I was fortunate enough to receive an early copy of Robb Wolf’s latest book, Wired to Eat. Robb’s first book, The Paleo Solution, was a game-changer for many people, including myself. It offered a solid foundation for nutrition, and I even recommended it to my clients when I was more focused on nutrition counseling. While my role has shifted, I still often refer to the principles in his first book when clients ask about diet.

Although The Paleo Solution was a fantastic resource, it did have its limitations. One of the most common issues I saw was the strict “paleo” definition. For some, the question of what constitutes paleo could become dogmatic, with people swearing by specific food lists, even though everyone’s body reacts differently to carbohydrates. Some people could eat beans or rice and feel fine, while others couldn’t tolerate them. The paleo diet also tends to be restrictive, depending on the source you follow.

Robb addresses many of these concerns in Wired to Eat. The chapter I found most impactful was titled “Personalized Nutrition.” Robb shares a fascinating study that examined how 800 people responded to carbohydrates. The results revealed the highly individual nature of carbohydrate tolerance—some individuals actually responded better to a cookie than a banana.

As a coach, I’ve always had a rough estimate for carbohydrate intake, typically recommending women consume around 100g-125g per day and men 150g-175g. However, this is more of a starting point, and I’ve never known for certain how each person’s body would react to those numbers. Robb’s recommendation of a 7-day carb test using a glucometer is a brilliant idea to personalize carb intake and help determine insulin sensitivity.

The beauty of this test is that it allows flexibility. It enables you to test non-traditional “paleo” foods to see how your body responds. For instance, if you find you tolerate beans well, they can remain part of your diet, which is crucial for long-term sustainability.

The Importance of Patience in Training and Nutrition

Beyond the nutrition aspect, one key concept I’ve been emphasizing in my own training—and one that Robb also touches on in his book—is patience. This is especially important for strength athletes or anyone trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle. In a world obsessed with quick results, the idea of instant success can be misleading. However, true progress takes time, and rushing the process can often lead to setbacks.

A conversation I had with one of my strength athletes illustrates this well. During our training session, we were working on deadlifts off blocks, focusing on the position just below the knee where many raw lifters experience a sticking point. The athlete suggested increasing the weight after a few sets felt too easy, but I insisted on sticking to the plan. The following week, we increased the volume slightly, but we continued focusing on that specific weak position. The goal was to build strength in that position, not rush to heavier weights.

I explained to the lifter that rushing would only increase the risk of injury. Building strength in a controlled, step-by-step manner is the key to success in the long term. The same applies when following Robb’s Wired to Eat program. It’s tempting to want to see immediate results, but Robb emphasizes that real progress takes time.

Why You Should Stick with It

If you’re starting with the 30-day program in Wired to Eat, don’t expect to see overnight transformations. Robb’s advice to ditch the scale is spot on. While 30 days is enough to start seeing some positive changes, it’s just the beginning of what can be a lasting, sustainable lifestyle shift. Health and fitness are not quick fixes—they are ongoing processes that require time, consistency, and patience.

Instead of focusing on a quick outcome, focus on making small, consistent changes. Whether you’re striving for better nutrition, a stronger body, or improved performance, embracing the process and setting both short-term and long-term goals will help you stay on track.

For strength athletes or CrossFit competitors, the road to elite performance is long. No one reaches the top overnight. It’s about building good habits, improving little by little, and being patient with the journey.

Conclusion

Wired to Eat is a refreshing perspective on nutrition that goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” approach. It challenges the rigid definitions of diets and offers a more personalized path, focusing on what works for the individual. But just as Robb emphasizes the importance of personalized nutrition, I also want to stress the value of patience in both nutrition and training. Whether you’re adopting a new eating plan or working toward strength goals, success will come over time, not through shortcuts.