[finnegan]

I forwent exercise last night to read through "The Paleo Diet for Athletes". I don't like it. It is basically Berardi only are more incovenient and expensive. It had some good tips and excellent tables (gycemic impact, trace mineral/ nutrient content of "paleo" foods vs other foods, calories expended doing stuff in the wilderness, etc) and some good recipes.

However, it wants me to drink a 800-900 calorie "recovery drink" immediately after workout, which would include something ludicrous like 45-50 protein about 200 carbs, then another 400-500 calorie meal an hour and a half later.

The book is geared toward the endurance athlete, esp marathon runners, cyclists, Ironman competitors, etc; and not the combat athlete. The focus of the diet in on glycogen store regulation and maintenance. Ph levels of the body are also discussed, and acidity tables included.

It makes concessions for athletes to use sports drinks, protein powders, glucose tablets (6 recommended for me pre-workout, as well as 50 simple carbs) and very clearly states that it is not a weight loss diet, although one could reasonably expect fat loss to occur. Everything else is, basically, fresh fruits, veggies, lean meats, and fish.

I'll use this book to refer back to glycemic loads of various foods, some of the recipes (vinegarless mayo, for instance). Overall, I'd say the combat athlete can safely pass this one up.