5 Takeaways from Paleo f(x) 2016

I didn’t know what to expect attending my first Paleo f(x) conference at the the Palmer Events Center in Austin, TX. The Paleo movement seems to encompass such a wide array of individuals–from Cross Fit enthusiasts and body builders, to health practitioners and food bloggers–that I wondered how a single conference could manage to cater to them all.

What I discovered was a gathering of 5,000 people who, despite their different interests and backgrounds, found commonality in their desire to see Paleo change the world. Whether it be through assisting with personal healing and transformation, or promoting sustainability practices that effect the world on a global scale, members of the Paleo community are using the movement’s principals to create a positive impact on the world around them.    

It was a enlightening and sometimes overwhelming couple of days. Here are five takeaways that I got from this year’s Paleo (f)x. 

1. It all starts in the gut.

Our bodies contain trillions of microorganisms, outnumbering human cells almost 10 to 1. Presentations by David Perlmutter and Chris Kesser stressed the importance of having the right balance in this complex human microbiome. Studies are beginning to show that gut imbalance could be the source of health problems ranging from Alzheimers to diabetes. It seems that human diseases are more interrelated than Western medicine treats them, and gut health plays a role in nearly all of them.   

2. Get to know your meat by name.

The most intense experience of the show was watching a live chicken get butchered. It might seem a bit morbid, but it seriously made me reflect about where the meat on my plate is coming from. It’s something that is so easy to take for granted when picking up a pretty, pre-packaged meats from the grocery store. I believe we could all use a reminder that the meat we eat was once living and breathing. We should also ensure that the animals that provide us with meat are respected in both life and death.

3. I need more collagen in my diet.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it plays a key role in skin, joint, and gut health. Aside from the occasional mug of bone broth, I haven’t paid too much attention to my collagen intake. After seeing a number of presenters stress the importance of collagen at the conference, however, I will proactively increasing the amount I consume in my diet.

4. Paleo is for more than just the body.

The Paleo “diet” is often associated with weight-loss and getting in shape, but the principals of the movement extend beyond physical appearance. A presentation by Hilary Bromberg challenged the audience to start thinking about a deeper definition of Paleo–one that encompasses sustainability and cultural change. There were also a number of other talks and workshops to help attendees improve their mental and emotional health, including a panel discussion on scarcity versus abundance mindset. It was encouraging to learn that even Paleo superstars like Melissa Hartwig and Abel James struggle with not feeling good enough at times, and it was enlightening to learn how they overcome those feelings. 

5. Texas has some amazing barbecue.

This may come as no surprise, but Austin has some killer barbecue going on. I haven’t spent much time in the city, so it was great to indulge in some Texas-style BBQ while I was there (and indulge I did). My barbecue expedition was highlighted by a trip to the Salt Lick where all-you-can-eat plates of brisket, ribs, and sausage provided more than just a taste of incredible barbecued fare.

Overall, I had a incredible experience at Paleo f(x). It was hard not to enjoy a gathering that included great food and amazing people who are using Paleo to make a difference in the world. I’m looking forward to returning to Austin for next year’s conference, which I’m sure will be bigger and better than ever.

And I’ll be patiently saving my appetite for more barbecue. 

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