Today we’re discussing diet labels. While my work has long been associated with the “paleo” label, I’m shifting toward a more personalized, whole-nutrition approach combined with my three other pillars of health. That change has made me rethink how we use labels and the effects they have.
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Diet Labels: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
Labels can be useful—especially when you’re new to changing how you eat. They simplify choices, make grocery shopping and meal planning easier, and connect you with a community of people navigating similar goals. A clear set of “yes” and “no” foods can feel like a map when everything else seems confusing.
But labels can also become limiting. I began following paleo in 2009 and initially appreciated the clarity: certain foods were allowed, others were not. After about six months I realized that not every “yes” food served me, and several “no” foods worked fine in my life. The strict definition started to box me in.
At that point I moved toward personalization. Instead of obeying a rigid list, I paid attention to how foods affected my energy, digestion, performance, and overall well-being. The result was a diet that looked a lot like “paleo-ish”—rooted in the same principles but adapted to my needs and goals.
The real danger is when a diet label becomes central to your identity. If your sense of self is wrapped up in a capital-D Diet, it can create stress, inflexibility, and conflict. You may bend your life to fit the label instead of shaping the label to fit your life. That can make social situations, travel, relationships, and even simple meals unnecessarily hard.
Before committing to any label, ask yourself: does this label expand my options or limit them? Does it help me meet my goals and fit my lifestyle, or does it make me defensive, anxious, or isolated? Is my allegiance to the label preventing me from experimenting and learning what actually works for my body?
On Today’s Episode
- The benefits and drawbacks of diet labels
- My personal journey moving from strict labeling to personalized nutrition
- Practical ways to discuss dietary choices without damaging relationships
- A lighthearted take on controversial foods (including white potatoes)
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