What makes you an expert on The Paleo Diet?
I bought into the hypothesis and subsequent development of a modern-day Paleolithic diet template back in the late 1980s when I arrived at Colorado State University, as a graduate student embarking on completing a masters degree in Exercise and Sport Science. As luck would have it, Dr. Loren Cordain was assigned to be my advisor and I never looked back!
Describe the impact The Paleo Diet has had on you and your family's life?
I have used The Paleo Diet® as my nutritional template since I was in my early twenties—over 35 years. I am convinced that my good fortune in regard to my health and fitness today is because of this. For my family, everyone has benefited: My sister is a breast cancer survivor, my mother once suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, and my father regressed cardiovascular disease.
What does “healthy living” mean to you? And what do you like to eat when you go to the movies (i.e. what is your favorite cheat food)?
It means encompassing all aspects of life that affect health: diet, physical conditioning, sleep, and stress relief. I believe being happy in your life is extremely important for your health, and so that guides much of my decision-making. Part of that is adopting a “when in Rome” philosophy (some of the time). Because I don’t go to the movies that much (I typically wait to watch the movies on-demand at home), I will often have a small popcorn. But my favorite cheat food? Hmmm, probably freshly made chips (and salsa)!
What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing for The Paleo Diet?
There isn’t much that doesn’t interest me, which isn’t necessarily a good thing when you are trying to keep on top of a busy life. But as a performance coach that works in the golf and tennis industry, I enjoy playing both of those sports. My father is an artist, photographer, and calligrapher, and I’ve been doing calligraphy since I was very young. In recent years I have renewed my interest in calligraphic design and photography.
