Joshua Stafford’s Path To Wellness Through Paleo Lifestyle

Joshua Stafford’s path to wellness through paleo lifestyle started with a desire to connect with his ancestral roots. By adopting the Paleo diet, he changed his physical health and mindset, discovering the healing power of natural, nourishing food. From overcoming health struggles to building stronger connections with nature and family, Joshua’s story shows how living intentionally and the Paleo diet can transform your life.

Keep reading to check out his story!

About Joshua Stafford

Joshua is the owner of Stafford’s Barber Shop and Shave Co. in Branson, MO, a devoted husband to Kylie (@carnivoreky), and a proud father of Jarvis, Charles, and Salem. Passionate about health and heritage, Joshua started his path to wellness through paleo lifestyle inspired by his English, German, Scottish, Irish, and Nordic ancestry. Through the Paleo diet, he found a path to reconnect with his roots while overcoming health challenges like eczema, gut issues, and insomnia. Documenting his experiences, Joshua shares his ancestral eating journey on Instagram and TikTok, inspiring others to embrace vitality through primal living.

Joshua’s Path to Wellness Through Paleo Lifestyle

Joshua Stafford’s journey to embracing the Paleo lifestyle was deeply rooted in his quest for identity and connection. Over several years, he explored his genealogy, uncovering stories of his English, German, Scottish, Irish, and Nordic/Viking ancestors. To honor their legacy, he grew his hair and beard, reflecting their images, and dove into their world through music, culture, and lifestyle. Listening to the primal sounds of the band Heilung awakened a profound connection within him. It is one that transcended understanding but felt spiritually significant.

This introspective journey led Joshua to reflect on how his ancestors lived: how they moved, ate, and thrived. However, while he felt spiritually connected, his physical health didn’t mirror the strength and vitality he envisioned in them. Since the age of 19, Joshua has struggled with eczema, scoliosis pain, constant headaches, gut issues, insomnia, and lactose intolerance. At 205 pounds, he felt perpetually exhausted and reliant on CBD and sleeping pills to make it through the night.

When his wife, Kylie, adopted the carnivore diet, her remarkable transformation inspired Joshua to follow the Paleo diet. He believed that eating as his ancestors had might improve his physical and spiritual well-being.

How Joshua Discovered The Paleo Diet

A turning point came when Joshua’s best friend and coworker was diagnosed with testicular cancer at just 28. Watching his friend face such a battle was a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of health. This experience compelled Joshua to confront his own mortality and consider the steps he could take to reduce his risk of illness. Convinced that the modern diet was a major contributor to today’s health problems, he decided to make a change.

With his 30th birthday approaching, Joshua was determined to improve his health—not just for himself but for his family. He didn’t want his wife or children to face life without him. A conversation with a doctor further solidified his decision when he learned that, on average, people gain 10 pounds every decade. Already dissatisfied with his appearance and energy levels, the thought of being heavier at 40 was the final push he needed.

Joshua committed fully to the Paleo lifestyle, wanting to create a healthier future for himself and his family.

Joshua’s Relationship To Food Before His Transition To Paleo Lifestyle?

Before adopting the Paleo lifestyle, Joshua Stafford’s diet revolved around energy drinks, fast food, sweets, and chips. Stuck in a cycle of eating purely for pleasure, he found that the foods he craved no longer brought him happiness. Transitioning to Paleo transformed his relationship with food. He began seeing it as fuel, and foods that once seemed bland—like fruits—became flavorful and satisfying. Now, a single grape or a square of Hu chocolate is enough to curb his sugar cravings, a change he never thought possible.

Unlike keto, which left him fixated on cheat meals, Paleo provided the variety and sustainability he needed. With this lifestyle, Joshua feels no need for an “escape.” He’s energized and content with his meals, which have positively impacted every aspect of his life. He starts each day with purpose, no longer reliant on the snooze button. Physical activity has become a way to honor both his body and his ancestors. His routine includes 100 pushups daily, Pilates for core strength, yoga for flexibility, and a full-body workout once weekly—practices that keep him grounded and connected to his future self.

How Did Joshua Stafford Transition To Paleo Lifestyle?

Joshua decided to make the Paleo diet more than just a way of eating—it became a transformative experience. Drawing inspiration from his ancestors, he envisioned how they might have eaten meals in nature, surrounded by rivers, forests, or caves. Determined to recreate that connection, Joshua began eating outdoors, immersing himself in the environment. To add accountability and creativity to his journey, he invested in a camera and started documenting these experiences. Using rocks and wood as natural “plates,” he staged his meals as though they were snapshots of a caveman’s dinner.

The results were remarkable. Joshua achieved his goal of losing 10 pounds before his 30th birthday, ultimately weighing less than he had during his entire 20s. Four months into the Paleo lifestyle, he had lost 41 pounds (46 from his highest weight) and experienced a complete transformation in his health. His eczema vanished, scoliosis pain was significantly reduced, inflammation was gone, and he no longer relied on sleep aids or energy drinks. By fully embracing the Paleo experience, Joshua improved his physical well-being and deepened his connection to his ancestral roots.

How Joshua Overcame The Challenges of Transitioning to the Paleo Diet?

Joshua Stafford recalls that the first week of transitioning to the Paleo lifestyle was the most challenging. The cravings for processed foods were intense, testing his resolve. However, by the second week, everything changed—his energy levels soared, and he felt almost superhuman. 

For anyone considering Paleo, Joshua emphasizes the importance of pushing through those initial two weeks, as the rewards on the other side are truly transformative.

One adjustment Joshua made to the traditional Paleo approach was incorporating raw milk into his diet a few times a week—a decision that sparked debate within the Paleo community. 

Having been severely lactose intolerant for years, he discovered that pasteurization might contribute to intolerance. Joshua sourced raw milk from a local farm, Melton Ridge Farms, and was amazed that he could drink it without experiencing the usual symptoms. For him, it was like consuming real nourishment for the first time. This experience highlighted the power of unprocessed, natural foods in his journey toward health and vitality.

Beyond physical health, Paleo has shifted Joshua’s mindset and outlook. He feels more present with his family, more resilient in tackling challenges, and more grateful for life’s simple pleasures, such as eating by a stream or hiking to find a peaceful spot for a meal. The Paleo lifestyle has genuinely transformed his body, mind, and spirit.

Joshua’s Favorite Paleo Staples

Joshua’s life revolves around simple, nourishing meals. He also enjoys experimenting with Paleo-approved ingredients to recreate dishes that his ancestors might have eaten, blending tradition with modern health principles.

Here are some of his go-to Paleo recipes and drinks: