I'm Darryl Edwards, a personal trainer and clinical nutritionist based in London, England.  This blog documents my experiences with a primal lifestyle that has made me fitter and healthier in my forties than ever before.  

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Reading List
  • The Paleo Solution
    The Paleo Solution
    by Robb Wolf

    Paleo for weight loss, performance and disease prevention. Read my full review here.

  • Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
    Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
    by Robert M. Sapolsky

    The impact of too much stress in our lives - impotence, obesity, heart disease and much more...

  • The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram Your Genes for Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health, and Boundless Energy
    The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram Your Genes for Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health, and Boundless Energy
    by Mark Sisson

    Usually we have to go back to basics to progress, this is a great place to start!

  • Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things
    Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things
    by Rick Smith, Bruce Lourie, Sarah Dopp

    "Think about the toxic chemicals you put onto your body, and are exposed to on a daily basis.  Frankly, quite worrying..."

  • Protein Power
    Protein Power
    by Michael R. Eades, Mary Dan Eades, Mary Deans

    First published in the mid 1990s.  Amongst other things, disputes the 'fat intake causes obesity' argument and reasons why the high carb/low-fat diet doesn't work.

  • Born to Run: The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
    Born to Run: The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
    by Christopher McDougall

    An inspirational read, whether you are a 'runner' or not.  This book also investigates why expensive 'cushioned' running shoes increases the likelihood of injury.

  • In Defence of Food: The Myth of Nutrition and the Pleasures of Eating: An Eater's Manifesto
    In Defence of Food: The Myth of Nutrition and the Pleasures of Eating: An Eater's Manifesto
    by Michael Pollan

    An insight into real, simple and nutritious food.  Insightful.

  • Food Rules: An Eater's Manual
    Food Rules: An Eater's Manual
    by Michael Pollan

    An excellent, non-scientific common sense quick reference to the often confusing question : "What should I eat?"

  • The Paleo Diet for Athletes
    The Paleo Diet for Athletes
    by L. Cordain

    An alternative to Cordain's first book "The Paleo Diet" if who want to consider the impact of Paleo on athletic performance.  It is geared towards endurance athletes but an interesting read nonetheless.

  • Vegetarian Myth, The
    Vegetarian Myth, The
    by Lierre Keith

    I'm an omnivore.  I believe it is healthy to eat naturally-reared meat, non-farmed fish as well as a wide variety of fresh vegetables.  This book is an interesting read and has a lot to say about why becoming a vegetarian isn't necessarily the best option for humans.  However read this, do your own research and make up your own mind.

  • The Second Brain
    The Second Brain
    by Michael D. Gershon

    A discussion about the complex nervous system working in the gut, which produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin.  In fact much more serotonin is produced in the gut than the brain!

  • The Rise and Fall of Modern Medicine
    The Rise and Fall of Modern Medicine
    by James Le Fanu
  • Swindled: From Poison Sweets to Counterfeit Coffee - The Dark History of the Food Cheats
    Swindled: From Poison Sweets to Counterfeit Coffee - The Dark History of the Food Cheats
    by Bee Wilson
  • Cancer: The Evolutionary Legacy
    Cancer: The Evolutionary Legacy
    by M.F. Greaves
  • The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Foods You Were Designed to Eat
    The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Foods You Were Designed to Eat
    by Loren Cordain

    This provides extraordinary insight into the reasons behind adopting a paleolithic diet.  Some aspects are controversial and many may feel it is too dogmatic.  I have often gone back to this book and re-read it for clarification as Dr Loren Cordain is often mis-quoted.  There is now a revised edition (2010 edition) to counter some of its earlier criticisms, this is an excellent resource and a must-read for any one serious about paleo nutrition.

  • Lore of Running
    Lore of Running
    by Tim Noakes

    This book offers a comprehensive insight into the science, coaching and discipline of running.  Energy systems, coaching and training.  Often quoted as the bible of running.

Friday
Jan202012

Testimonial: 8 One-To-One's And a Few Groups Sessions Later

A New Life Resolution

 

Even though my office is directly above a gym containing a treadmill, a concept II rowing machine, a bike, fixed resistance machines and free weights, I have struggled in recent years to find the motivation to exercise in this kind of environment.  Even though I would be able to access this facility free of charge, I knew I needed something different than pounding a treadmill day after day to get me back into regular exercise.

 At 38 years old and after almost 2 years of non-activity, I contacted Darryl to discuss my situation and to see if he would be prepared to coach me back into a fitter/healthier lifestyle.  Thankfully he agreed and following a thorough fitness assessment we began a 4 week plan that would take us up to Christmas 2011.

 This 4 week plan consisted of 2 one-to-one sessions each week plus a group session in the local park on Saturday mornings.  The results of this plan are as follows:

 

  • ·                     Body Fat % reduced from 24.3% to 19.4%
  • ·                     Bodyweight down from 71.4kg to 69.1kg
  • ·                     Hydration levels up from 55% to 58.3%

 

I also managed to lose 1.5 inches from my waist, an inch from my hips and my stomach looks as it did when I was 22 years old :-)

I can remember a few years ago, attending the gym on 5 days each week, using all sorts of equipment, but I have never achieved these kinds of results and in such a short period of time.  I am stronger, fitter have more stamina and look better too.

Don’t get me wrong, at no point were Darryl’s sessions easy, infact he has me training harder now than at any point in my life, but the results speak for themselves. 

The sessions have consisted of primarily bodyweight exercises, using an intensity that is higher than any cardio workout I have ever taken part in.  Many of the exercises mimic the movements of a variety of animals which is one of the reasons why Darryl’s sessions are so interesting.

As we begin 2012, I may not be ready for the Olympics, but I trust Darryl to continue to push me and get me into the best shape possible as I approach the big 4……….0!

Nick

 

 

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