The Paleo Manifesto
Ancient Wisdom for Lifelong Health
-
-
4.5 • 33 Ratings
-
-
- $14.99
-
- $14.99
Publisher Description
In The Paleo Manifesto: Ancient Wisdom for Lifelong Health, John Durant argues for an evolutionary – and revolutionary – approach to health. All animals, human or otherwise, thrive when they mimic key elements of life in their natural habitat. From diet to movement to sleep, this evolutionary perspective sheds light on some of our most pressing health concerns. What is causing the rise of chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and depression? Is eating red meat going to kill you? Is avoiding the sun actually the best way to avoid skin cancer?
Durant takes readers on a thrilling ride to the Paleolithic and beyond, unlocking the health secrets of our ancient ancestors. What do obese gorillas teach us about weight loss? How can Paleolithic skulls contain beautiful sets of teeth? Why is the Bible so obsessed with hygiene? What do NASA astronauts teach us about getting a good night’s sleep? And how are Silicon Valley techies hacking the human body?
Blending science and culture, anthropology and philosophy, John Durant distills the lessons from his adventures and shows how to apply them to day-to-day life, teaching people how to construct their own personal “habitat” that will enable them to thrive. The book doesn’t just address what we eat, but why we eat it; not just how to exercise, but the purpose of functional movement; not just being healthy, but leading a purposeful life.
Combining the best of ancient wisdom with cutting edge science, Durant crafts a vision of health that is both fresh and futuristic.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Durant, founder of Paleo NYC and Barefoot Runners NYC, became interested in evolutionary psychology as an undergrad at Harvard. As an adult, after suffering weight gain and energy swings at his desk job, he took up economist Art De Vany's premise that "there is a mismatch between our genes and the lives we live today" and used that idea to explore what it would mean to live "like a caveman," changing his diet, sleep patterns, and sunlight exposure. He lost weight and experienced more consistent energy, and his immune system and complexion improved. "It felt like waking up from a perpetual state of hangover," he writes. This entertaining, mildly scholarly book, by turns anthropological, historical, prescriptive, and speculative, describes his academic and personal research into all things paleo. Although occasionally marred by questionable and contradictory claims and conclusions (such as the necessity of industrial agriculture), the book provides novices with a broad introduction to paleo theory and practice, from speculations about how Biblical hygiene laws kept Jews healthy to instructions on how to stand all day and run barefoot, to the saga of Durant's own "exhilaration, pride, respect, gratitude" in hunting, killing, and dressing his first deer.
Customer Reviews
The Paleo Manifesto
Listen to your body. Learn from nature. A fascinating and logical presentation of the human animal and how the following of ancient food, movement, and hygienic practices can allow humans to be healthy and happy in the 21st century.
It was good in the beginning then...
This book made me want to become a vegetarian and a feminist.
Surprisingly fresh
Having read other books and countless blog posts on the subject, I was determined not to read this one. I decided to bite the bullet after reading a chapter at a B&N on my lunch break. By far one the best written and most entertaining reads on the paleo diet and lifestyle out there. Even those familiar with the subject will get something out of this book. And yes it is a manifesto, albeit a well cited one.