From Professional Cyclist to Paleo Advocate: A Conversation with Trevor Connor

In a recent episode of the Bionic Health podcast, Dr. Jared Pelo sat down with Trevor Connor, a former professional cyclist turned nutrition expert, to discuss the transformative power of whole-food nutrition and the often-misunderstood principles of the Paleo diet.

An Unexpected Journey to Paleo

Trevor’s story begins with skepticism. As a professional cyclist trained in traditional sports nutrition—which emphasized consuming maximum simple sugars—he initially rejected the Paleo diet concepts taught by Dr. Loren Cordain at Colorado State University. "I sat there in the class, just angry because everything he was teaching me, I'm like, yeah, this is wrong," Trevor recalls.

However, after spending a summer trying to disprove Cordain's teachings through research, Trevor found himself gradually accepting the evidence. The real breakthrough came when he adopted the diet himself: at age 39, after previously retiring from professional cycling, he returned to racing and achieved a top-10 national ranking at age 40.

Debunking the "Simple Sugar" Myth

One of the most significant shifts in Trevor’s understanding came from challenging the conventional wisdom about carbohydrates and simple sugars. While traditional sports nutrition advocated for 65-70% carbohydrate diets, Trevor discovered that focusing on healthy fats and eliminating simple sugars improved both his performance and overall health.

"When I switched to the Paleo diet, [frequent illnesses] went away. I just stopped getting sick," Trevor explains, highlighting how his body responded to the dietary change.

Making Paleo Accessible

Trevor emphasizes that the Paleo diet isn't about rigid rules but rather about eating foods that align with our evolutionary history:

• Abundant fruits and vegetables

• High-quality meats and fish

• Nuts and seeds

• Minimal processed foods

• Limited or no grains and dairy

He stresses that the diet's success lies in its focus on nutrient density rather than just calorie counting. "When you are eating less processed foods, when you're eating fruits, vegetables, high-quality meats, fish, they're packed with nutrients," Trevor explains.

The Hunger-Nutrient Connection

One of the most fascinating insights Trevor shares is about the relationship between hunger and nutrient deficiency. He suggests that many people overeat because their bodies are seeking specific nutrients rather than just calories. "When we are hungry, our body's usually saying, I need this nutrient or I need that nutrient," he explains, noting how people often find themselves consuming fewer calories but feeling more satisfied when eating nutrient-dense foods.

Practical Tips for Transition

Trevor advocates for a gradual approach to dietary changes, comparing it to athletic training: "If you have a new athlete that's coming off the couch, the thing you would never do with them is say, okay, I'm going to give you a Tour de France athlete's training plan."

His recommendations for getting started include:

1. Begin by adding healthy foods rather than focusing on elimination

2. Start with fruits and vegetables

3. Incorporate higher quality meats

4. Allow time for taste preferences to adjust

5. Make gradual changes rather than dramatic overhauls

The 90/10 Rule

Importantly, Trevor dismisses the need for absolute perfectionism in following the diet. "When anybody tries to be 100%, they inevitably fail," he notes. Instead, he encourages people to enjoy occasional treats without guilt, emphasizing that it's better to have real cake occasionally than to constantly seek out "Paleo-approved" versions of processed foods.

Making It Sustainable

Trevor’s personal approach to maintaining this lifestyle is refreshingly practical. He dedicates Sunday nights to meal prep, grilling various proteins for the week ahead and combining them with different vegetables for quick, nutrient-dense meals. This strategy makes healthy eating sustainable even with a busy schedule.

Looking to Learn More?

For those interested in exploring the Paleo diet further, Trevor recommends visiting thepaleodiet.com, where you can find recipes, meal plans, grocery lists, and evidence-based information about the diet's principles. The website focuses on making the diet accessible and practical for everyday life.

Through this conversation, Trevor demonstrates that the path to better nutrition isn't about strict rules or dramatic restrictions—it's about making sustainable changes that align with our body's natural needs while acknowledging the realities of modern life.

Key Timestamps:

• [00:17] Trevor Connor's background as a professional cyclist

• [01:06] Initial skepticism of the Paleo diet in Dr. Cordain's class

• [02:06] Return to professional cycling at age 39-40

• [03:15] Challenging traditional sports nutrition beliefs

• [07:06] Definition of the Paleo diet and evolutionary eating

• [12:47] Practical tips for transitioning to healthier eating

• [14:04] Discussion of hunger signals and nutrient needs

• [21:04] Approach to occasional treats and diet flexibility

• [25:28] Personal meal prep strategies and implementation

The Microbiome: Important Yet Mysterious - A Practical Perspective

In recent years, the microbiome has become a buzzy topic in health and wellness circles. But what exactly is it, and how should we approach microbiome health? Let's cut through the hype and look at what we actually know.

What is the Microbiome?

The microbiome consists of all the bacteria living on and in your body:

• In your mouth

• On your skin

• In your intestines

• And other areas

While viruses are sometimes included in discussions of the microbiome, they generally don't contribute beneficial effects like bacteria do.

The Testing Dilemma

Despite the growing interest in microbiome testing, there's a catch: comprehensive genomic testing of your full microbiome is prohibitively expensive. This leads to an important question: what's actually worth doing when it comes to microbiome health?

A Practical Approach

Instead of extensive testing, here's what we know works:

1. Targeted Testing  

• Focus on testing when there are specific symptoms

• Look for specific infections or problems in the intestines

• Save comprehensive testing for when it's truly needed

2. Diet Modifications  

• Emphasize high-fiber foods

• Include foods that specifically feed beneficial bacteria

• Recent research highlight: Just half a cup of navy beans daily can increase microbiome diversity and healthy pre/postbiotics

The Current State of Knowledge

It's important to understand that while the microbiome is undoubtedly important, our understanding is still evolving. Think about this: 400 years ago, we didn't even know bacteria were important. Today, we're still uncovering new insights about how these microscopic organisms affect our health.

Key Takeaways

• The microbiome is crucial for health

• We don't need extensive testing for everyone

• Simple dietary changes can improve microbiome health

• Focus on practical interventions rather than expensive testing

• Our knowledge is growing but still incomplete

The Bottom Line

While the microbiome isn't the "end all be all" of health, it's an important piece of the puzzle. The good news is that you can support your microbiome health through simple, practical steps - particularly through diet - without needing expensive testing or complex interventions.

Remember: Sometimes the simplest interventions, like adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet, can have the most significant impact on your microbiome health.

Staying Active and Healthy: Your Complete Holiday Wellness Guide

The holiday season brings festivities, family time, and unique challenges to our wellness routines. At Bionic Health, we believe you can maintain optimal health while fully embracing the joy of the season. Let's explore practical strategies to keep you thriving through the holidays.

Movement Matters: Keeping Active During Festivities

The holiday schedule shouldn't mean pressing pause on physical activity. Instead, think creatively about ways to incorporate movement into your celebrations.

Community Events and Family Activities

• Join local Turkey Trots or Jingle Jogs! Find local events near you with: https://www.meetup.com

• Organize family football games

• Take post-meal neighborhood walks to see holiday lights

• Visit playgrounds with younger family members

• Plan winter hikes with loved ones

Tips for Consistent Movement

• Use community platforms to find local active events

• Schedule movement breaks between holiday gatherings

• Make physical activity a new family tradition

• Turn holiday shopping into walking opportunities

• Dance to festive music while preparing meals

Navigating Holiday Nutrition

Maintaining healthy eating habits during the holidays doesn't mean missing out on seasonal joy. Here's how to find the right balance.

Smart Eating Strategies

• Prioritize protein and produce on your plate

• Practice portion awareness without strict restrictions

• Plate food once to avoid mindless grazing

• Enjoy special holiday treats mindfully and in moderation

• Check out these food environment tips to support your habits!

Mindful Drinking Approaches

• Explore festive mocktail options

• Practice moderation with alcoholic beverages

• Savor drinks slowly and intentionally

• Stay hydrated between celebrations

• Consider trying non-alcoholic wines, beers, and spirits

The 4-7-8 Pre-Meal Breathing Technique

Before meals and in between bites, try this centering practice to calm your nervous system and prevent overeating:

1. Sit comfortably and exhale fully

2. Inhale through your nose for 4 counts

3. Hold your breath for 7 counts

4. Exhale completely through your mouth for 8 counts

Supporting Mental Wellness

While the holidays bring joy, they can also present emotional challenges. Creating a strong foundation for mental health is essential.

Building Emotional Resilience

• Practice regular gratitude journaling. Check out these holiday-focused gratitude and grief journal prompts

• Maintain consistent sleep schedules

• Set realistic expectations for the season

• Create quiet moments for reflection

Stress Management Tools

• Use breathing exercises throughout the day

• Take short meditation breaks

• Maintain boundaries with commitments

• Schedule regular movement you enjoy

Creating Support Systems

• Connect with mental health professionals if needed. Utilize Psychology Today to find a provider.  

• Stay in touch with trusted friends and family

• Join community support groups

• Remember it's okay to ask for help. Refer to hotline.

Your Holiday Wellness Action Plan

1. Schedule daily movement activities

2. Plan balanced meals while allowing for treats

3. Practice pre-meal mindfulness techniques

4. Create a support network for emotional well-being

5. Set realistic health goals for the season

Remember, the goal isn't perfection but rather finding joy in the season while maintaining your health journey. At Bionic Health, we're here to support your path to optimal health, during the holidays and beyond.

Ready to create your personalized holiday wellness strategy? Connect with our team at Bionic Health for expert guidance and support in achieving your health goals this season.

Already a member? Schedule a call with your Bionic Advisor in the app!  

Ready to become a member? Schedule a consultation through the Bionic Health Website!  

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