(Update: I no longer label myself “paleo.” I focus on real food and prefer to be label-free.)
If you follow my Instagram you’ve probably noticed I’ve been eating a paleo-style diet while traveling. Seven wonderful weeks in Sydney and a fast, fun month in Chiang Mai brought beaches, temples, new flavors and vivid memories—made even better by clearer thinking after recovering from autoimmune brain fog.
Mostly, I ate Paleo. Mostly.
Yes, I added an “ish.” And that works for me.
Why I stopped stressing about dietary labels
If there were one perfect diet for everyone, we’d all be at our healthiest. The reality is much more complex: different bodies, genes, microbiomes, ancestry and lifestyles mean a single plan won’t suit everyone. What helps me might not help you, and vice versa.
After three years on a health roller coaster, I’ve finally learned to eat intuitively—choosing real food that nourishes and noticing what doesn’t sit well. I’m a Paleo blogger, cook and advocate, but I see Paleo as a framework: a baseline that removes many obvious and hidden inflammatory foods from the typical diet.
I also live in the real world. I love my safe, simple paleolithic kitchen, but I don’t want it to be a prison. I enjoy exploring, tasting local dishes and being part of the world’s flavors and experiences.
Entering the grey zone
There’s one non-negotiable for me—100% strict gluten-free. As someone with celiac disease, I’ll never reintroduce gluten. Triggering an autoimmune response isn’t worth it.
Beyond that, everything is a choice. I aim for Paleo about 80% of the time because it makes me feel great: no grains, high-quality proteins, organic fruits and vegetables when possible, raw nuts, no refined sugars and no artificial additives. Eating this way calms my adrenals, supports thyroid health and helps my immune system—so it’s a solid baseline.
But then there’s the other 20%
That remaining 20% is where life happens—and honestly, it sometimes brings a lot of joy.
A corn taco at a Mexican restaurant in Sydney, a bowl of gluten-free oatmeal on a long flight, or mango sticky rice from a stall in Chiang Mai aren’t strictly Paleo, but they’re part of living. Getting obsessed with every rule can become more harmful than helpful—trust me, I used to be that person.
Food should nourish and it should be enjoyed. If you’re fixated on whether every vegetable is certified organic, you miss the point: Paleo is a lifestyle, not an exercise in perfection.
Eat well, but don’t forget to live
I plan, research and pack snacks so I have healthy options on the road. I always carry something nourishing in my bag. Still, when it’s 90°F in Chiang Mai I may drink a few too many sweet fruit smoothies, and in Sydney I indulged in a few flat whites. I’ll probably have more treats in Bali, where I’m headed next.
The surprising outcome is that my overall nutrition has never been better. Letting go of the need to be perfectly Paleo—and perfect in general—has made my approach sustainable. I focus on long-term health and happiness by treating my body kindly while allowing room for pleasure and adventure.
A lot of adventure—and plenty of healthy food along the way.
Do you find yourself stuck following strict diet rules or the opinions of authority figures? It’s easy to fall into that trap. I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.