The Primal Blueprint

I love Paleo and used to be a regular reader of Mark's Daily Apple blog. So I thought to myself, "I'll buy his book. It'll be great."Well...I'll sum it up like this: It's an okay book that's overly verbose.Or another way: You can find all you need to know about Mark's "blueprint" on his blog/website for free, in a more concise format that's faster to digest and easier to put in practice.Again, I'm a fan of this guy and personally I lost 30 lbs. using the Paleo method. My problem with this book is not the content, but that it could've used an editor to cut down large sections. My cynical, sneaking suspicion is that they can't sell a 20-page pamphlet as an authoritative "book" and needed to fill out space. That's probably not the author's intention. But it's my impression as a buyer and reader (take it for what it's worth).My paleo tips for success summary (which would fit on a postcard):• Eat lots of chicken, fish and vegetables• Fruits, nuts and milk are sometimes foods• Cut out bread and sugar except as special treats• Walk and exercise some.• Read Mark's Daily Apple for inspiring stories• Watch Tom Naughton's "Fat Head" documentary (it's funny, you'll like it, and available on Amazon)In conclusion, great guy, good book, but considering "time is money" there are more efficient ways to get this info.

My husband can't eat gluten and I ran across this book while doing my endless research on grains, inflammation and diet. This book is wonderful in many ways, but I'm going to focus my review on the information the book covers on grains and why we shouldn't be eating them. Give it chance. Don't immediately think this is the Atkins diet only with organic foods. Don't roll your eyes and think that this whole "gluten-free" thing you keep hearing about is some trend that the celebrities are talking about. This book spells out what grains do to us. Even though we had removed wheat from our diet, we had really just replaced it with a lot of corn products and other seemingly "safe" grains. We were overweight, always hungry, and my husband had a lot of pain throughout his body - just mysterious aches and pains everywhere. I was beginning to think we needed to get to a fibromyalgia specialist or a pain management doctor. I kept hanging onto this book and after several weeks of prodding, I finally got hubby to agree to give me a month on this diet. It was not an easy sell because he had already given up so many favorite foods by going gluten free, but I finally got him to say "yes." I cleaned out the pantry, made a shopping list, bought the food and we started in mid-January. Now we are in early March and we've both lost about twenty pounds each. Attention Ladies - the belly fat came off -six inches worth off my waist (I'm 49-not easy to do). But that is not why I love Mark Sisson and this book - not at all. I love it because the body-wide pain my husband had is nearly gone. He said he feels better than he has since he was a young man. I am so grateful to Mark Sisson because I was days away from looking into prescription pain relief for my husband as he deteriorated before my eyes. I hope some day I can meet Mr. Sisson and shake his hand. This morning as I left for work, my husband was bopping around the kitchen, making breakfast and looked happy and healthy. A few weeks ago he was hobbling around like an old man. His mother called me crying when she saw him walking from his car into her apartment building because she said he looked 80 years old.Do yourself a favor and give it a month. Many people say the foods on this diet are expensive, and it is a shock to buy organic produce and meat, but a week or two into the diet, you are just not very hungry and I have found that I actually spend less on groceries. I buy grass-fed ground beef and large packs of organic chicken from Costco. We eat loads of organic salad, broccoli and kale. If we have a sweet craving we eat a little dark chocolate. Even if you can't buy totally organic - just apply the principles in the book and avoid the sugar and grains and you will feel like a new person.Bottom line - we both feel great and my husband's pain is soon to be a thing of the past. It's great to have smaller pants, but it's even greater to have our health improved in such a short period of time.UPDATE: September 2012 - my husband and I continue to shrink. This is the first time I have ever lost more weight than him (40 pounds)and that's just because he eats more fruit smoothies than I do. The big news is that my husband's bloodwork has completely changed in the time since I wrote the original review. Cholesterol dropped over 40 points, good cholesterol went up and triglycerides went down. CRP (inflammation) went down under 1 which means my husband is out of danger in terms of cardiac risk. This time last year my husband was in daily pain, couldn't remember anything and was being treated by a cardiologist. My husband's doctor told him he would never be able to turn his cholesterol around without statin drugs. This month, when the doctor reviewed my husband's labs he was amazed. He said, and I quote "what was the name of that book again?" This way of eating has changed our lives in ways I could not have imagined - we have so much more energy, brain fog is gone, more new pants for me, more inches off my waist, and people who haven't seen us for a while say we look 20 years younger. This plan takes commitment, but if you truly clean out the junk foods (grains) in your house and hang in there to get through the initial cravings, you will never look back. It is such a relief to never be hungry and not have to always think about food. If you are heading down the heart attack path of high cholesterol and your doctor is saying you have to get on statins - do this instead. If you have pain from arthritis or fibromyalgia, try this. It is truly life changing.

In my opinion, this material is exactly what people should follow who are looking for a change in body chemistry, attitude and status quo. I believe the author repeats himself way too often and could reduce the references to his website and the Primal Laws. It would be nice to see the author embed the BMR calculators and a handful of recipes to get the new converts engaged into the lifestyle. Perhaps this is a way to get the reader to purchase the cookbook. Overall, I would recommend this program to others who need the lifestyle change.

After having a hysterectomy at age 51 I experienced that frustrating menopausal weight gain and seemed helpless to stop it. I tried everything that had worked for me before to no avail. Not only was I gaining weight, but I now had fat around my mid-section which I never had before. I saw Mark in a TV interview and decided to try the program. I purchased the book and started the program with lots of doubt. Lo and behold, I lost 14.5 pounds and over 22 total inches in 4 months.Yes, it took 4 months, not the 4 weeks that many claimed. I didn't mind, though, as I felt great and was looking so much better. I lost a pant size and started working out because of renewed energy and health.Was it difficult? Not at all! I found that I never felt cheated or hungry. I had no cravings and decided I finally found the way to eat for the rest of my life. After going on vacation and gaining 3 pounds (yes, I ate all the no-no's and then some), I lost 2 within 5 days of because back on the plan. It just doesn't get any better than this! I

Great book and I have learned a lot even though I have been falling low carb eating for few years prior to reading this.The reason I took of a star is due to a mistake that has been made (at least in the edition I have), which can be confusing and misleading to people who are confused about the metric system.The protein requirement conversions are wrong.. E.g. 0.7g of protein per pound of body weight equals 1.4g per kg of weight and not 0.33 as stated in the book.

I'm writing this review a year since I bought the book and started eating Primal. I had been steadily gaining weight and although I was not eating a lot of bread or pasta, I was still eating oats, grains and legumes, so something just wasn't adding up. I wasn't feeling that great and still found it very difficult to control cravings, especially after eating oat cakes!?!So a year down the line, and it has been a great move for me, yes I have fallen off the wagon a few times and when I have, I have really noticed it! My mood will be lower if I eat a lot of sugar or processed foods. For me there have been so many benefits of eating primal, I have lost weight, been able to maintain my weight easier, I rarely get ill and I no longer fight the dreaded bloat. Oh, and my skin got so much better, I think some of my wrinkles actually went away! Not only that but the book is really easy to read and the principles include more than just food changes. It's a real lifestyle change, which includes barefoot, crossfit, sprinting every now and then and walking more, getting out in the sun. I have studied sports science and have always known that walking is great for burning fat. It's a brilliant read and it provides real solutions, they may not all be that easy to integrate into your life, it might take a little effort, but it's worth it.

I tried many ways of eating. i've gone vegetarian, raw, vegan etc...but nothing made me feel more energetic or feel full for long periods of time. i've been primal diet for a few weeks now and it really made a difference. i have no crazy cravings for sweet stuff ( and i could eat sweets all day), i don't feel exhausted by mid day. another plus. i had those 6 kg i couldn't shed after last pregnancy.no matter what i did( exercising 4 times a week)they just stuck. and finally a shift. i started to lose weight. so only positives so far

I am so so so frustrated. I bought this then the NEW primal blueprint came out 2 days later!!!!!!!! Not sure if Kindle edition is the best, I found that it made it difficult to read, especially with the pyramids etc. However that is a comment on the useability of the book, the content however is fantastic. I am partly primal, I want to go full but it is just difficult at the minute (not due to holidays, however going away with work, ever tried asking a curry house how it is made? Nightmare. However sensible choices are still made!!). There is some stuff in there which is not of interest to me, 23 and cholesterol is something that I just find dull, sure future me will disagree. However if looking for a LIFESTYLE change, NOT a diet (diets don't really work anyway) that is surprisingly easy (by the time you have eaten all the veg and then meat you cannot believe that you would have previously been eating carbs) BUY THE NEW BOOK. Not Kindle though.

I have been reading up on paleo and primal lifestyles for some time including the mark's daily apple site which is run by the author of this book. I needed some clarification so thought it was about time I read the book and I'm glad I did.Not just a prescriptive list of what one must eat and do in order to follow the primal blueprint, but explanations as to exactly why grains, legumes etc are so bad, with plenty of basis in science and references to academic peer reviewed articles and journals.The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because I did find it a bit dry at times, not what I've come to expect from Mark Sisson's writing.

There is a lot to be said about the Paleo diet and I really feel this is something doctors and dietritians should be recommending to patients who are obese or overweight and even people who are depressed or unhappy. I adopted the Paleo lifestyle around a year and a half ago and have lost 3 stone. My moods have really improved as well as my sleep patterns. I never realised how much foods could actually affect you mentally. Would recommend this along with "it starts with food" (my favourite) and would also recommend everyone try a whole 30.

If you are trying to lose weight, burn fat, become healthier, clear up your skin and become leaner and fitter this is the best book in the world. It doesn't sell you any lies, no short term fad's or solutions, no clever calories restrictive eating habbits, no juices or supplements, and no gym destroying workouts. This book EXPLAINS THE SCIENCE behind food, exercise and lifestyle patterns. Like all other reviewers, I defy anyone to read this and try the primal way of life and not say they notice DRASTIC body composition changes.This book is recommended for anyone who wishes to drastically improve their health, strength, body composition, skin, attitude and energy levels. 80% off most health problems can be influenced by our diet. Everyone is entitled to know the truth about our health and what food is really all about - this book IS IT. If you think the government and food corporations reallly care about your health think again. No big brand really gives a shit because it wouldn't be profitable. This book sells you nothing but the hard cold truth, fact and history of optimum health.Thanks guys and good luck,Ant

I have previously read Mark's blog and the book seems like a recap/summary of what is on the website/blog. Nevertheless the book is written in a very engaging style and is a great and simple intro to the primal/paleo lifestyle . I like is relaxed approach and holistic approach. I'm a foodie and someone who talk about enjoying food, who is not critical or offering a punishing regime is a winner for me. Thanks Mark

What a great book! Mark Sisson is my new hero! As founder of the Primal Blueprint programme, he is a shining example of what can be achieved by following his programme of sensible exercise, an eating plan that is simple to follow and amazingly satisfying and basically just chilling out a bit more and enjoying life to the full. An eternal sceptic, who has been trying to lose weight through a well-known low-fat/exercise plan for the past 3 years, I approached this book with some trepidation, to say the least. However, I needn't have worried. About half way through the book, I suddenly realised that it all made a lot of sense! The science and research behind the programme is explained clearly and - generally speaking - in layman's terms. I particularly like the way he has written a synopsis of each chapter, summing up each point made with clarity and brevity. Having read the book and researched the man on the internet I have now implemented the principles of The Primal Blueprint, to great effect! I've never felt better - well not for the last 20 years or so!

Couldn't put this down. Learned a lot about nutrition. Mark applies primal living not just in the form of a paleo diet but also to fitness and lifestyle under the premise that if our ancestors avoided being eaten by a sabre tooth tiger etc then they were actually a lot healthier than us. If we ate and behaved like them we'd less reliant on modern medicines and generally happier. Following his instructions is easier than calorie counting as you can eat as much as you want but only of certain foods (low carb high fat and protein).

Since implementing the basic tenets of The Primal Blueprint I am losing fat, have more energy, am getting stronger each week and am rarely hungry - all while eating bacon, eggs and chocolate!!There should be a sixth star for this book - buy it now and take real steps today towards reversing weight gain, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome and a host of other modern conditions.The beauty of this is in its simplicity - Mark does a great job of outlining the basics of the science that has really been kept from consumers for the last half century whilst making changes extremely simple. The irony is, even though this book is as comprehensive as any layperson needs, all I wanted to do upon finishing it was find out more!Put away the protein shakes, the low-calorie sprays and the running shoes and grab a steak and a spear - it's time to grok on!

I first heard about the primal/paleo paradigm some ten years ago thanks to Alan Card's Easy Weigh to Lose Weight. Carr's Easy Way To Quit Smoking possibly saved my life but the weight loss book was too brief and lacked good examples of how to apply the principles to a modern diet.The Paleo Diet did a better job but focused purely on eating and missed a vital point. Our ancestors entire lifestyle - eating and activity - is what kept them fit.Mark Sisson simplifies and consolidates the principles of both a primal diet and exercise regime to provide a genuine basis for a long lasting lifestyle change.I personally have lost over 60 lbs following a paleo/primal lifestyle and I highly recommend this book as the only guide you need to achieve similar results.Refuse to be lied to by the marketeers and see clearly for the first time in your life!

I love this book, I have been eating primal foods for 8 weeks and have lost a stone in weight, but more importantly to me, it has already greatly reduced pain in my mouth and jaw I have been suffering from for almost a year due to atypical facial pain. I also feel more energetic (handy with 3 young boys) and my moods are more even. I highly recommend this way of eating and also the website Mark's daily apple which provides lots of free info, support, recipes and lots of success stories.

Bought for husband, who is into the Paleo diet. the change in diet, going more natural really does make a different in body shape change and general good health. I would recommend it. Mark Sisson really knows his stuff, good buy, arrived quickly, thanks.

Everyone should read this book, not just health professionals, fitness instructors and dieticians but EVERYONE. It opens your eyes to the food we eat these days and the problems they can cause some people. Then shows you how to change your diet and your lifestyle to combat some of the common ailments people suffer from as a result of our hectic, stressful, monotonous every day lives.Get it, read it, use it.