Eating Paleo in Thailand: The Best Diet for Muay Thai, CrossFit and MMA

I heard about the benefits of the Paleo Diet and other similar diets such as Bullet-Proof, the 4-Hour Body Slow Carb Diet and the Primal Diet.  My excuse has always been, it's too hard to follow in Thailand.  Rice comes with everything, it's impossible to get beans, and there just isn't enough protein.

Then I realized that I was just making excuse and that I didn't want it bad enough and wasn't willing to make sacrifices.  So eight weeks ago, I decided that enough was enough and it was time to go primal.  In the past two months I've cut out all rice, bread, wheat, oats, grains, sugar, and soy and replaced it with meat, vegetables, nuts and seeds.  I've lost two inches off of my waist, a ton of fat and gained lean muscle.  I have more energy and have been recovering from workouts like a beast.  

Here is how I did it:

Step 1: A few months ago I decided to start cooking the majority of my meals.  I started using the gym's free use shared kitchen, then decided just to buy a 400 baht ($14US) stove top instead.  

Step 2: I went shopping for grass fed butter (Anchor from New Zealand), Himalayan pink salt, Chicken, Eggs, Pork, Beef, Vegetables, Coconut Milk, raw almonds and seeds.  My favorite place to shop in Thailand is called Makkro Cash and Carry which is Thailand's version of Costco, but you can find most of this stuff at any supermarket.  

Step 3: I started cooking the majority of my meals instead of eating out.  I make all of my dishes in one pan, and serve it on a single plate, making it extremely easy to cook and clean up.  I ended up eating chicken and vegetables the majority of the time since it was cheapest and easiest, but recently I've been experimenting with different dishes to change it up.  

Pork with Garlic Kale and Kimchee

Mixed Salad with Chicken and Avocado

Beef, Garlic, Kale and Sweet Potatoes

Step 4: Watch what you eat at restaurants, no excuses!

If I go to a normal Thai restaurant, I always order mixed vegetables with chicken and ask for a fried egg on top.  If they have BBQ chicken or Ribs I'll eat that, but most of the time I suggest to my friends we go to Thai BBQs so I can easily just load up on vegetables and meat.  Also fresh coconuts and coconut shakes are available everywhere.

All your can eat Thai BBQ 139 baht ($4.50US)

Step 5: Keep it up!

By eating this way, I've decided that I don't even need cheat days.  I don't miss pizza, pasta or even rice which is something that I thought would be extremely hard for me to give up on. Just remember that if you have a goal, stick to it no matter what.  No excuses.  

If you're thinking about coming out to Thailand, make sure you read my book 12 Weeks in Thailand: The Good Life on the Cheap for step by step instructions on how to make the most of your trip. 

Warm Regards,

Johnny FD

Add me on facebook:  www.facebook.com/MyFightCamp