Friday, May 31, 2013

From despair to joy

“It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.” ― Joseph Campbell



I recently read this quote from someone who went through a near tragedy. I feel its apropo for my recent health problems. Having been in so much pain just from eating foods I was told were good for me, and seeing the list of 'healthy foods' I could have, was my own version of hell.  Officially it was called IBS-C, but I didn't care about the diagnosis, I simply wanted to be able to eat without pain.

I was told to eat more whole grains, no red meat and lots of healthy vegetables and fruit. I was also told to add a psyllium fiber supplement.  Sounds reasonable, right?  Unfortunately, my bloating, reflux and stomach pain got much, much worse.  Then I got an email from Leanne Ely, the Saving Dinner Diva, announcing a 30 Day Paleo challenge.  I was skeptical, but for the price, I felt I couldn't lose.

Within the first week, I saw a reduction in symptoms. But I was eating all the wrong foods- or so I thought. I eliminated all wheat and grains, no dairy (except grassfed butter/ghee), no soy, no sugar and no processed foods.  Reading over the list of "no" foods, I felt I was going to starve to death, I really did.  The recipes looked delicious enough, but I was still really apprehensive about the addition of red meat.  Nearly all of my life, red meat sat in my stomach like a brick. I didn't even like steak...at all.

Dairy was difficult as well, I mean, who doesn't love sour cream, cheese and cream cheese?  Heaven, right? For me, not so much.  It was causing most of my systemic inflammation and nearly all my sinus infections.  I'd already eliminated soy - that was a no brainer.  If you wonder why I disdain soy so much,Google 'estrogenic foods' or 'estrogen mimickers'. Talk about eye opening - especially for women. We've been told most of our lives that it's a great hormone replacement; trust me, it's not.

Can we just talk about the most difficult part for me? Give up sugar?  Why on earth would I do that?  I mean, its SUGAR for heaven's sake!  As it was explained to me, it would help heal my digestive issues and would help release me from my dependence upon sugar.  I didn't even recognize I had an addiction to sugar until I was told to stop eating it.

Processed foods was a no-brainer in the same vein as soy.  I'd already reduced or eliminated most processed foods for the junk food they were.

Here I am, nearly 30 days later - I've had missteps (which my body promptly reminded me that there was a reason I wasn't eating these foods), but overall, I see great progress in my digestive issues, and I've even lost 10 pounds :-)

After much discussion and a month of eating delicious meals, my family and I are staying Paleo.  Why would we ever want to go back?   I will have a sweet treat now and then, balance is key in any lifestyle, and might try to reincorporate grassfed cheeses and sour cream after a few more months of healing. I am so thankful to Leanne, my new friends in the 30 Day Paleo Challenge, and to God for helping me find the source of my digestive issues and a vessel to help heal them.  I will be forever grateful.  From despair to joy. Let me leave you with one more quote that I think is fitting.

"Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." - Joseph Campbell

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Chock Full of Knowledge...and gratitude

Over the last couple of days, I've been reading like a mad woman. I bought "Practical Paleo" by Diane Sanfillippo, "The Paleo Solution" by Robb Wolf, "Everyday Paleo" by Sarah Fragroso, and many other free Kindle eBooks on the Paleo lifestyle.  The most astounding thing I'm finding is that all of them have the same dietary philosophy that I do.  Eat whole foods, eliminate processed foods and listen to your body.

I've learned all kinds of things about how our body works and how it processes and digests food.  So much so, that my head is spinning. I can't tell if I've just read books on nutrition or evolutionary anthropology. I suppose its a mixture of both.  One thing is clear, conventional wisdom as it relates to our diet is about as wise as sticking your finger in a light socket.   

I am on day 23 of the 30 Day Paleo challenge, and I'm still tweaking the way I eat in order continue the healing my gut so desperately needs.  I wasn't looking forward to this week's menu - quite honestly, it seemed a bit boring.  I've heard this is something very common in the homestretch of such challenges.  I made Indian Beef Kebabs last night - which were very tasty.  Quite the pleasant surprise.  Also made cauli-rice, which if your're not familiar with it, is essentially cutting up a head of cauliflower, running through your food processor until it resembles rice and then steaming to cook it.  I loved it, but the rest of my family said they'd much rather just eat plain cauliflower.  It's still a win considering that no one in my family would touch cauliflower, or butternut squash, or kale before this challenge began.  Now they're asking to continue the Paleo lifestyle.   Below are pictures I took from last night's dinner:

cauli-rice.jpgbutter_lettuce_salad.jpgIndian_beef_kebabs.jpg

Not bad, right?  And super easy to make!  This is just a sampling of the wonderful meals you'll eat in the Saving Dinner 30 Day Paleo Challenge.  It's not too late - jump in right where you are.  We have several people who just started this week.

What kinds of things have you learned since starting your new Paleo lifestyle?

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Week 4 - The Homestretch

I'm now on Week 4 of the 30 Day Paleo Challenge - and while I had a oopsy this past weekend, I still feel like I'm moving in the right direction.

I'm convinced that wheat/grains most likely won't make it back into my diet. They cause too much trouble for my healing gut.  Maybe I'll reintroduce them in another 3-4 months, but not now.  Some fruits will stay out as well. I'm not totally sure which ones, except for bananas.  I ate one last night and within a short period of time, I was suffering from oscillating bouts of acid reflux and sinus congestion.  It was weird. Also, unless I find some quality unprocessed, full fat dairy - that will be out as well. It causes inflammation and reflux (of all things) and I'm quite happy with my almond and coconut milks.   Sugar will be something I do try to reincorporate, but not on the same level as before.  No more processed sugar treats - only homemade.  And definitely no more soy, there's no need for it in my life and especially not in my body.  Most soy is GMO and highly processed, something that I swore off long before I started this challenge.

I'm thankful that I didn't have any official Memorial Day weekend plans. I was able to eat what I wanted and not be concerned that there was something hidden that wasn't Paleo.  The biggest problem I'm having right now is boredom.  The dinners I'm preparing don't seem as flavorful or exciting as the ones I made during the first weeks of the challenge.  Amazon has several free Paleo recipe books available for the Kindle nearly every day, so I am dipping into those now so that I don't feel like giving up for the last leg of the challenge.

What challenges do you face in the first month of a new lifestyle change?

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Today we're going to "Faith & Family Day at the K" - the "K" standing for Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals. They call it Faith & Family Day because there is an emphasis on faith and a Contemporary Christian artist performs after the ballgame. I'm especially excited about this one because one of my favorites, David Crowder Band, is the artist this year.  If you've never heard of them, here is a sample of their music...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om_VHP_Sn-E

To say I'm excited about both the game and the music is an understatement.  But I digress for now.

The main concern I have is typical baseball fare - none of which I will eat. I mean, come on, fully processed hot dogs, white buns, beer....yuck!  So, how to take care of the inevitable hunger pangs that will come during the game?  The same way I do when I go to the movies - snacks and lots of them. So, what types of snacks will I be bringing?  Mostly cut up veggies, some berries and nuts.  I don't want to overpack, but I do want to be prepared for the hunger monster.  I'm also going to eat lunch right before we leave. We only live 10 minutes from the stadium, which is helpful.  Our church is tailgating before the game, but I'm intentionally avoiding that because there will be nothing there I want to eat.

I'm also mentally preparing myself - I would be dishonest if I said that some of the sights, sounds and smells at a baseball game make me want to dive head first in a never ending stream of nachos, hamburgers and beer.  Must.Have.Willpower!  Just kidding, it won't be easy, but my mindset has changed so much I'm actually looking forward to being able to take all that in (without demonizing it) and moving on. I'm going to focus on what I should be focusing on - the event and my family. I mean isn't that what I'm supposed to be focused on?  Besides, who wants to spend 3-4 hours white knuckling my food choices when I can do some pre planning and avoid all the drama.

What steps do you take to avoid temptation when you're at an event or venue that contains foods you won't eat?

UPDATE: Towards the end of the game, I did the unthinkable - I caved.  But in the misery that followed, I realized that all was not lost. I could call this a 'one off' and get rid back to eating Paleo. And that's exactly what I did at my very next meal.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

My Story


I realized that I've been sharing my heart and most of you have no idea why I started on this Paleo life.

About two months ago, I went to my doctor complaining of stomach bloating, pain and a long stretch of not being able to poop. I asked about diet changes since I'd just starting reading "Wheat Belly" by Dr. William Davis, but was given the standard, "eat more fiber and take laxatives if you need them" answer.

After a thorough examination and thinking I was having a bout of diverticulitis (very rare for someone in their thirties), I was immediately sent to Radiology for a CT scan to also rule out ovarian cysts or kidney stones. Of course, when the CT results came back, I was "clean" and was given a referral to a GI doctor since I was still suffering the same symptoms nearly a week and half later.

I couldn't wait to see the GI doctor. I was hopeful that he could find out what was going on in my gut and hopefully help me to fix it.  Unfortunately, it was another month before I could get in. That should've been my first clue that the medically directed path I was taking was the wrong one.

I was finally able to poop about two weeks before my GI appointment, but my other symptoms were still present - in fact, I forgot something else that was going on, severe acid reflux.  Ugh, it was TERRIBLE! It was so bad that I often found myself ready to puke it up. I'm thankful that in between appointments, I had a friend point me towards ACV (apple cider vinegar) to relieve my reflux symptoms - or at least minimize them.

The day finally arrived for my GI appointment and I was desperate for relief from my symptoms. I took my list of symptoms and food journal for the last month with me, hopeful that the doctor would be able to get rid of these symptoms once and for all.  He came in and I handed him my list and began my spiel about how I'd been trying to alleviate my symptoms for now nearly two months.  He glanced at the list, did not do a physical examination, pronounced that I had IBS-C, gave me a prescription sample and had me immediately set up an upper GI endoscopy.  

When I asked about side effects of the prescription he gave me, he smiled and said, "there are a few, but it beats having the symptoms you're having".  The first most common symptom was diarrhea...umm, no thank you. As soon as I got home, I threw the pills away. If there was a solution to my problem, it wasn't going to be from the "medical community".

I started reading whatever I could about gut issues and realized that, not only was I not alone in the symptoms I was having, that many, many people were healing themselves through lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. At first, I was MAD - I mean, how could the man I'd come to rely on for answers to my various ailments not know all of this? But then I realized that it was up to me, not him, to take control of my health.

I gave up all wheat/grains (even gluten-free wheat), dairy (except eggs) and all processed foods. I'd been on this "diet" for about two weeks, when I received an email from Leanne Ely of SavingDinner.com, announcing a 30 day Paleo challenge. The video talked about all of the benefits of the Paleo lifestyle, and how it might be able to help me with my gut issues and even some of my other issues, such as anxiety, depression and inflammation of my joints. That was all I needed to hear, I immediately purchased the program and haven't (and won't) look back.

I am a Paleo "lifer" - I simply cannot go back to the way I was eating before; did I mention that through this process, I've also lost 10 pounds and go back to my 'fighting weight'?

That's it - my story.  I hope you found some hope in these words and I invite you ask questions about my journey. I'm an open book.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

How can you eat all that fat and red meat and still be healthy?

If you've been part of the Paleo lifestyle for any length of time, you'll ultimately get asked this question:
"How can you eat all that meat and fat and be healthy?"
My first response has been that nearly all of my previous medical symptoms are gone, but that's not enough for some of my more studious friends, so after extensive Googling and online research, I found this from Robb Wolf.

For most people the fact the Paleo diet delivers the best results is enough. Improved blood lipids, weight loss and reduced pain from autoimmunity is proof enough.  Many people however are not satisfied with blindly following any recommendations, be they nutrition or exercise related. Some folks like to know WHY they are doing something. Fortunately, the Paleo diet has stood not only the test of time, but also the rigors of scientific scrutiny.
With a very simple shift we not only remove the foods that are at odds with our health (grains, legumes, and dairy) but we also increase our intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here is a great paper from Professor Loren Cordain exploring how to build a modern Paleo diet: The nutritional characteristics of a contemporary diet based upon Paleolithic food groups. This paper also offers significant insight as to the amounts and ratios of protein, carbohydrate and fat in the ancestral diet.
And if that's not enough, I found this.

Most critics love to point out that the Paleo Diet is “mainly meat based” (as stated in this Huffington Post piece).  They then spend the rest of their talk/article explaining that we, in fact, didn't eat all meat, and that we mostly ate plants! And thank goodness! As the internet has recently pointed out, meat will kill you (actually, it won’t).
Although some people may choose to follow the Paleo Diet by eating primarily meat, and yes a majority of the protein consumed on a Paleo Diet does come from animal sources, I would argue that a true Paleo Diet is actually mostly vegetable based, supplemented by a protein source which often happens to be meat.  So, the critics and advocates of the Paleo Diet are in agreement on this – mostly plants!
Paleo and Atkins are not synonyms. People that are all-in on a Paleo Diet tend to have 2/3rds of their plate filled up with vegetables, and a small portion of meat added. Yes, some people choose to eat more meat than that, but nowhere in the basic Paleo principles does it state that Paleo Diet is mainly meat based.
A diet that promotes the consumption of more vegetables, and whenever possible eating meat from pasture raised or free range animals?
Sounds like something we can all be in agreement on.
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide if the Paleo lifestyle is right for you. Like Cavegirleats likes to say, "Eyes on your own plate."  Words to live by.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I need your help!

At the end of next week, the 30 Day Challenge will be over.  I am going to continue to eat Paleo as I don't want to go back to the way I was eating before. This presents the following unanticipated challenges:

1. I need a new name for this blog - one that's focused on living a healthier and better life through eating Paleo.

2. I would also like to include events from my life as I have children in college and high school.  Anyone with children that age recognize how the stresses of raising children that age deals with wellness ;-)

I would love your feedback and help with this issue.  I still have a couple of weeks until these changes are needed - but I'm a Type A personality who loves to have all her ducks in a row.

Can't wait to hear what you have to say - and remember, no idea is a dumb idea!

Monday, May 20, 2013

Handling stressful situations when you're an emotional eater

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone's weekend went well - mine was a mixed bag that gave me several opportunities to discover  how I would handle eating when stressed.  I'm officially starting my third week of the challenge.  I can't believe it's almost over!

The next couple of weeks are going to be stressful in my household because my daughter graduates from high school at the end of the month. Which means get togethers with family, arguments over plans/money, so on and so forth.  This type of scenario usually has me stuffing my face with all kinds of unhealthy foods and cursing myself afterwards. I noticed that things are different now.  I'm changing my relationship to food - yes, it can still bring me comfort, but it's (a) not wrecking my health and (b) I'm able to recognize when I shouldn't be eating.

I don't know if any of you have such an intimate relationship between food and emotions,but I always have.  So the fact that I'm even recognizing that it's a problem and am actively working to sever that relationship is nothing short of miraculous.
In her article, "Food Moods", Leanne Ely of SavingDinner.com describes emotional eating this way,  "Food may play a bigger role than just making you grumpy if your hungry. Sometimes just the smell of a turkey roasting can trigger childhood memories of Thanksgiving or the smell of homemade bread might bring a picture of your grandmother to mind."
That description fits me perfectly.  Emotional eating also has a negative side for me.  I eat when I'm lonely, sad or even angry in an attempt to literally stuff my feelings.  It's an insane cycle, but I didn't know any better until I faced it head on and had to deal with my emotions rather than stuffing them. The question remains, how do you deal with your negative (or sometimes even positive) emotions when you're used to using food as a buffer?

First off, you have to recognize that you're doing it.  Just like any other problem in your life, if you don't think it's a problem, you can't begin the work it takes to solve it.  Keep a journal, talk to a trusted friend and get their honest feedback, maybe even talk to your doctor or a nutritionist.

Learn how to handle your negative emotions in a more positive way.  Does this mean to ignore your negative feelings? Absolutely not.  What I mean is, learn to express negative emotions in a more meaningful way - especially if you need to express them to someone else.  Or, if you're like me, learn to be okay with having negative emotions. I wasn't allowed to have them growing up (or at least I never felt safe expressing them), so this was something else I needed to learn.

Find ways to celebrate things without involving food.  This is difficult, but not impossible.  It might even involve telling people no.  One of the easiest ways is to do this is through gift cards or pampering.  Find out what stores the people in your life like or try to find out something that they'd never buy for themselves, and get that for them.  Family celebrations can be just as much fun at the nail salon as at the buffet.

Those are my thought and tips on dealing with emotional eating.  Do any of you struggle with emotional eating? Care to share how you combat it?


Friday, May 17, 2013

Recipe Roundup Friday

Happy Friday!

This was a very long week for a number of reasons, and I'm glad that the work week is finally ending.  Makes me long for the days when  my kiddos were still little and we could take off for the park anytime we wanted to. Being a cubicle jockey is no fun- even if I love my job.

I'm eating some amazing food during this challenge, many of which I would've never tried until now.  I'm so glad I did; as I've mentioned before in previous posts, I feel like I've turned a corner and many of these changes will be permanent. I mean, really, who feels this amazing and then goes back to feeling terrible?

Today I'd like to share some photos and recipes of some of the wonderful food I'm eating while on the 30 Day challenge. If you're keeping track, I'm on Day 11 - almost halfway - (insert appropriate mixed emotions here).  I'm in what is known in Whole30 circles as Tiger Blood phase. I feel great, have tons of energy and occasionally have dreams about treats I could care less about when I'm awake.  It's a great feeling and wanted to share it with you because if any of you are struggling, I want to show you that it will pass!

Grilled Eggplant
Serves 4

1-2 Eggplant 
Homemade vinaigrette

Homemade Vinaigrette
3 Tbs:1 Tbs Olive oil: Balsamic Vinegar
1 clove of garlic, pressed
2-3 shakes (or about 1 Tbs.) Garlic & Herb Mrs. Dash 

Preheat grill (or in my case, George Foreman grill). Combine ingredients for homemade vinaigrette.  Slice eggplant and brush with vinaigrette. Place on grill for about 10 minutes if using GF grill, 15-20 if using a conventional grill.  Bon Appetit!



Wheat and Dairy Free Crustless Quiche
Serves 6-8

6 eggs
2 1/2 cups Nutritional Yeast
2 cups fresh spinach
Coconut Oil (enough to coat a frying pan)
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash and dry spinach.
Coat frying pan with coconut oil and put on medium heat. Once it melts, put spinach in frying pan and cook spinach until wilted.



While cooking spinach, mix eggs, yeast, salt and pepper.  Once spinach is wilted, remove from heat and add to egg mixture.

Coat pie plate with coconut oil and pour in egg mixture. Place in preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes before serving.






Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin
Serves 4-6

3-4 lbs. Pork Tenderloin
1 pkg. bacon (preferably nitrite-free)
Cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350. In 9x13 pan, lay out uncooked bacon strips vertically across the wide side of the pan.  Place tenderloin on top of the bacon,in the center of the pan.  Starting from the left, wrap bacon slices around tenderloin.  Sprinkle cinnamon over the top of wrapped tenderloin. Place in preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until center of tenderloin is light pink.




If you'd like to see more recipes like these, please let me know what kinds and I'll happily post them!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

ALERT: This post could be full of randomness

I'm going to start this post by sharing something I read from blogger and doctor, Lissa Rankin, MD....
Darling, you have arrived. You have nothing left to prove. You are inherently valuable, not because of how much you've achieved, but simply because you have within you a spark of divinity that makes you essentially valuable. Just look at any baby and you'll see the inherent worth within every human being. You don't have to earn that value because you just ARE. 
Stop pushing. Stop striving. Stop trying to impress anybody. Stop being so spermy and just trust that you are enough, just as you are. Give up trying to be perfect because you're guaranteed to fail, and remember that your imperfections are the gateway to intimacy with others who can relate to your vulnerabilities. Stop trying to get "there" and just savor being HERE. You are enough. You have arrived. 
Take a deep breath and drink that in.
Me again...those words are like healing balm to my soul. I'm not struggling with anything, to the contrary, I'm having a great day.  But sometimes I think everyone needs to hear these words.  (Steps off soapbox)

I'm on Day 10 of my challenge, and feel like I've hit my stride.  I even volunteered to go get pizza to celebrate someone's birthday today and was satisfied just to smell its aroma permeating my car.  When, I got to work, I ate some of the veggies from the veggie tray someone brought and I'm now enjoying my tuna steak and veggie mix that consists of onions, summer squash, celery and roma tomatoes slow simmered in coconut oil and water.  Amazingly good - although I think I'll purchase fresh tuna steaks next time. I could tell the difference between the frozen version and the fresh bought.

Which leads me to another point - my palette is changing and expanding.  Everyone asks me, "don't you miss this or that food?" Sometimes I answer yes, but more often than not, I answer "no, not really."  And that is so surprisingly freeing.  Take the time to explore food - really, you'll be surprised to discover what you like and what you'll come to like.

With all the stresses of life (especially with a daughter that graduates at the end of the month), its wonderful to know that I no longer have to stress over the following ailments: Joint Pain, Chronic Sinusitis and Seasonal Allergies, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Acid Reflux, Constipation, Anxiety and Depression.  

I'm curious, have you had the same/similar results when you changed your diet?  What changes did you make? Sound off in the comments and have a wonderful day!


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Dining Out On The Challenge

One of the things I've most dreaded since the challenge began was eating out.  I loved eating out before, so I was concerned that I would be tempted.  I shouldn't have been worried - it turned out just fine.  Almost like a lifestyle change is occurring...can you imagine?

I'm very careful to read the menu ahead of time and decide what I'm going to eat before I even set foot in the restaurant.  That eliminates a lot of hand wringing and social awkwardness when ordering.  Most people I'm with don't even notice a difference in how I order. Which is strangely comforting to me.

When I'm out and about, I use the Paleo GoGo mobile app for iPhone.  I'm not sure if there's an Android version, but if there is, I'd highly recommend it.  It's a lifesaver!

I think I'm turning a corner in the challenge - yes, I'd still like to have some sweets, but, I'm really enjoying the food I'm eating.  I'm almost to the point where I don't want to go back to the way I was eating.  Except for maybe an occasional sweet treat, of course ;-)

I know that there are more ups and downs to come, but I think I'm getting better at this everyday.  What are some of the experiences you've had with eating out  while on the Paleo (or a modified version of it) diet?

Monday, May 13, 2013

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (Behaviors) from days 6-7

I hesitated to post this because I don't like to 'spread negativity' - or so I told myself.  The REAL problem is that I didn't want to expose to the world my vulnerabilities for fear of seeming unstable.  But I did the thing that my brain kept telling me to do - reach out for help.   As I've said in previous posts, I belong to a great group on Facebook that are all (for the most part) going through a 30 Day Paleo Challenge at the same time.

This weekend, they proved to be a lifeline for me.

I'd spend the weekend stuffing down anger and tears because I couldn't find a logical reason why I was feeling this way. Everyone was getting along, the atmosphere in our home was fun-loving and caring, then there's the extra attention of Mother's Day.  So, why did I want to go back to bed and cry (this was on Mother's Day)  or tear the heads off everyone I cared about (this was Saturday)?

I thought that my mood was affected on Sunday because I hadn't eaten a proper breakfast, but even after my blood sugar restabilized, I literally couldn't hold back the tears or spiteful thoughts towards my family. After a particularly strange episode, my wise husband confronted me on my behavior and how it might be showing the kids that I was ungrateful for the gifts they'd given me for Mother's Day.  The conviction in my heart proved he was right, and I immediately went to my kids, apologizing for my behavior and reassuring them that I was very thankful for them and for their gifts. Immediately after doing that (and a suggestion from my husband that we order out for dinner), it felt like a huge boulder was lifted from my chest and my mood improved for the remainder of the day.

I relayed most of this to my group, and within a short amount of time, I had a handful of solutions/reasons for my erratic behavior. I was able to read that I wasn't crazy and that what I was dealing with, not only had others dealt with the same, but was completely explained by the changes I've made to my diet recently.  Since they had to do with the sugar purge component of the 30 Day Challenge, I won't stop the purge as this behavior can (and did) pass.

I relay this information to say, (1) you're not alone if you're dealing with the same behavior while on a sugar purge and (2) you still have time to join the 30 Day Challenge  ;-)

Any of you have the same or similar experiences that you'd like to share?  You never know who you'll help.

Friday, May 10, 2013

What do you eat when you "go Paleo?"

I realized this morning that I've done some reflecting on the "can'ts" of the Paleo diet. I'm never going to make it 30 days if I continue to think this way.  I scoured the inter-webs to find you some information I believe might be helpful in explaining what I can and do eat.

The best way to describe how I'm eating is this: wheat/grain-free, dairy free and sugar free. So, again, what DO I get to eat??  I eat lots of great foods.  My breakfast is either a smoothie with chia seeds,  coconut milk, chocolate protein powder (pea based protein) and mixed berries OR eggs scrambled with ghee and bacon - I'm hardly suffering.

For lunch, I have leftovers from dinner the night before or this wonderful pot of happiness known as "Mighty Mitochondria Miracle Vat of Soup".

Dinners are a meat and two veggie sides.  Some examples of sides are kale and sweet potatoes or snap peas and mixed greens salad, etc.  My favorite sides are grilled eggplant and the tomato cucumber salad.

With the 30 Day Paleo Challenge, I get a shopping list and dinner menus for the entire 30 day challenge.  Plus suggestions on breakfast and lunch items as well.  The Dinner Diva tries to steer us away from snacks, but realizes that sometimes you just need one, so she gives paleo friendly snack ideas as well.

If you'd rather mix and match and make your own "Paleo Challenge", here are some resources that I believe can help you do just that.  Please share any other ideas you have in the comments below.  Happy Friday!

Low-Carb Fruit: Lists of the Best and Worst

Robb Wolf's Paleo Food Matrix

The Dinner Diva, "Paleo Schmaleo"

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Rethinking Mother's Day

Most major holidays and celebrations in my family revolve around food.  It's not something I've ever really thought about until I started this challenge.

Now it's the week of Mother's Day and I find myself scrambling to find a non-food related way to celebrate the holiday.  It's always been chocolates and a Mother's Day dinner.   My Mom is also on a journey to better health, so both of my previous options are out. What's a girl to do?

I've scoured the web looking for ideas and have come up with the following:

  • Spa Day
  • Mani/Pedi
  • Honorary donation to her favorite charity
  • Road Trip
  • Poems (seems a bit like something I would've done in elementary school)
  • Gift certificates to her favorite store
  • Words of appreciation

As a mom myself, I think I really like the last option. Who doesn't like to hear the direct impact they've made in their childrens' lives?  It's sweeter than any chocolate and lasts longer than any meal - no matter how tasty the food or lively the company.

So, my challenge to you is this - what kinds of non-food gifts can you come up with to celebrate your Mom? Leave them in the comments and I'll share them in a post after Mother's Day. If you are a mother, let me be the first to say - thank you.  Thank you for all you do to raise the next generation, all the sleep you've lost, the sacrifices you've made and for the wisdom you share.  Happy (early) Mother's Day!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Made my weight loss goal and other Day 3 musings

I want to start off by saying that the last few days as done a lot to show me that I don't know nearly as much about food/nutrition as I thought I did.  I've always been told that a high-fiber, low-fat diet is the best way to lose weight.  For me, not only was that wrong, but there is some dangerous logic in that type of diet.

Wheat and dairy in most forms, cause an inflammatory response throughout the body. Which is not helpful when you're trying to lose weight.  If you have a chance, you should google either "Wheat Belly Diet" or Dr. William Davis and read why we're fat and getting fatter.

The best news and first positive to come out of the 30 Day Paleo challenge is that in the first three days, I've been able to shed the last 5 pounds that was just not coming off.  I'm excited, but find myself conflicted.  I'm conflicted because I"m concerned that I might continue to lose weight and I don't think it would be healthy to do so. When all is said and done, I'm glad to be back to my 'fighting weight' again :)

The only downside of this challenge is that I'm EXTREMELY tired today.  I've felt like I needed a nap most of the day. Nothing seems to be helpful. The only thing that I've done differently is have a smoothie for breakfast and not my normal eggs & bacon.  Also,  I didn't sleep well last night.  At any rate, I'm thankful for this challenge and the things it's forcing me to face that aren't helpful to my well being.

Have any of you experience these symptoms in the first few days of "going Paleo"?

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Why Is A Food Challenge Rarely About Food?


I just finished dinner about an hour ago, and I realized that I yet again, I was having a craving for something sweet. I never intended this challenge to be anything more than taking care of my body by eating better. But what it's turned into is another story altogether.  

I find myself struggling with anger, tension and stress – all for the wrong reasons. I'm obsessing, as I often do, with ‘getting it right.’  Getting what right? Eating just like the plan prescribes.  Ugh, why do I put myself through this time and again?  Just because it’s on a list doesn't mean I have to follow it exactly. I am smart enough to figure out a sensible substitute if I'm out of something or if I feel the need to go out of my way to find something. That is not the point of this challenge.  The point of this challenge is to do something good for your body.  How exactly am I being good to my body if I’m obsessed or stressed about this or that and how to do it right?

I don't want to beat myself up too much – such is the point of this post after all! But I do want to listen to what my body and mind are telling me and just follow the plan as best I can. Nothing more, nothing less.  I've noticed more often than not that it’s much ‘easier’ for me to make a big deal and obsess and whine about whatever positive change I’m trying to make in my life.  Allowing thoughts like, “it’s too hard”, “ I'll just have a little” and “that’s what it says I need, so I must go out and find it”…etc., ad nauseum.  This is the struggle – my thought life.

How is your thought life a struggle you say? Every action I take or don't take BEGINS in my thoughts, even with – or especially with – food.  How I feel when I wake up in the morning, how I greet my family, how I treat my co-workers, how detailed I am and especially how I feel about myself.  Even though I've not “officially” struggled with being overweight – I do think I've struggled with my ‘food life’ my entire life. From being told to ‘finish my plate’ when I wasn't allowed to portion out my food to family celebrations centered around food, to telling myself I ‘deserve’ a treat after overcoming this or that struggle.

So, what does that mean for the rest of this challenge? Who knows? But I'd like to learn to slow down and take things as they come…oh, and exchange asparagus for Brussels sprouts every once in awhile.

Can I make it 30 days without sugar?


So I shouldn't obsess strictly with what I can't have (SO very guilty of doing this), but should focus on what I can have.  It's amazing the grip that sugar has on my mind, even to the point of showing up in my dreams.  I did really well with little/no sugar yesterday. I only had a pinch of Stevia in my coffee yesterday morning and a small piece of 88% dark chocolate after dinner last night.  Why did it show up in my dreams last night? I don't know, but let me tell you how the dream went...its a hoot.

I don't know if any of you have seen the ginormous candy boxes (seriously, they're larger than board game boxes!) that are out for Mother's Day, but I had a dream that I received one for Mother's Day. My solution to having all this contraband in the house?  Send it to Russia with my husband, who was leaving to go there on a business trip (in the dream, not reality).  I have to laugh thinking about that because is that REALLY what I would do if I received such a gift? And since when does my husband travel to Russia? Anyway, the timing is funny and strangely ironic since most Moms will get some sort of chocolate for Mother's Day.  A tradition I think should be changed - but I'm trying to eat better, and if I can't have sugar, no one can :)

I'm starting to think that the menus provided for the 30 Day Challenge might just turn my families "meat and potatoes" thinking about food around.  My husband ate everything I made yesterday ( Moroccan Chicken, and Tomatoes & Cucumbers with a homemade vinaigrette dressing), and he (1) HATES tomatoes in almost any form, but especially fresh and (2) doesn't like squash in any form.  However, he not only cleaned his plate, he said that this is something we should make again.  So, hurrah for small victories!  A funny side note, the way that acorn squash looks after being roasted looks eerily similar to pineapple.  So when I served it, everyone bit into it expecting pineapple (I told them about the squash - promise!) and got squash instead.  The looks on their faces was priceless.

One of my best weapons when sugar cravings hit is unsweetened Trader Joe's Almond Butter. Just a little bit on a spoon and it zaps my cravings instantly - I tell ya, it's a miracle food :)  All that to say - so far, so good. I'm most concerned about the first week of this challenge anyway.  I remember it was the hardest when I quit smoking, so why would sugar be any different? 

As far as the challenge itself, I feel really good and the food is fantastic! Tonight's dinner looks even better than last nights - I can't wait!  I slept like a baby last night, something I haven't  done in months - so YAY Paleo!  It's not too late to join the challenge - simply visit http://savingdinner.com/ and click on the 30 Day Paleo Challenge graphic on the right side of the screen. My friend, Leanne, will get you fixed right up.

Let me know your experience with "going Paleo" and it could be featured in a future post.

Monday, May 6, 2013

My SOS list for dealing with sugar cravings

During this 30 day journey, I decided that the biggest obstacle I might face is not being able to have sugar. Most recently, it's been rearing its ugly head in the form of cravings for Pay Day and Reese's PB Cup candy bars around 3pm at work. It was not a pretty sight if I didn't get my fix on time.  I'm pretty sure I literally growled at someone who stood between me and snack machine.  Not one of my finer moments :-/

Aaaaanyway, I asked for support in the FB group I'm in , The 30 Day Paleo Challenge, and decided that I needed all the tools I could get to make sure that I didn't accidentally snap at my boss.  They all gave me TONS of great tips - one of them, eating 1 tsp of Almond Butter (sugar free of course) off of a spoon has been a lifesaver today.  That, and lots and lots of water.

I compiled them and this is the result...


  • There are a few things going on here Keri: 1) sugar addiction, 2) bad habit, 3) a head trip of stellar proportions.  To beat sugar addiction, you need to replace it with enough protein (check that box with the 30 Day Challenge), enough fat (another check) and fiber (another check again). Make SURE you're not trying to go low fat, lavish the butter on your veggies, enjoy that big fat portion of steak and if you're absolutely needing a little something, get one ounce of 80% dark chocolate, break it up into pieces and let it melt slowly in your mouth. 
  • Try keeping almond butter to snack on. It really helps my sweet tooth
  • Yes, have something to substitute that you look forward to! That way you don't focus on what you CAN'T have but on what you can have.
  • A spoonful of mayo works for me I was surprised I never thought I would eat just mayo. Doing crosswords and word find puzzles, going for a walk around my yard, doing puzzles, texting friends takes your mind off the habit of munching. I try to stop eating after I eat dinner and have a snack of a salad with protein an hour before I go to bed.
  • An ounce of dark chocolate with a tbsp of almond butter on top of it is a great sub for Reese's! We (my husband & I) actually go as far as to make our own chocolate bark that has no sugar and is just sweetened with xylitol -- we melt down the squares of pure UNSWEETENED chocolate (bakers chocolate) with some coconut oil and a couple of tbsp of xylitol (we find that 1/2 a tbsp to 1 tbsp per square works well)... once it melts, spread it on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper and let it harden in the freezer or fridge. You can add nuts and/or coconut for a yummy treat.
  • Fresh or frozen grapes are great to kick a sugar crave fast. If they are frozen it is kinda like a Popsicle/ Bon Bon...and homemade mayo is the greatest thing on this planet... I will post my super easy 30 second mayo recipe when I am back at my computer.
  • A handful of dates rolled in almonds or plain fresh ones both sweet and mushy.
  • Raw almonds are my substitute of choice!
  • Dates are used in tons of paleo "dessert" recipes. You probably want to be careful for this 30 days if you are just starting to cut out sugar because dates are still high glycemic. But I have a few favorites that all involve dates through the food processor. One you mix with chia seeds & coconut oil for an "energy bar". Another is with unsweetened cocoa powder, coconut oil, shredded coconut & walnuts = raw brownie balls. Yum! But better to get the sugar mostly out of your system first, then make these just an every now & then treat.
  • I have trouble with this too; I usually get off work about 3 or 3:30 and stop to shop on my way home to save gas. I am tired, cranky, and HUNGRY at that time of day. Nuts work pretty well for me as a snack. I'm about to try making my own jerky. What I really need to do is move dinner time up from 7-ish to 4:30 or 5:00; then I can fix a salad and eat it while the rest of my meal cooks. Fortunately, most paleo meals for me are very simple... a chunk of meat in the skillet and a side of veggies and/or salad. Stocking up on freezer meats, and buying produce twice a week works pretty well for keeping me out of the store most days.

Great advice, is it not?If you're interesting in more information about the 30 Day Paleo Challenge, visit Leanne Ely (aka The Dinner Diva)  at www.savingdinner.com.

First day of 30 Day Paleo Challenge


I'm not sure where to start, and I hate when journals start off like this, but I digress.  I can't say that I'm looking forward to kicking my sugar habit, but I also know that it's got a grip on me tighter than the iron fist of Communism.

Thankfully I have my 30 Day Paleo buddies on FB if I need them.  I guess I wish my family would join me so that I wouldn't have to make them things I can't eat.  Oh well, I suppose that's part of the process.  And, I know I wouldn't want something forced on me if I wasn't ready to make the change.  

I am really stressed right now, so I think I'll take an anti-anxiety pill and see if that helps calm me down. If not, I'll take a quick walk outside.  I have a lot to do today and I'd really rather stay home and sleep - I'm sure that isn't a great coping mechanism, but it's where I'm at.  There's a chance that I'll update this throughout the day as needed.