People join the Paleo challenge for a variety of reasons including weight loss,1 the significant health effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, 2,3 or simply the overall lifestyle improvements.4

But there are an equal number of reasons why folks jump off the Paleo wagon. From a purely psychological standpoint, self-sabotaging behavior,5 all-or-nothing thinking,6 and the fact that no one likes to be on a “diet” are just a few.

Here are six common reasons that ex-Paleo folks and Paleo experts identified why people quit:

1. It’s hard to be Paleo during vacations.

Louise Hendon, co-founder of Paleo Flourish Magazine, says that many fall off the bandwagon while on vacation and never get back on. Staying loyal to Paleo outside the comfortable vibe of your kitchen is never easy especially if you’re surrounded by unfamiliar food and relatives who don’t know Paleo.

Katie Bisson of Technology Seed knows what it’s like to be Paleo while attending client meetings. “I was eating healthy and loving life, until I had to travel for work,” says Bisson. Because of the travel interval and hectic schedule, she didn’t have ample time to prep meals compromising her Paleo diet.

An easy solution is to pack your own food. Get yourself a portable cooler and stock up on fresh Paleo edibles. Nuts are a perfect snack to munch on. Before traveling, research local Paleo-friendly restaurants. Avoid gluten-containing grains and don’t let a trip ruin your commitment to being Paleo.

2. Unsupportive family, friends, and social life

It’s a challenge to eat outside of social norms. There will always be family dinners, picnics, parties, and other gatherings where the food selections are less than ideal for your Paleo regimen.

Joey Gochnour, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of Nutrition and Fitness Professional, LLC, explored health conscious folks’ tendency to overthink their diet. They can become so concerned by the purity of every food served on the table that they end up missing out on key nutrients. This unhealthy practice eventually manifests itself as both nutritional deficiencies and psychological disorders.

The most important factor in following a successful Paleo diet is the social support a person receives from his significant others. No matter how comprehensive your knowledge is regarding the Paleo diet, if the support system is weak, your drive and interest will end up on a downward slope.

In fact, Paleo eaters can feel left out during get-togethers as they have a different culture of eating. This is one of the main reasons people quit says Cassie Bjork, Registered Licensed Dietitian from Healthy Simple Life.

Can Paleo kill your social life? It can happen if you aren’t ready for these situations. So, the best thing you could do is always come prepared and make your new lifestyle less of a big deal. Always keep a bag of nuts and quality low-sodium jerky with you in case you find yourself in a place where non-Paleo-friendly foods are available.

