalMan
Those steaks sure sound delicious.
Recently slid off the primal wagon. This 30-day challenge and the possibility of steak is all I need to get me back on track!
Can I substitute a big ‘ole slab of Tofu when I win?
I can’t wait to see the rest of the challenges. I’m only a month in on the PB myself and I’ve already seen dramatic improvements in my health and energy! It’s amazing to be able to live again. Thanks Mark!
Holy cow! What a great prize to start the challenge!
This is the kickstart I needed!
Sounds great!
I’ve decided it’s time to go 100% primal.
Hooray beef!!
I’m starting my challenge tomorrow as I just got out of the ER this morning for a ridiculous amount of poison sumac (I got a little too primal in the woods).
I’m stocked full of steroids, antibiotics and all kinds of non-primal crap.
where’s the beef?
I would like some steak!
Yummers! Steaks!!!
Winning some beef sure would be a nice way to begin the challenge. I can barely afford rent right now, let alone grass-fed beef.
I’ve been trolling this blog for about 90 days. A challenge is a great way to get motivated and get primal
mmm..beef. Looking forward to the challenges, Mark.
Thanks for the contest and the always fantastic articles, Mark!
This beef sounds fantatstic! Hope I win and can chow down, and convince my family of the benefits of paying a bit more for good good GOOD meat!
since PRIMAL im a NEW person
thank GOD for PALEO!
I finished the Primal Blueprint a few days ago. Great timing on the challenge!
Thanks Mark! Looking forward to the challenge.
Steak! What a perfect incentive to post
Good luck to all in the Challenge!
Those steaks look tasty! Just one more thing to help me with this challenge. Thanks to both you guys!
I’m in for some red meat
This is one of the best sites on the net. Mark your dedication to keep putting in all these hours to get your message out really speaks about how strongly you believe in your message (I do too, BTW), and that’s refreshing to see. Great idea with the contest(s) too!
Oooh, that beef looks good!
I look forward to checking out the board and seeing what people’s goals for the month are. Mine are nebulous so far: ‘do better’ is as far as I’ve gotten.
yes please!
Mmmmmmm beef.
I want in on this, is there a forum where u can upload pictures and let people track your progress?
This is going to be fun. Nothing like some grass fed beef to start my challenge. After work today, I’m heading out for a hike with the kids — can you say waterfalls and cliffs in Louisiana? Yep, it’s true or as my 15-yr old would say: It’s legit!
I like to pretend that all the steak I eat is from grass-fed cows, but I wouldn’t mind putting the delusion aside and having some actual grass-fed beef.
I love challenges. Hopefully I can learn something new everyday!!
mmmmmmmm beefy! sign me up!
So excited for the challenge! I hope I win some beef too.
What a great way to kick things off! This is going to be a blast all month long. Good luck everyone in meeting your personal challenges and winning some cool stuff to I hope!
This contest is sweet, and it’s changing the world! =)
Just had a couple grass fed beef steaks last night and we’re ready for more. Really looking forward to this month’s challenge to see if we can work on that last 20%!
I’m happy to see so much more awareness of paleo type eating these days. Back in 2001 when I first learned about it and started doing it (the first time), there wasn’t nearly as much in the way of resources.
nom nom nom, definitely haven’t steak for dinner tonight now
thanks for the challenge! can’t wait!
My health has made tremendous strides over the past several months since going Primal! I’m so glad to have stumbled onto Mark’s website and am looking forward to 30 days of even greater life improvements. A yummy 4-pack of steaks would be a nice way to celebrate my accomplishments and to continue on my path of healthy living!
I am excited this challenge started right after my last 1/2 IM of the season. Now I can leave behind the LSD for a while and work on being more Primal!
Beef: It’s not just for breakfast anymore!
Look at all this momentum already! I have a great source of grass-fed beef here locally, but if I win, I’ll give it to a family who could really use it.
This is wonderful, Mark.
Oh, and I’m looking forward to taking off a few pounds and cleaning up my bad binging habits.
Beeeeeeeeef!!!
Mark – thank you for the challenge! I look forward to the next 30 days and beyond. Thank you to Beau too! What a generous offer to help move Mark’s Apple readers to Mark’s Apple movers and shakers.
I love PB but have been slacking lately, so this challenge is great timing!!
I’m in!
I got The Primal Blueprint for my husband for Father’s Day. He could barely pry it from my hands!!! I just finished 30 days of 100% PRIMAL! I feel GREAT! I’m more than ready for another 30 days of this new lifestyle and excited to have ya’ll as friends on this journey!
I need this! Haven’t had meat in ages and was prescribed meat! But I will not eat hormone laden, antibiotic filled meat. I need me some healthy steaks!
Looking forward to this 30 day challenge. since stumbling across this site a few weeks ago, i’ve already dropped almost 10 pounds and I haven’t even gone completely “Primal” yet. this next 30 days will hopefully be just what i need.
Looking forward to my next 30 days “as if”! I wonder if you will be able to read this whole wall of comments tomorrow – easier than hunting for meat though – thanks!
I have beening waiting for this just to pick up my primal a bit!
looking forward to the challenge and hoping to win some steak!
Count me in on the challenge! Go steak!
Wow! I’m blown away, Mark. Cool stuff, man!
I have to attest all of this to the Law of Attraction — I started following your site a few years back, but kinda lost track, and recently stumbled back after a suggestion from a friend. Must have been a reason that he reminded me to follow you, and it has to be to get started on this 30 day challenge.
I love your 10 primal blueprints and look forward to all the awesome prizes.
Good luck everyone on the next 30 days.
Have an amazing day,
Sirena
I could eat beef all day everyday. Its my preferred meat!
Ooga Booga. Beef! Beef!
As the great Homer Simpson once said, “mmmmmmm, steak!”
I am ready, willing, and able. Let’s go primal!!!!!!!!!
Drooling at the thought of grass-fed beef. Cheers to Mr. Bendigo!
Perfect timing. Just got back from a trip to England to see my mum and indulged in all my old bad eating habits. Ready to get serious about Primal.
I’m reading “Omnivore’s Dilemma” right now and the thought of eating anything besides grass fed has me reeling. The revelations in the book as to what is happening on feed lots show that there is a lot more going into our bodies than beef.
Bring on the healthy!
Good timing – I’m also kicking off my own personal year-long self-challenge to drop 70 pounds by next August 1st today. So consider this comment my way of “steaking” my claim!
This is exciting! Thanks, Mark, for emphasizing the personal goal-setting and what we might want from the challenge/Primal lifestyle.
mmmm….beef.
Can’t win the beef, but still going to try!
I’ve recently discovered this website, ordered the book a few weeks ago and have been gradually changing my diet to be more “primal.” This challenge is the perfect opportunity to fine-tune my eating and exercise habits. And I’ll be writing about my progress on my blog!
That would be nice. I’ve never had grass fed beef.
Yay Steak!
I’m ready! And hungry…
I LOVE that you offered the information about who is supplying the Grass Fed beef. I am always looking for more sources. I have had great luck with Slanker’s in Texas and more recently I have been purchasing from Nick Wallace of Wallace Farms in Iowa.
Good luck to everyone and bring on the Beef!
Those look absolutely delectable.
Good enough to eat RAW
I’m in for the challenge. I’ve been gradually going primal for several months now … hoping to use the challenge as a springboard to more consistency.
Thanks Mark!
I love grass-fed beef. I made about 6lbs of pemmican last year (25lbs of meat and fat went into that) and it all disappeared within weeks.
There’s a slightly different flavor, and very little intra-muscular fat, so you have to leave fat on a roast or steak and remember to even baste a little more over it if practical.
Hmmm, I love Beef! Those pieces look absofreakinlutely Delish!!!!!!! : )
I’m in for the challenge and ready to get my GROK on! : )
Oooo…. grass fed meat!
Crossfit + Primal eating habits = looking good for my vacation in 30 days!
Looking forward to this challenge. Go Yankees!
I just ate a grass-fed ribeye last night…cooked blood rare! Very tasty!
Man o man free beef. It’s like buying tires from Les Schwab in February =;^)
I’ve been looking forward to this challenge for the past month. And LOVE the blog. Thank you for putting this together.
No shipping to the UK… darn, I love me a nice juicy piece of beef!
I’m so excited about this challenge. I have been getting lazy about my diet so this has come at exactly the right time to give me a kick up the backside.
Good luck everyone!
I’m in! Going on my 4th month primal. Lost 35lbs and put on some solid mass also. Thanks mark! Your book changed/saved my life!
Count me in!! We really got back in the groove of Primal on 8/1. Yesterday we had some fresh, organic chicken. Check out the 2 youtube videos my hubby posted of our kids and that fresh, organic chicken!!…it is OMG funny!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbJzgtJdP3E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmic5MQo_7g
…and P.S. she (and he) DID eat the chicken!
)
That is great stuff, Alison M. Ha! Thanks for the links.
By the way, check back tomorrow and the following day for some contests that might be right up your alley.
Steak, steak, steak! What about non-US people btw?
Fire up the grill, those steaks look tasty!
Great timing for me also. Bring on the beef!
Going to try and convince my mom of the benefits of Primal. Tough though since my dad seems to be a skeptic of the whole no grain thing. Oh well, must lead by example I suppose! Showing how much healthier I am since going Primal, will have to be convincing
Can’t wait wait to get started!!!
I’ve been primal/paleo for around 6 months now and have still yet to get my hands on some grass finished beef. Sign me up!
I’ve been reading the site for a while now, just ordered the book a few days ago. I’m looking forward to this challenge as its my first venture into the primal lifestyle, but from everything I’ve read over the past couple weeks, I can honestly say I’m pretty excited about the idea that this is something I will actually able to stick to as opposed to the set in stone diet/exercise plans that leave very little room for leeway.
Count me in! I wants me some STEAK.
Grass-fed steak is quite hard to come by where I live, and being in college, winning this prize would be more than amazing.
Let the games begin.
I like steak.
mmm…steak…what a great way to start off the challenge.
I can taste them already. YUM!
I rarely eat beef, grass-fed or otherwise, simply because it doesn’t fit in the budget as well as lots and lots of eggs.
Great prize!
Count me in!
Thanks Mark for the article on beef. Love the thread it generated!!
Awesome – these steaks take the cake, huh? (sorry, bad pun.) They look tasty as all get out.
I’m coming off of 30 days of strict Paleo, so another 30 of strict Primal seems just like what Dr. Grok ordered!
Very neat idea! Should be a great way to get people motivated about fitness and health.
Yes way!
Great idea… looking forwards to the challenge!
I’d love to win some grass fed beef. Can’t find it here in Iowa!
Went PALEO, going PRIMAL. (Yummy steak!)
WRITE UP: http://www.aurelioinator.blogspot.com
Thanks for everything, Mark =)
i could do steak tonight…mmm
Great stuff. Getting more people involved in this movement is a great thing. The more we push, the better off we’ll all be.
This week was my first really hardcore week, although I’d been eating relatively primal for about 6 weeks before that.
No alcohol, 3x 24hr intermittent fasting/feed cycles, hit the weights 3x and tried to get some sun, sleep, etc. Decided to have a cheat day Saturday, where I had some ice cream and wine and what a learning experience that was. It just wasn’t “satisfying” from that “addictive” point of view. It wasn’t “filling up” anything that used to feel empty before.
So, I’m ready for this challenge! Bring it on!
Wow, lots more comments since I ran off for some quick deadlifting!
I’m in for the month as a strict “clean-up” period: more details in the journal I’ll start, but really an attempt to strip out many of my “cheats” (often 80/20 slides down to 60/40 or 50/50 … with predictable results) and cook more often.
Regular steaks tonight, grass-fed ground beef later in the week, and I see some elk steaks towards the end of the week. Yum.
If I win, I’m putting candles in the steak and pretending it’s my birthday.
half way thru the book! so excited about the challenge! and a great first prize.
I love a challenge, especially if it involves steak
Whew hoo! Win money for eating the same stuff I already eat everyday! Count me in. Mark, you rock dude.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s results and reading about the winners stories. Good luck everyone!
For those that are on the fence on the challenge, go for it.
Primal eating has helped me change my life.
Here’s wishin for some free steaks!!!
steak huh? my favorite animal.
Where’s the beef? Yee Haw! I’m excited about this 30 day challenge.
Bring it!!
Goal: avoid all the health problems I see old people have. I know a small number of people who at 85 do more work than 5 typical teenagers combined. I want to be the same.
i 8 steak
Beef!!! I’m ready for the challenge!
There’s never enough meat in my house. Arrrgh.
This first one seems almost too easy. But I’m in. And I love a good grass fed steak.
WOW this is great!!! Mark you have inspired me to run with my own recipes… Very motivational seeing how many things are PALEO friendly…. Thanks again!!!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! Steak! Can’t wait to go post my goal on the forum!
I’m going to use the power of positive mental attraction….Mmmmmmm can taste the steak now!
I’m in. Should be fun!
MMMMMM! Beef! Grok like beef.
I’m so excited about the challenge! My problem is narrowing down my goals to something manageable during the 30 days.
Getting off sugar is goal #1!
Grok on! 30 day challenge is just what I need to motivate myself!
Those steaks look delicious!
If I win the beef I will eat it while watching Clint Eastwood movies and sipping a cold beer after doing 8 100 yard sprints in my Five Fingers and doing 100 pushups with several small children on my back.
Steaks are my favorite meat.
I am in.
I’ve been a vegetarian 8 years and started eating meat again July 5th. I’m falling in love with meat all over again.
Grass feed steaks look tasty. We’ve been trying to figure out which farm to go with and trying different ones in the area. Just had a couple roasts last week from a local Texas farm, LM Beef that were really good.
Thanks for another challenge. I’ve been mostly primal for the last year, but have room for improvement.
Primal worked for me for a short stint earlier in the year, I’m game for trying again.
Hey, I want steak too!!!
Wow what an awesome idea! This is perfect to motivate me to stay healthy as I go back to college, the land of late night snackage, to much caffeine, and free soft-serve ice cream. I started going primal this summer and hope to continue!
Looking forward to the next 30 days.
I found this site only two days ago so it seems like perfect timing. I’m ready to give it my all for the next 30 days. I already do CrossFit so why not go the whole shebang.
Count me in!
Thanks Mark!
A Primal Blueprint Haiku —
Grassy Texas plain
Dinner happily grazes
Sucks to be vegan
mmmmm…steak
Awesome! I’ve been looking forward to the start of the challenge! I got into Primal last year just after the challenge had ended.
Last week I was in Omaha, Nebraska for a few hours on business, so I decided “Great! Omaha Steaks!”
How pissed was I when I got home and read in their little informational packet that they are PROUD that their beef is GRAIN-FED!
I wish I had known that before I dropped 80 bucks on them. I’m happy at a minimum to get the guy’s number as a source for beef that’s grass fed.
I’ll have the beef please. Rare.
GET REAL…BEEF!
Bring it on…Started a blog two weeks ago, so this will be a great challenge to motivate me and keep me honest.
I have to say I have a very pro grass fed beef agenda and therefore throw my approval behind this prize 100%.
Wooo, very excited for the challenge and beef goes well with everything.
Ok, scratch that, I just dipped some beef in to my coffee and that was not as good as I had hoped, I blame the coffee though.
I’ve linked to your contest and website from my own blog. I don’t get a lot of traffic so far, but you might get an extra half-dozen readers out of it.
Count me in for the challenge. Someone is going to win, might as well be me.
It’s great to see everyone so fired up! Think how much better we’ll feel (and look) in 30 days…
Nice. I KNEW August was going to be fun. “Wheres the beef?”
(sorry, couldn’t help it)
I’m seriously craving some steak now!
I started a paleo/primal challenge last Thursday… been really good so far except for a few dairy things.
Just switched from vegetarian back to meat eater and I’m falling in love with meat again! (Only grass-fed, humanely raised, though.)
I’m psyched, Mark! This will help me to re-focus. I’m looking forward to it.
Kim
task numero uno: accomplished.
Post for that steak. I’m all about ribeyes.
Right now, the only way I get grass-fed beef is from my paleo kits. I have a job where they cater breakfast/lunch/dinner. Obviously, it’s all factory-farmed food, so I just do the best I can.
Very exciting. Primal Living starts now.
Where’s the beef…. Sounds yummy, lets do it….
My first comment!!
Love your website and everything you do for our health!! Loved your book, too!!
Living the Primal way (at least 80%) has gotten me down to a weight I never thought I could achieve. Goal was 180; I’m at 168 and holding.
Hey this is exciting. I stumbled upon this blog near the end of June and haven’t looked back. I’ve lost a little over 10 pounds already and I’ve got my wife on board too. I feel a lot healthier and have tons of energy. I have definitely been following the 80/20 rule with a few trips to fast food joints. The food still tastes good but it doesn’t feel good. I haven’t tried any grass-fed beef yet so… hopefully I get lucky.
Yes! I would love some grass fed beef! I got back on plan on 8/1 and this is going to be a GREAT challenge!
My goal was 185. Got down to 179. Now I’m 187. Yikes. Too much beer and dark chocolate!
My girlfriend and I (and hopefully some friends) are taking advantage of this opportunity and rededicating to the primal lifestyle. If I get lucky enough to win, I’d like to have the steaks sent to my sweetheart (we live across the country from each other). I have a good, mostly grassfed beef source locally about which I blogged here:
http://youarewhatieat.blogspot.com/2009/02/beef-tale.html
Just the impetus I needed. Given that I can eat a box of kid-unfriendly cereal in one sitting, this will be quite a turnaround if I can make it work. I have no delusions that it’ll happen all at once (heck, I couldn’t even make it through the burger I had for lunch without eating the bun that I had initially removed), but by the end of the challenge I hope to be well on the way.
Never had grass fed beef… maybe I will soon!
Mmmmm. Meat.
Always wanted to try such high quality meat, vs the stuff from the grocery store! Looks wonderful.
I’m ready to go Primal!
Where in TX is this guy’s ranch? I hope it’s near me….
I could use some steak!
Tasty start!
Any chance to get some grassfed beef for a family of four-the stuff is not cheap or widely available-but we love it. Thanks for the chance!
Mark Lee
I’ve been dabbling with paleo/primal/zone,… This challenge will help me stick to it. Thanks in advance for the support!
I have NEVER tried grass-fed steak due to the high costs. I would LOVE to try it out!
Well I got the book, skimmed through it, stopped (mostly) eating bread/pasta/potatoes and I have lost about 10 pounds. I haven’t really altered my activities or activitly level and I haven’t really switched to the higher quality foods (still mostly whatever I can scrounge from the fridge or freezer). I haven’t really given this a full effort, just enough for my family to say stuff like “your weird diet”, but so far it seems pretty complicated…
Doug
Where’s the beef?
In six months of Crossfit and three months of Primal Living I have lost 20 pounds and feel like a completely new man. Got off the Rx. meds too.
Most of all, I notice the diet giving me more energy. Primal living allows me to really push it in the workouts. It is all an (awesome) cycle.
Grass-fed steaks would be a welcome prize.
See a recap of my progress on the linked website.
count me in
Count me in. No way I’d turn down an opportunity for steak.
Wow, I am nervous, but I think I will give it a try!
go ahead and send the steaks
This is great!! Just what I need to get back on track!! And gf beef? Yummy!
Yay! I’m in. Started “mostly Primal” last week and already I am down 5 pounds. Ready to take it up a notch. I’m feeling great!
Count me in too!
This is exactly what I need to step it up. And I live in Texas, so a closer supplier is good! Hope I get to try my first bit of grass-fed beef soon!
Grass fed beef! Yum. Just got some last week from the local greenmarket but I would love to try some Texas T-Bone!
I have been on track for 3 days already. What a great start to the 30 day challenge. Steak would help too!!
I’m in for the next 30 days (and hopefully longer)
Just what I needed to get committed to a Primal lifestyle. Thanks for the motiviation!
Got your book a month or two ago and have read it completely – now it’s time to put everything into action. I’m really challenged being a pseudo-vegetarian for 24 years, but I’m willing to go primal because what I’ve been doing isn’t cutting it
Thanks, Mark!
Yay Steaks!
OMG. Steak, please! Looking forward to meeting a kicked-up, more Primal version of me at the end of this month! Thanks, Mark.
Where’s the beef??!??!??!
I love steak …
Been serious about going Primal since June and have lost 15 lbs. Would love me some steak! Thanks Mark!
Beef is succulentitious, yumyum!
I wonder what the probability of winning that deliciousness is…
I am committing that over the next 30 days I will get out in the sun for a few minutes everyday and work in my yard and gardent and breath in fresh air. I will do my best to eat Primally and will not eat grains or processed food and will eat lots of good vegetables and fruits. I will continue to work at getting good sleep and will not allow myself to get overly hungry by eating more veggies to curb those moments. I will stand empowered and powerful in my strength and own responsibilty for my health. I am morbidly obese and now is the 30 day challenge to the rest of my healthful abundant life. -Angela Skabelund
Angela, sounds as we are in a similar boat. Keep on it, as your post really did inspire me! Nancy
Can’t find grass fed locally in stores, it would be great to win the steak!
I’d love some beef! I’m also ready to crank it out on the 30-day Challenge.
I’d love to win some steak. Thanks for a great blog, Mark!
This is really exciting. You are the man Mark.
Anyone in Arizona should check out Doublecheck ranch for great grass-fed beef.
Wow, look at all these comments. This primal challenge could be big. I know I’m excited for the next 30 days!
Yeehaw! Primal Challenge begun!
I love grass-fed beef! Mark, your site is fabulous. Thanks for all you do. Since I’ve gone primal, I have eliminated the use of all my asthma meds! It is a powerful way to regain health.
Steak-on!
Here’s my stake [grin!] in the challenge ground!
Tasty prize
I’ve been lurking, reading with interest and this is just what I needed to start. Thanks to all. I’m excited to take care of myself and family in this primal way. It makes sense. Steaks make this Texas boy happy!
I’m a huge fan of grass-fed beef, so this prize is an extra incentive to join in the health challenge! I buy grass-fed beef at my local farmer’s market every week. I even buy marrow bones and rib meat for my soup stocks which are 100% grass-fed. And I’ve made delicious heart kabob with grass-fed beef heart (using the recipe in Nourishing Traditions).
I love me some steak.
This is a great prize to start off the Primal Challenge.
Been looking forward to this. Got a good start on food selection as the fridge died end of last week, had to clean it out. Empty fridge is a good start, need to only put good stuff back in.
Thanks for the inspiration to get back on track, with great prizes to boot!
Yum
Grass-fed and free/humane raised is the only way to go. CAFOs are frankly: evil!!
Is it cool to comment twice just ’cause I’m so excited (even if I don’t get a steak)?! It’s inspiring knowing there are so many other people out there going (more) Primal this month. Good luck to everyone. Consistency is my Primal challenge – no cheats on diet, no skipping workouts, no excuses. Let’s do this!!
Unfrozen caveman lawyer would be very happy!
Remember when cooking with grass fed beef that you shouldn’t trim fat, and should probably add it back (there’s a lot less intramuscular “marbling” in grass-fed beef).
I need a jumpstart…so this will be awesome!
I’ve totally succeeded on the grains and unhealthy fats, but I love my glass of wine and this is the second time that has gone a little farther to include an after-dinner dessert like drink (Bailey’s, Frangelico etc.) which means no weight loss. Hmmm, I just really seem to want that sweet finish to the day. I’m going to give myself the goal of making it an herbal tea finale with no sugar. Anyone else love rooibos?
The vanilla rooibus at Starbucks (no milk – just hot water) is the best I’ve had. Not a fan of Starbucks, but that rooibos… mmmhmmm!
I hear ya, Rachel! I love to end the day with a small bite of dark chocolate and a glass of red wine…Yuuuum. So when I’m going completely “sugar-free,” I switch to rooibos tea sweetened with stevia. Stevia’s not my favorite flavor with its slight aftertaste, but it gets the job done.
Great blog, I just found it! I’m looking forward to going primal.
I’ve been trying to eat primally for a while now with varied success. Going to stick to it for the next month and see how it goes.
Oh yeah, can i have some steak? =)
I’m really excited that the MDA 30 day challenge is starting now. Through 5 months of exercise and eating traditional healthy, I’ve lost all my baby weight (I have an 8 month old son), but I was 25 lbs overweight before I got preggers, and that’s what I’m working on now. More importantly, though, my son is VERY active (speed crawling and standing already), and I want to be strong enough to keep up with him, now while he’s a little squirmy thing and later, too. I’m 35, so I worry that if I don’t make the change from lumpy couch potato to strong active liver, I’ll just find too many excuses until it’s not doable. I’m so thrilled to have found this challenge, especially the blogging, because I need that sort of external reporting to keep me on track.
Yum!
Looking forward to begining the challenge today. Long live Grok
I’m really excited about this challenge. I fell off the band wagon this weekend with a little bit of grains and too much caffeine and need a kick in the pants.
Plus – grass-fed beef!
Free and Grass-Fed are my two favorite kinds of steak.
Wow, free grass fed steak sure does draw a lot of comments! It’s to see!
Beef win!
Amazingly, after having suffered through a less-then-primal month in July (preparing my dissertation), I had renewed my commitment to the Primal Blueprint over the weekend… I’m excited to be returning the the PB, and hope this challenge is going to help keep me motivated.
Holy Cow Batman… Free Beef?
Awesome contest Mark!
I’m so happy this 30 day challenge is beginning… I really need it right now! I also need some grassfed steak!
I’m in for the challenge. Just what I need to get me off my butt.
So far so good been primal for 14 hours, 10 more to go. Small steps first.
Grass fed beef from the farmer’s market is my favorite. Getting some delivered sure would save me a drive for a while!
So excited for this challenge, it adds a little excitement and will fire up the creativity.
The challenge just in time for August. Now gimme some beef!
Today we finally start coaching in our new CrossFit facility, and I’m sure to be hungry afterward. Hook me up, Mark!
A meat tray! My (now) fiancee gave me a box of Omaha steaks for Valentines Day
Now that’s romance. Grain-fed beef? I’m in love!
Count me in! Huzzah!
I am so excited for this month! It’s time to finally get off the couch and challenge myself!
Plus, mmmmm, steak!
just finished your book- this couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. can’t wait!
Sign me up!
I love the primal lifestyle! This way of eating has improved my athletic performance in Crossfit. It has also made me look and feel better! I could sure go for some grass fed steaks
Sounds like a great challenge and this first prize is awesome!! I can almost taste the juicy grass fed/finished yumminess!!
This is great. I have decided to decrease my sugar, I’ve been reading a lot about natural nutrition (latest is Sally Fallon and Mary Enig’s Nourishing Traditions) and I am transitioning away from vegetarianism to a more balanced diet in the hopes of regaining strength, stamina and digestive health. Kudos Mark, I will be following this challenge and I love what I have read of your blog.
Excited about the challenge, and would love some steaks…
Trying to make the switch. Made my grocery shopping expedition today very interesting.
I’m in.
I’m 15 pounds lighter than I was this January. Thanks for the great information and inspiration.
EJ
Humans eating grass-fed beef…it’s the original Circle of Life: Cows eat grass, we eat cows, we die at a ripe old age and go into the ground to feed the grass…and so on!
Great website Mark, 4 members of my family are now Going Primal!
I’m so excited to be a part of the primal team – struggled long enough with food issues – excited to learn I can control my food and not my food controlling me!!!! Yippee!!
I had a moment Grok would be proud of last weekend. It basically involved eating lots of grilled chicken and shaved beef for lunch, then spent several hours walking around downtown Baltimore. Good times!
Mark, please send some steaks up to this meat-lover in San Francisco!
I love a good challenge and I love a good steak!
Very excited for the challenge. I got caught up on life and haven’t been living the Primal life lately… and I’ve been feeling the consequences. This is a perfect way for me to get back to it. Thanks!
looking forward to a new start
Mmmmmm, the scent of grilling grass fed beef…this I strongly desire.
Wicked psyched for this challenge. I’m no longer going to lurk on this site and I’m going whole hog in to this process!
I just started doing this in conjunction with my Crossfit gym…love the book and am very excited to change my “diet” mentality!
Mark, thanks for creating these contests and challenges. They are motivating and help people like me stay accountable. Thanks for having me here on the forums.
did you say free beef….
sign me up!
Thanks for the Primal push, Mark!
I’m excited about the different contests! The Challenge is a good idea, thanks Mark.
Looking forward to the challenge, Mark.
Beef is good. Yum!
Ok, I am all very new to this…but I am in the process of making a total life transformation..i just quit smoking, and am trying to get my outrageous blood pressure under control and my brother is a huge fan of the daily apple and sent me a link on facebook so I thought I would check it out….I ordered the responsibly slim shake mix already and am really excited to transform my life…Thanks to all of you..your stories are inspirational…
Can’t ever have enough grassfed beef!
This spring I developed health issues (high blood pressure, for one) which I discovered I could control with diet. I kept a food diary and was soon down to eating only meat, eggs & veggies. I felt sorry for myself until I found out about Paleo/Primal eating, where people were eating like me by *choice*. I used to view my diet in terms of limitations, but now I see it as a wonderful lifestyle, and aren’t I lucky to be forced into it like I was? I’ve lost almost 30# since I started, my BP is nice and low without meds, and I’m more active and healthy and happy than ever. My challenge for August is not to indulge in those foods which seem like they shouldn’t hurt me (nuts, dairy) but do. Love your blog!
Looks like some great steaks
great timing
I wish I was paid in steaks
Argh, too bad I live in France, can’t find any grass-fed beef where in my town. Looking forward to winning the Master Formula though
Beef! Count me in!
Grass fed beef is good, but grass fed bison is great (and a little more primal I think). Keep up the great work Mark.
For some reason, I can’t find my other post. Anywho, I’m in! : )
Steak sounds great, but have we any primal substitutes for A1 sauce?
Since getting the book two weeks ago, I have lost 5 pounds. I am looking forward to learning more about living in a healthy way.
I love grass fed beef. We are currently using the remaining parts of the side we got last fall. Time to slaughter another cow for our primal eating pleasure.
I love a good steak! Count me in!
I’ve been reading MDA now for a month, and I have to say that The Primal Blueprint has been just the ticket for me! I was a slave to CW, always eating tons of grain-based and processed foods, and hungry every two hours, like clockwork! It’s like a light finally came on for me. No more groping around in the dark! Now, where’s the bison and grass-fed beef? It’s time to eat!
Wow, took a long time to get to the bottom of that list of comments! I have a freezer full of completely grass-fed beef (had rib-eyes on the grill last night), so someone else can enjoy this prize. But I am in!
Steaks Ahoy!
I am excited about this challenge. I received PB a few weeks ago, have read almost the whole book and have been looking for just the right motivation to get started! This is it! Goals: Lose some weight, gain some energy, and sleep better!!!!
This should be fun and challenging as 2 weeks this month will be living in a hotel during military training.
Grass fed steaks delivered to my door! Can’t beat that.
Wow! I could definitely use some steaks!
Yeah! I’m on day 11 of eating paleo and this will be just the thing to keep me going strong as the newness of the venture wears off. I’m 40, have lost 200# in the last 6 years with diet and exercise, teach at a gym, and started doing Crossfit in March. I’ve definitely been through some changes over the years and am looking forward to finally finding the ‘me’ that is going to be here for the rest of my life. Biggest thing I’ve discovered in the last ten days…no more cravings for sweets and cereal and breads. So nice to finally know that I have control over what I eat, not the other way around. I wish I had found this way of living years ago! It would have made this alot easier!
I’ve never had grass fed beef before because we can’t afford it. Would be interested in trying it!
Can’t wait to get to know you guys better. You seem like a lively and inspiring group!
Jen
HI Jen,
Amazing story..do you have a journal/blog? I’m just starting, and need to change some pretty bad habits..thanks.
I am in! I will post in the forums as to how I am challenging myself this month. Thanks for the motivation, Mark!
Perfect timing – just started our 8 week strength program at our CrossFit gym, and made the other coach stick to 30 days of “paleo-esk” eating – this challenge will be perfect for us! Thanks again Mark!
Wow… this is an amazingly long list. What could be better for you then a good steak? Thank you for the contest!!
Hey, Mark! I’ve been reading your site for about a month or two now, after I randomly stumbled upon it via a “paleo diet” search. I have been adhering, more or less, to the paleo diet for several months now, ever since my mom introduced me to the ideas.
New scientific research seems to be confirming a lot of the claims of the paleo movement more and more, it seems. What functional purpose do grains really serve, nutritionally speaking? And why do so many so-called health experts denounce meat and animal products, which are clearly very healthful?
Paleo thinking is somewhat of a new paradigm shift, and therefore will not become conventionally acceptable for some time, I’m sure, but every good idea has it place of prominence.
The first prize is at stake here
I love that grass fed beef there is nothing quiet like it. mmmm.
yum!
Delicious! I have a date night planned, and that steak would go good in my date’s belly. But mostly in my belly.
I would love to win steaks!!!
Grok ON !!!
I’m a growin’ boy! I need beef!
I’m in as well, I’m a newcomer, and up for the challenge!
Beef. It’s what’s for dinner.
MMMM…Meat! I am beginning a challenge as well today! Let’s go!
Hi Mark!
Thanks for this opportunity to win some fantastic BEEF! I can only hope I am the lucky one!
Steak and tomatoes…steak and tomatoes
Reply to post to win steak: check
Tattle to mark about “Primal Body, Primal Mind” book: check
Order said book: check
Eat a lot: check
wow, this’ll be an easy 30 days!!(right?)
Free grass fed beef? I am in! Thanks for all the great stuff!
Just moved to Texas from the barren desert wasteland of Las Vegas. Looking forward to much healthier and LOCAL food options. Been Primal since July 4th of this year, feeling great! Thanks for all that you do!
Hi Mark,
Like you, I’m a recovering endurance athlete who, after multiple inflammation related injuries, started questioning the wisdom of my lifestyle. I’ve been lifting and low-carbing for a while and feeling great. Bring on the steak!
Thanks!
Melisa
Looking forward to the next 30 days. Starting the Primal today
Goals this month is to lose 7 pounds of fat (cells) while gaining 3 pounds of muscle (cells)
Let the games begin!
Just posting my comment. I always like doing a 30 day no sugar challenge even when things are going good just to really focus on keeping it out of the diet!
S kirt
T bone
rib E ye
h A nger
flan K
Thanks for all the hard work you and all the faithful primals on this website do. There is so much information here and I have so much to learn! Love the book!
At age 48, I want to show my son that getting older doesn’t automatically mean getting weak and sick. With the help of the Primal Blueprint, I intend to be vigorous, strong and alert for the NEXT 48 years of my life.
trying to get more into grass-fed meat
Excited for the primal challenge – thanks, Mark. And hooray beef!
I have committed to strict Paleo for the month of August so it’s already started. We have a nutrition challenge at CFO this month too so this will be a great additional motivator for our crew. Unfortunately we can’t win the meat but glad to be part of the challenge!
Would love some grass-fed steaks
Perfect timing! Bring on the challenge.
Psyched for this challenge. I’ve been falling off the wagon a little after our 2nd son was born 2 months ago. His name is Angus…you gotta give that kid the beef!
My beef? my beef is no beef!!
so a lament from me a British Grok!
No tasty Texas beef in my Wok or crock. (pot)
Maybe Mr Sisson will feel for me and send me his formula…
…from California!
(Malibu is in California right guys?)
I’ll take my steaks medium Mark. Tks!
I sure could use a break from the grass fed burgers! Not that I’m suffering mind you.
Hey Mark
I just found your site today – but what better time! I greatly look forward to the challenge 
I’m totally ready to get rid of my spare tire. I’m in.
I’m so stoked to begin this challenge, and I’d be doubly-stoked to kick it off with some grass-fed steaks!
Time to get at least 80/20 with Primal living instead of the 20/80 I’m doing now!
It is funny. When I firt found this website I had a lot of bad habits. Over the last year to 16 months I have meade a lot of progess in regard to getting more primal thanks to this site. Mark hits the nail on the head each and every time out. Word to the wise. Once you get started, it is more than a 30 day challenge, it is a lifestyle change and you will not want to back to your pre-primal ways. Thanks for the great tips and advice Mark.
I’ve been craving me some steak for a while now!
Mark,
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now – I don’t have good source for grass-fed so would love the steaks. I’ll keep reading even if I don’t win anything.
Mmmmm. Beef!
Bring on the challenge.
Mark -
I’m digging this. I’m new to PB but making my way though the book and the materials here. Great stuff!
PB’s arrived in my life at an interesting crossroads. I’m on the cusp of 40, in a career transition, and pretty beat down from 25 years of chronic cardio (from high school track right up to last spring’s marathon – my 12th). Something inside me (nah, it couldn’t be my aching ankles) is telling me that I need a new path – for myself and for my family.
More details of my personal 30 day challenge will appear on the forum in a little while, but here’s a hint: it’s going to be a mental challenge that has to do with making a commitment.
Please keep up your great, motivating work.
I have too been lurking and dabbling with the commitment. It’s time to start.
Hmmm, tasty, tasty beef. Such a shame I live in New Zealand, although we do have our own pretty tasty steaks here too.
Grass fed beef steaks + guacamole = Heavenly
I have made so many lifestyle changes in my life these past 4 years. I am r