After changing her diet to exclude grains, dairy and refined sugar, Rachael Devcich found her general health and energy improved so much she became passionate about sharing the message. So passionate that she created a website and put together a book of recipes focusing on New Zealanders.
What key events led you to a change in diet?
I was approaching 40 and already felt a bit broken - my joints hurt, I had trouble sleeping, I was struggling more with my weight, my skin was worse than it had been as a teenager and I thought I needed to make some big changes before I got any older.
I joined a CrossFit gym (kind of by accident) and along with getting fit and strong I was introduced to the paleo way of eating there.
Eating whole, unprocessed foods - in their most natural form or with the minimum of processing - nothing artificial added.
Is it something the whole family can do or should kids' diets be excluded?
For us, it has worked, mostly because there's no way I'm cooking more than one meal for everyone - but the kids have responded positively to this way of eating with less illness, clearer minds and less anxiety.
After all the research I'd done I was comfortable with feeding us all this way but we are fairly easygoing about the kids' food and don't make any requirements for them when they are out and about.
How difficult was it to stick to the diet at first?
The difficulty was not so much in sticking to it but I just didn't know what to eat and everything seemed so hard. There were so many times I was out with no food and just wished I could buy a sandwich for lunch like "regular" people.
And now?
Now, it's just everyday life and not much thought goes into it. I have to be a little more prepared, of course, but if I'm ever caught, there are so many more clean eating cafes around now, it makes it just that little bit easier.
Can you cheat?
Like a little glass of wine? As I say often - it depends on what your goals are and the benefits you want to see and feel.
I'm all for making your own decisions about what fits in with your life and for me, a sleepless night and feeling a bit off the next day is sometimes worth the occasional glass of wine at a social event.
Describe Rachael Devcich in six words
Yikes! Wait, that's not one them ... inquisitive, creative, resourceful, a little lazy.
You have your own website: cavegirl.co.nz How did it happen and where did the name come from?
I started my website the day after my husband had to cook his first paleo dinner. He's not much of a freestyler cook so he announced very loudly that he would need paleo recipes for his cooking nights and that he would prefer them online (we're a bit geeky). Oh, and could I write down that one I made the other night that was really nice?
So, a website was made with recipes for hubby to cook from. Because the paleo diet is often referred to as "eating like a caveman", it seemed fitting for me to be "cooking like a cavegirl".
Have you a cooking or nutrition background?
I trained as a chef when I was first out of school and worked for a good few years in the hospitality industry, but by crikey it was hard work and the hours were terrible, so gradually I transitioned into a different career.
I don't have a background in nutrition so I don't advise in that way, I just cook the food.
Do you notice a big difference in your health if you stray from the diet?
Unfortunately, yes. I usually only stray when I'm away and unprepared or when someone has cooked something for me.
If I eat gluten I can feel it instantly and my belly really swells. But if it's dairy, it'll take a few days before my skin starts to flare up.
And it seems that the cleaner I eat, the more easily I get affected.
What has been the biggest impact on your health since starting eating clean?
Hmm, it would have to be a clearer mind. Being in a creative job and being so passionate about what I do, I often felt overwhelmed and anxious about every little thing.
Now, I approach work (and life) with such calm confidence. I think that has had the biggest impact on me - oh yeah, and the sleep, the long deep sleep ... it seems to fix everything (happy sigh). And my skin ... and my joints, my asthma ...
What three things would you tell anyone about to embark on this change in their lifestyle?
Do your research first - it's one thing not eating something "just because" but when you know the "whys" and the science behind it all, it all starts to make sense and makes it that much easier.
If you have something you "just couldn't possibly give up", it's often the thing which is doing the most damage (I almost cried the day somebody suggested coffee might be a problem for me - although it is paleo, it wasn't doing me any favours, and okay I did cry just a little bit).
Just remember that when you first start, you are going to get really preachy about how great you are feeling. Hold it in a bit, nobody really likes it ;-)
Eggs have my top spot, for sure (versatile, delicious); followed by sauerkraut (I'm quite addicted to this now); then, at the risk of sounding too healthy, kale (mostly because it makes the best crispy chips).
And your go-to comfort meal?
Natural sausages on a big bowl of smooth cauliflower puree sprinkled with cashew nuts and nutritional yeast, served with a fennel and apple salad.
Tell us three things about yourself that would surprise
I'm the youngest of 11 children. Yes, all from the same parents.
I don't actually like cooking all that much, I just do it because I really like to eat.
