120 Second Interview: Robb Wolf (Paleo Solution)

  120 Second Interview: Robb Wolf (Paleo Solution)

I recently caught up with Robb Wolf when he was in Europe recently with the Paleolithic Solution seminar.  I also took this opportunity to have another interview with him.  

If you haven't done so, you can read the first Robb Wolf 60 Second Interview

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Robb, what are your plans for the future?

I am working on a 2nd edition of the book (The Paleo Solution) with feedback, clinical experiences and advanced topics.  I am also conducting a  survey with Loren Cordain (author of The Paleo Diet). 

Based on the feedback I've had on the Paleolithic Solution seminars that are running - I will add advanced topic seminars for those interested in improving their knowledge on performance nutrition.

What's your current training regime?

I am currently focussing on Strength and Olympic lifting.   Volumes consist of reps covering sets of 10 x 2, 10 x 3.

My favourite exercises are Back Squats, single rep Clean & Jerk, Sprints, Bodyweight Exercises and any work that improves my gymnastic ability.  Whilst travelling I still attempt to do workouts when I have the opportunity to do so.

What's your favourite cheat meal?

Nachos, Sour Cream and Chillis.

When was the last time you doubted the benefits of the Paleo Diet?

Never doubted it since it has transformed my life and I have experienced the benefits in testamonials with thousands of lives.

What have you noticed about Europe vs USA in terms of food on your visit?

I have noticed the food quality is much higher in Europe in comparison to the USA.  Organic foods are also more widely available.  It is a generalisation but in the US, lots of decisions about the manufacturing process of food is about how bad can we make this food, but still make it edible and provide appeal to as many people as possible.

There is also more restraint in terms of portion sizes.  In the US 'super-sizing' is seen as better value.  This just encourages people to eat more.

What do you believe are the most important factors in terms of nutrition's relationship with health?

In simple terms commencing with a gluten-free diet - to lead the way, then a paleo diet to follow.

The future direction of fitness?

Natural movement principles such as MovNat will dominate going forward.

Review: The Paleo Solution (Book)

Review: The Paleo Solution - Robb Wolf

 

This book could be entitled "The Paleo Lifestyle".  Which is how I view my take on Paleo.  It is more than just a diet.  So if you were expecting just another low carb diet/recipe book, this isn't it. If you want a list of rules with rigid guidelines that you can never deviate from, this isn't for you either. 

So where does it fit in and what can you expect? 

Do you have any questions about how a modern framework based on a Paleolithic lifestyle will help you lose weight, slow the ageing process and improve performance? Then this is it. 

If you suffer or are likely to suffer from auto-immune diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis, Crohns, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc - this will provide answers on managing these conditions.

If you're wondering what types of exercises/activities will help you achieve the above goals, and why less is sometimes more, then this will provide answers. 

Concerned about avoiding cancer, diabetes, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc? This is for you. 

Many of us we need a lifestyle review. Not only in terms of restful sleep and reducing stress levels, but with making the right 'real food' choices and performing activities that are aligned to these goals. Sounds easy, but sometimes we need guidance and the author has lots of experience in this field. Some of us want scientific evidence and there is copious amounts of this in the book. Some of us want to try the Paleo Solution based upon the experience of others and you can find these in the many testimonials available related to Robb's work. 

This book discusses some of the reasoning behind the conflicting advice to be found in the world of nutrition. With some of the author's advice flying in the face of conventional wisdom. Robb Wolf presents this to us with supported pre-historic evidence, his world class expertise with strength & conditioning coaching and the latest studies in scientific research.

I've had the pleasure to spend a day with Robb and to pick his brains.  His book is an excellent additional reference.

A worthy and highly recommended read.

60 Second Interview: Robb Wolf (Paleo Solution)

Who are you?

I'm Robb Wolf.  A former research Biochemist.  A strength and conditioning coach.  Author of the The Paleo Solution.

What is fitness to you?

What you need to live the most effective life.

What are your goals?

To hang onto as much performance as I currently have at 38, and to be competitive when I'm an old dude in Ju-Jitsu.

What is one of your main concerns in relation to health?

Gluten!  It is a huge, hidden and under appreciated factor to health on all levels.

What is your favourite exercise/activity?

Ju-Jitsu, Capoeira and heavy Back Squats

What is your favourite meal?

Any soup, especially Cioppino.

Blog:

http://www.robbwolf.com

Review: The Paleolithic Solution Seminar (Robb Wolf)

I recently attended a one day seminar by Robb Wolf on the Paleolithic Solution held at Crossfit South Brooklyn.

Robb Wolf, is a former research biochemist (studying under Dr Cordain author of the Paleo Diet) and a world class strength and conditioning coach.  Thus making him a leading contributor on discussing how to live a 'modern' Paleolithic lifestyle from a nutrition, exercise, performance and lifestyle perspective.  

I have read many articles and books, and currently 'practice' a contemporary Paleo Diet.  But I still had a few concerns.  I had my notepad and pencil ready with many questions prepared.  I was seriously looking forward to this!

A significant amount of material was covered in a single day, and the benefits discussed in terms of improving performance, body composition and health.  

Useful for:

• the lay person who wants to know why a Paleo lifestyle will benefit them (and what they need to do to get there);
   
• For trainers/coaches who want to make informed and goal-based paleo-centric decisions for their clients;
   
• Science geeks who want to know more about Endocrinology, digestion and nutrition's relationship to modern scourges such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, Parkinsons, Alzheimer's, etc.

When taking a superficial look at the Paleo Diet it is easy to fall into the trap that 'a one-size fits all' can work for all individuals.  However, that is not a criticism of the methodology.  There are certain principles that should be applied to all that will provide a solid foundation (for you or your clients) when aligned to goals and objectives.

The mark of a good teacher:

the ability to relay complex topics with simplicity (without diluting the message);

presenting practical and theoretical applications of the concepts;

discussing counter arguments and tackling difficult questions;

presenting with humour, passion and relevance.

Not patronising or condescending;

The above Robb delivered with ease.    

Sometimes I attend seminars and come away with more questions than answers.  Not this time.  I had many questions answered (and I had quite a few).  I was given further reference material to peruse and now feel much more confident in asserting my position when challenged.  I also met many interesting people.

If you have the opportunity to attend one of his seminar's, I would highly recommend it.  If you don't have the opportunity, just buy his book as soon as it's available! The Paleo Solution