I'm Darryl Edwards, a natural movement therapist, paleo clinical nutritionist, blogger and published author 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.  I am a contributor to Paleo Magazine and presenter at various symposiums such as Paleo:f(x), PrimalCon and other events globally.

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Reading List
  • Paleo Fitness - A Primal Training and Nutrition Program to Get Lean, Strong and Healthy
    Paleo Fitness - A Primal Training and Nutrition Program to Get Lean, Strong and Healthy
    by Darryl Edwards, Brett Stewart, Jason Warner
  • 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.

Thursday
Jul212011

Testimonial: Paola Does Paleo

 

I would like to share my personal experience on your website.  I decided to give up my Gym Membership in January 2011 for different reasons, one of which was reducing the amount of time spent inside a Gym without achieving much.  

Since I met Darryl he made me realise that training is not about the quantity but about the quality. By reducing the time exercising and increasing the intensity it meant I could be fit and healthy without it impacting time spent on my career and other interests. 

Darryl conducted a 10 page Fitness and Health Assessment in February 2011.  He made me choose specific goals with an ultimate focus on my health.  He prepared a Virtual Training programme based on this assessment which I followed with NO EXCUSES.  

He also advised me on nutrition with a practical implementation of the Paleo Diet.  Being Italian this sounded like a joke at first - NO PASTA, NO PIZZA, NO COFFEE AND NO WINE?

Anyway the results speak for themselves.  After 2 months Darryl conducted another Assessment and here were some of the results:
 
Blood pressure from 122/86 to 114/70
Resting Heart Rate from 76bpm to 66bpm
Body Fat % from 23 to 17.5 (and only losing 3lb in body weight).
Metabolic Age from 36 to 18!
Waist measurement from 74cm to 68cm
Hip measurement from 99cm to 93.5cm
 
So does Fitness Explorer Virtual Training work?

It certainly does! I train three days a week in my house, in the garden or in the park depending on the weather. Doing Virtual Training taught me to be disciplined and to motivate and challenge myself.  The exercises are interesting and different to what I have done before.  All of the people I haven't seen in a while have noticed the change in my body and have started improving their diet and doing similar exercises to the ones I have learnt from Darryl.
 
For the first time in my life I feel really good. I have more energy and wake up without the dependence on a cup of coffee. I can perform movements I never thought I'd be able to do such as pull ups, press ups and burpees.  I am leaner, stronger and follow a healthier lifestyle.  My balance, posture and new outlook has brought increased confidence to all areas of my life. 

I would like to say THANK YOU Darryl for being exceptionally inspiring and such an amazing trainer!

Paola Martini

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