Almost a year later

Hello readers,

Like I said in my last post, many folks have been asking about Paleo and with new year resolutions happening, I wanted to link my first post here for you to check out. We all know I'm a Paleo advocate! And my health and body are also proof. 

As we go into this new year, my resolution is to motivate and help those of you who are starting off! I want to give you what you need in terms of resources and for me to be a resource. I am living proof that if you change the way you eat, everything changes. Once you make changes to your environment, your insides begin to change. 

So for the first motivator:

Clean out your cabinets. If you plan on starting Jan 1, you need to throw out everything in the house. Every processed item, anything with gluten. Do not and I repeat do not, eat it. Just get rid of it. 

I promise you will be hungry those first few days because your body is detoxing. If you are hungry, eat more fat, like avocado, almond butter, Kerry Gold butter or some meat, such as steak. These all curb the cravings and it's a nice way to just keep full.

If you eat a lot of gluten normally, you will most likely start to experience a carb flu. Carb flu has flu like symptoms but gluten free chicken broth really helps this one. Keep in mind this "flu" is awesome because that means it's getting rid of the crap in your body. Let your body detox and try not to feel unmotivated because the good comes after you are on the other side of this flu thing.

For a lot of people they feel like easing into Paleo. This is also a good idea if you have been heavily reliant on gluten. I suggest go gluten free first but you can also just go full swing. That's what I did. I went right into Paleo. My ex-wife suggested it so we just jumped right in, head first. I'm glad I did because I wouldn't have made the transition easy for myself had I eased my way in. You know yourself so do what makes sense for you. 

Also, don't just start without some sort of exercise. I'm talking walking, 35-45 minutes a day, work up to other stuff, but the whole point of Paleo is that you don't need excessive cardio. You will loose the weight without much exercise but you should also exercise because it feels good. Drink plenty of water and eat when you're hungry. Don't ignore the hunger and feed it good healthy food.

You can do it. Honestly, if I can do it, anyone can. It's a lifetime lifestyle change and I'm so glad I did it. It isn't a fad diet, it really is a way of looking at the world around you.

Peace and health!

Transitioning to paleo

I've gotten a lot of questions recently about how to transition to paleo. It's easier than you think! Start by eliminating gluten and refined sugar. Think about upping your good data, protein and veggies. Your taste buds will change and you won't crave gluten any more. In previous posts, I've talked about how the body changes and starts to think of fruit as sweeter when you eliminate refined sugar. 80/20 is the way to go but if you've been eating gluten and processed foods your whole life, it's easier to eliminate gluten to start then eliminate other non-Paleo food. Also if you are looking for some inspiration, Stacy from Paleo Parents has a truly remarkable story! She and her husband have lost over 100lbs combined by being 80/20 Paleo. It's really a game changer. 

Eliminating gluten has opened the doors for my joints to stop aching, for me to rest when I sleep, to wake up at a normal hour feeling like I slept. Who knew food could have this huge of an effect? People are learning and more and more are leaning toward gluten free, clean eating. It's healthier and it makes sense. You won't want to go back... I promise.

Check out my first few blog postings for how I transitioned and how rough it was. It's much easier now and it does get better with time.

Here's to a new year! 

Christmas Eve success!

I was able to eat and wasn't tempted (too much) by cookies. I did eat non-Paleo peanut butter balls but did not and I repeat did not eat any gluten! Wooooooooooo! Succcccccesssssss

I received quite a few compliments on how my Pilates/Paleo bod is shaping up. I'm convinced Pilates has changed the game! I'm so happy and not feeling bloated! 

Christmas Eve was definitely a success. #smallvictories #notperfectpaleo 

Merry Christmas blogger land! 

First day of travel

Travel had gone well so far! I was smart enough to buy gluten free food and cuties to snack on before I left. I also bought a litter water bottle in LA. As of this moment, drank the whole dang thing. Have currently switched to a delicious latte and am waiting on my plane. I think the food difficulties I've had are around the desire to have a bagel. It's really just the look. I don't crave them like I use to; it's more the ease and the nostalgia of them. Alright, back to my whole fat latte (the coffee guy thought I was nuts). Off to the final destination. Be well my friends!

East Coast for the holidays

Growing up Italian, as many of you already know, has instilled a love of food within my soul. I'm starting to prepare for the holiday travel and eating by mentally weighing which things I want to eat versus which things I know I can live without. The hardest part about being gluten free and Paleo is knowing that my aunt's famous cookies won't be enjoyed unless I want to have the most painful stomach ache and completely bloat myself. This is something I'm already thinking about. I'm planning on enjoying a few of her cookies and being done with it. Though if I choose to eat it, I'm going to get crap for it from my family :) They love me and give me a hard time but maybe those Italian cookies are worth it. Today the idea of them sounds worth it. They might not seem worth it tomorrow night. Who knows. I'm not a perfect Paleo but I'm not obsessing over it too much. I know I'll be able to eat some things, not all things and that has become my life. At least I was on my game enough to ask for main course items early. I'll stuff myself with that and move on.

The other hard part is not having Pilates for 5 days. I know, I know, it sounds odd but I am addicted! I love the burn in my abs, I love how my arms are sore when I lift them and how my legs tremble and feel like jell-o afterward. I'm thinking maybe a youtube video of some floor work I can do while I'm traveling. It's hard being away for my home (Claremont) for the holidays as my apartment and this city/town has become the place that I consider my home but it's worth it. I do miss my family and am glad that we are able to see each other for a few days but that I am also embraced despite my non-Italian way of eating.

The scale doesn't matter

I've always been obsessed with the scale. My goal was to get down from 156 to 130. I really wanted the scale to read 130. But I'm now changing that mindset. I'd much rather look the way I do from the side than the scale read 130 and be flabby. It's interesting how our goals change and how we fixate on various variables. I'm shocked that now I'm fixated on my muscles and less on my weight. I have even stopped weighing myself. When I started Pilates I was 140 and now I'm 144, which I can say absolutely is muscle considering my dress is an eight and fits perfectly. I have finally started to love my curves in a different way, have started to look at my body differently. I no longer see a chubby woman. I see a lean canvas. I see potential and feel the difference in my muscles. I have to say those differences are way better than the scale. I imagine this is what crossfitters feel like but I'm enjoying my pilates a great deal!

The Week of Posting

Greetings friends,

Its post number three this week! It's finals time here at the College so that allows a lot of time to think about my next post! Finals also means the dining hall is closing in t-minus 3 days for 6 weeks. DUN DUN DUN. As a Paleo who has found eating this way more easily affordable with the dining hall, I have done some research and made my grocery lists! I'm leaving on Monday for a few days of travel (we all know how hard traveling is for me) and will be back to a house with no food but plan on taking a trip to Pasadena (closet Whole Foods) to make some large purchases. Eating Paleo while living in an apartment, within the residence hall, has it's challenges. This is one! I have to feed myself for 6 weeks, make enough bone broth, Paleo lunches and dinners that keep me going and keep me following Paleo more 90% of the time. When the dining halls are open, 80/20 is easier because I have little knowledge about what is actually in my food.

My current struggle is I would like some soup. The dining hall puts gluten in EVERYTHING. I'm taking EVERYTHING. So I can't even get soup. My hope this winter break is to use my crockpot and my food pro, all the time. I'm so looking forward to cooking for myself because I control what goes into my food and I can always make sure there is something yummy in the house.

I've also added some more exercising into my Pilates routine. I walk in the morning and am trying to go into the fitness center at night when I'm not at Pilates. The fitness center also closes this weekend so that will have cease until they open again but the walking doesn't have to! (Until I go back east that is....).

Well I'm off for my walk. Have a beautiful day.

pilates is a cardio work out

so yesterday in Pilates, I walk in and expect the same routine....hahahaha I was dumb!!!!

This is what happened: Jumping! Now it looks easy right? Well it's not. I sweat more than I ever have, including during a traditional cardio workout. I promise you that you will feel sore but amazing. It was so much fun and in 30 minutes, I got the best cardio I've ever done!!!!

Two weeks of Paleo and Pilates

I haven't changed my diet in weeks, I'm still 80/20 paleo and I'm rockin' Pilates! Here is my progress: 

The top was 2 weeks ago and the bottom was this morning. I'm amazed at how flat and lean my core looks. I will say it doesn't always feel that way but this morning it certainly did!

Pilates and paleo power!!!!

First Christmas as a Paleo

Weirdest thing I've had to do yet? Ask my Italian aunt to see if she can prepare anything gluten free for me to eat on Christmas Eve. The seven fish dinner...I'd love to partake. It's so hard to eat a certain way when culturally gluten/pasta is such a staple. This must be the hardest thing I've had to do yet. We eat so much gluten in our family, I'm not entirely sure anyone would even know how to cook for me! It's kinda comical. I am actually sitting here contemplating shipping gluten free pasta to myself in CT so I can prepare it at my aunt's. It's so hard to find foods I can eat being an Italian American. Everything for us contains white flour. When I went Paleo, my family noticed my weight change when we facetimed during Easter. I told them I was not eating gluten. The first thing out of my uncles mouth was "what's gluten?" and this is a common reaction. No one knows what to do with me! It's so comical. I am really going to have to plan ahead and make sure there are plenty of of options for me to eat. UGH I just realized my aunts make these kick ass Christmas cookies. Crap. I'm going to be so screwed. One of my aunts makes these hershey kiss/peanut butter cookies and peanut butter balls. I am going to have to gluten myself because I have little self control when it comes to those types of things. Man o man. I'm going to have a hard Christmas. I better make an appointment for Pilates before and after I travel! It's going to be so needed. 

In prep, I'm going to look at menus for Paleo christmas food, maybe I can make a Paleo Christmas dinner for my family. Here's to my first holiday season as a Paleo!

Amendment: my aunt is the best, she totally has my back for Christmas eating!!! WOOOOO I can eat!!!!!!!!!

What a difference 9 months makes!

The top photo was march/April and the bottom was last night. I can't believe the difference! The entire shape and contour of my stomach has gone from inflated to deflated! It's very cool to see the transformation and see the curves pop out in areas I have never seen curves. I really just wanted to share another picture because I think people understand the benefits of paleo more by looking at the differences in paleo people's bodies. I'm not loose or flabby. I'm lean and I still have a pooch but it's deflated so much! My pants fit better, I have more energy, my cravings have gone bye bye, I eat less at meals but the most important is I can have a bowel movement that is normal. I know this seems dumb or insignificant but to me it's an amazing gift. I am blessed to be paleo and lost so much weight while gaining so much in other areas. 

I'm curious to see how much more Pilates changes my body. I feel a difference in places I have never felt a good workout, such as my abs near my ribs so that little spot under my breasts. I have never felt a workout there but Pilates has challenged my body is ways that is making every muscle wake up and feel the burn. I'm hoping with Pilates help, I can keep it up and become lean and mean! Haha

The below picture is me in my first ever size 4 dress. This was a huge accomplishment for me (considering I usually wear a 8/10) so I'm pretty stoked! Pilates and paleo. What an amazing combination!!!

Pilates and Paleo

So I took the Pilates plunge and I love have to admit, I love it so much!!!!! As a Paleo-lover and weight lifter, I have to admit, Pilates makes my muscles feel things that they have never felt before. My abs have a deep soreness to them and my arms feel strong and like they are toning much faster than lifting. I was talking about Pilates vs. lifting tonight and Pilates is creating long, lean muscles whereas lifting bulks you up. I am a believer in Pilates and it is something I'm hoping to stick with for awhile. Since starting Pilates on Sunday, I've also done the bike for some cardio but nothing serious. My weight hasn't changed but I see a difference already in my clothes. I know, I know, its probably all in my head but I see something different. 

Stay tuned!

Back on the workout wagon

Paleo is (semi) easy but working out is hard/tough. It's hard to find time but I've recently found that if I make time for it, I feel better. My arms are toning and my stomach is flattening. I did 40 minutes of biking today and walked once or twice this week. It's easier when you have a goal or something to keep you going. The thing that is keeping me going is the fact that I bought a size 4 (from Loft) dress on consumerism day (aka Black Friday). A size 4?! I recently bought a 6 at Loft too. So I got to thinking...is it that Loft just fits me better because I'm a 8/10 normally. I don't get how I can go into Loft and buy a size 6 or 4. Doesn't make sense to me so I'm using that as motivation to keep working hard. I'm doing it for me. 

Also, I've decided to join Pilates and hopefully I'll do that two or three times a week, depending on my budget. I'm excited to do something off campus, for me, so I can tone and shape my body. I have a goal of further weight loss and I'm ready to kick it into high gear.

On another note, I finally got a food processor and a hand mixer to make dishes out of "Against All Grain"! I'm so excited about my new kitchen toys because I can make some delicious dishes and I will be sure to blog about it!

Until then. 

Totally neglecting my blog

Greetings Paleo readers,

I've totally neglected my blog and my apologies. It has been a busy 6 weeks. I must say I'm feeling very good today. Paleo is back in action despite my vacation over the weekend. Walking has started again and I'm going to get back into lifting 3 days a week. I've also started thinking about starting some sort of fitness class, martial arts, cycling, yoga, cross fit (despite my worry about my knees) or even Bar Method. I just know that I need something more. 

Tonight I cycled for 30 minutes and lifted. I feel good and sore :D

Eating wise, things have been more challenging recently. For some reason, the dining hall has it out to get me (not really though) because lately everything has been not Paleo/g-free friendly and there is so much chicken and veggies a girl can take! 

I am committing to purchasing a food processor and a hand mixer next week so I can start to tackle my new cookbook "against all grain." I've made my shopping list and know exactly what type of ingredients are needed. I'm very excited about making some bread and some different meals over winter break because when the dining hall is closed it's hard to think outside the box for meals. I'm also going to buy "Personal Paleo Code" when it comes out. I really love that there are ways to alter Paleo to fit your lifestyle and needs. I really think the 80/20 rule is good and as long as one is consistently doing some sort of physical activity, you will reap 100% of the Paleo benefits.

Stay tuned for more.

The return of the Paleo!!

Greetings folks,

I have been on a hiatus for a stretch of time. Not because I've fallen away from Paleo rather it's been one hell of a six months. Paleo hasn't been a number 1 priority. Since June, I've sort of switched to gluten free, but I have made my transition back into the Paleo world! I'm very happy to be back and feeling good. Though I'm having a hard time figuring out what I can eat quickly in the morning that's Paleo and not eggs. I'm kinda over the egg thing, I think.

I have strayed from Paleo quite a bit: fried chicken wings, some ice cream, cookies (gluten filled and those that are gluten free--I don't discriminate), you name it, I've eaten it lately. That being said, the scale hasn't moved....much I'm pretty happy that I've only gained 4-5lbs since May. I'm happy with that. My life hasn't been "normal" since then but it's finally starting to stabilize. 

For those of you who don't know, I am going through a divorce and that has greatly affected my workout/eating. Growing up, I relied on food for comfort and this situation is no different. Despite initiating the divorce and being content with my decision, I have turned to certain foods (and eating out a lot) for comfort. While food is not a permenant comfort, it works in the moment. 

As a result of the divorce, Stella, my walking companion, lives with her mom and I have found not having her around has made me a lot less motivated to get up and walk in the morning. This morning was different. I woke up, got dressed and walked out the door. I walked around Claremont with the beautiful sun shining. It felt so good to walk for 55minutes after not walking like that for 4 months. I now know, that I cannot and will not neglect my walking or workouts any further. It just feels too good to get up and move. 

The return of my Paleo (80-20) lifestyle is full force and I'm so glad. When I started Paleo in January of 2013, I was in a bad place, emotionally, physically and mentally. Now, nearly 8 months later, I'm in a much better place and finally finding my groove with my Paleo life.

Stay tuned for more and remember, put you first.

Traveling across the country Paleo

This is no easy task my friends. Traveling on a plane, all day is tough even if you aren't Paleo but being Paleo is difficult! I have to buy snacks and make sure that I have enough to eat because I can't have a meal because everything served on a plane has some sort of bread or gluten filled item or dairy. I'm currently eating jerky and drinking water. I have stocked up on fruit and have some nuts as well as dark chocolate. Sadly, I didn't have enough time to eat a meal before boarding the plane but I will be snacking while flying. I also have dried fruit which is good for sugar. It's hard to be so strict and have so many dietary restrictions traveling. I need to plan better next time for sure. But it's not easy, my friends.

Be well and eat well!

Birthday = not Paleo

This was my birthday week and I definately didn't eat as Paleo as I should've. I gained 2 lbs this week, which isn't a lot, but it has changed my energy level. I'm slower and more tired. But between tapas, gluten free birthday cookies, alcohol, dim sum and sushi (with rice) this lil Paleo fell off the Paleo wagon. It's interesting because so many people jump down other's throats for not being strict but I think bending the rules every once and a while is fine! Just gotta get back on the wagon today. 

I just wanted to update so people know that I didn't fall off the earth and I'm far from perfect when it comes to this journey I call life.

Stay tuned!

It's official!

After 20 weeks of Paleo have yielded a 20 lbs deficit. I started at 156 (even though I wrote in my blog 155--I was embarrassed to say I weighed 156--don't ask). I'm stunned at the result and am excited to keep going and feeling good because Paleo is really the right way for my body to eat! Eb is down 28 lbs and very much excited. "This is the most weight she has ever lost", she reports. 

Yesterday, eb was talking with a friend and she was shocked we don't hardcore workout, we don't punish ourselves by not eating, and we aren't always 100# Paleo. Paleo eating is easy. It's a mindset and figuring out what works for you. I'm very happy this way of eating has made it's way into our lives because I have never felt so good. 

I don't think paleo is for everyone but I do think everyone should try it for a little while :)

Be happy, healthy and well! Thanks for reading and keeping up with my (our) Paleo Adventure! 

Paleo=no legumes

This post is dedicated to my good friend who wants to know why beans aren't suppose to be consumed while being Paleo:

http://www.cupcakestocrossfit.com/health-and-fitness/are-beans-really-good-for-your-heart/

http://ultimatepaleoguide.com/paleo-diet-food-list/ (this one doesn't really talk about the WHY)

http://www.paleoplan.com/2011/03-15/foods-to-avoid-on-a-paleo-diet-plan/

Before and after

The picture with me in the yellow is from 2011 and the one with the purple shirt is a week ago. Before paleo and after paleo. I am officially 20 lbs lighter. Paleo is amazing and deserves to be given a shot folks! :) if I'm not a testament to the benefits, I dunno what is! 

A big loser in the house!

Wifey is down 22 lbs! Congrats to my wife for sticking to Paleo and preserving! Congrats on that big loss! She will be writing a guest post soon so stay tuned!

Quick dinner for 2

Preheat oven to 400.

Use any protein you want. Cook to desired temp.

For bacon/brussels:

Cut brussels into 4 quarters. 

 2 teaspoons of butter to heat pan

Brown brussels 

In another pan, cook the bacon until almost crispy. Take out if pan, put in with brussels, continue to cook on a lower temp. Add maple syrup to taste.

Perfect, yummy, quick meal. 

Food, gender, and language

Today we were at Umami burger and for the first time, I really saw how the restaurant industry plays up language and gender when referring to food. For example, there are fries called "make em manly." What makes them "manly" you may be wondering....the fact that there is bacon and onion straws on top. Umami also has a burger called the manly burger, which has bacon. Why are men associated with bacon? Because our society associates fat/meat/flesh with men. Bacon couldn't possibly be a food a woman could enjoy because it's too fattening. When I was looking at the menu, I got angry, I got angry because I like bacon. Being Paleo, I am no longer afraid of the fat that society tell us we, as women shouldn't enjoy. I eat a lot of fat, I eat red meat, I eat avocado, I eat ribs, I enjoy fish, chicken, pork and many other types of fruits and vegetables. I hate when people look at my plate judging what I'm eating and not eating. As a society, we teach our women they should eat lightly, especially on a date. It's frustrating that society is teaching us that we must eat only things that are low calorie to save our figures. I think I am proof that when you eat real food, your weight goes down. The other frustrating piece of eating out is this: When I order a burger with avocado and bacon sans bun. It's funny to watch the reaction from the server because they think I'm ordering no bun for my weight not for the fact that gluten is bad for you. I always chuckle to myself then remember, I'm the one that now wears a size 8 down from a 12/14 (16 at my heaviest). The reason I get so many looks from people when I order food they think is laced in fat is because we are all socialized to think that fat = bad. Fat is not bad. Fat is good. In fact, it helps you maintain a healthy weight. My cholesterol has gone down and I've been Paleo for 5 months. 

Gender and food are so conflated and I really didn't have any clue this conflation was also occurring outside of the mainstream media industry. It's so hard to swallow that a restaurant is buying into the gendered language around food. I now know that I will be paying attention that much more to the language on a menu and what types of food they are gearing towards women. Like all of the low calorie commercials are usually a hot man talking to some woman. There is one commercials in a diner and a woman is staring at a brownie and a man comes in and says "eat this, not that" (the this is a low cal, high fiber, processed brownie). Why can't a woman enjoy a brownie? Why must she obsess over her figure? Let the women of the world, enjoy what they want!

Yogurt commercials, candy commercials, and various other commercials are the same way. The marketing is toward a woman who only desires to loose weight but she has to do it by eating low calorie, man made, processed foods. I really struggle seeing these commercials and trying to not get angry because I just want to shake the world and remind them that people, humans, did not always eat like this! When did cancer start? When did chronic illnesses become something we all have/know about? I'm not saying that processed foods are the cause of cancer or chronic illness but it is something to examine. The US is the most overweight place in the world. Why? Because we do not place value on good, real food. We are constantly placing value on being thin and by any means necessary. We starve ourselves, do fad diets, live on Weight Watchers, use supplements, buy Jenny Craig and many other ways. Let's take the Paleo word out and just look at real food. This is how people in other countries eat. Real food. If you can eat only real food then weight comes off. When you eliminate preservatives and crap, you eliminate waste and other nasty things your body is holding on to. Not saying people in other countries don't have processed foods, they do but they take time to make good, nutritious food, they savor it and enjoy every bite. Here in the US we eat quickly and move on. We do not savor our moments with food. Thus the birth of fast food nation. 

From Monday May 27: Officially Lost 15 lbs!

I'm amazed to find today that I am officially down 15lbs. I was talking to Eboni yesterday and I haven't been lighter than 148 in over 10 years. I'm stunned and oh so excited!!! I went from 125 at age 18 to 180 at age 20 and maintained 150 from junior year of college until January. Paleo has totally changed my life in so many ways. This picture is a reminder to me that it is doable and possible to loose the weight by eating the foods I'm suppose to and not getting sucked into the "fad diet" (weight watchers, Jenny craig, etc) world. I'm happy with Paleo lifestyle. Thank you for reading and for being on this journey with me!!

Standards of Beauty

I think I have heard more over the past few days people bashing their frames and remarking on others bodies. I think I hadn't heard conversations like this in a while but lately I feel like I'm hearing it more.

This is my PSA. Just do you. Do what you need to do to be healthy and successful. I wish the western ideals of beauty could be shot down. I believe a woman is at her sexiest curvy and healthy looking. Nothing wrong with a little extra middle right? I'm saying...all bodies are different. Genes aren't always our friends but we can work with what we got. If you aren't happy with your frame, as I was, I went ahead and changed it. And I'm at an all time low (yes I'll be saying that for a while) and I'm happy. I could stop here and be fine. Weight loss is luckily a side effect of Paleo but I'm healthy and lean. I walk, I eat, I drink water. Nothing out of the ordinary here! :D

I wish we could quit the fat/thin talk and just appreciate ourselves as we are....beautiful women.

Standards of beauty change, beauty is a social construction which changes and grows and depending on what country you are in, is completely different than the US. I think we need to challenge the social construction of beauty and standards of beauty here by showing what real women look like and act like. There is no perfect body. We are all different and we are all beautiful. I do believe there is an article out there about the garment industry and how the sizes are not consistent. I think we need to look at the way in which clothes are not consistent for women. I was a size 10 at Gap but size 12 at Old Navy. This was not fun for me because I always felt like I wasn't good enough or I wasn't trying hard enough to loose weight but I know that wasn't true. Now I'm over it. I'm over what everyone else says, even though the compliments are very nice, I'm over the media dictating how I should look.


That's my PSA for today.

Paleo on a budget

http://paleoonabudget.com/

check it out!

Meeting goals

Now I have officially met 2 of my weight loss goals. Break 150 and get to 145 for a few days. Slowly but surely I have net both of these goals. I am officially the lowest weight I have been in years!!!! Yayayayaya! I wish I could say I wasn't excited but I am. Except for the no clothes that fit part. Most of my work pants are too big. This is another privilege conversation. I have to access and privilege to go out and get what I need to wear to work. And because of my unearned white privilege, the fact that I'm wearing jeans again today (different jeans), might be overlooked. The discomfort for me is knowing I have clothes I'm going to need to get rid of and I've had a lot of them for years but I know it's time because I can't wear pants that make me look like I'm out of the Mc Hammer music video (parachute pants anyone?). Luckily jeans allow for more versatility in terms of fit. I can wear all my jeans and they look fine. Dress pants, not so forgiving.

Privilege with Paleo is something I debate in myself constantly. I worry about my peers and their perception of me, what I eat for dinner, how I talk about the food I ingest when asked. I'm very intentional about my speaking points as to not marginalize anyone with class microaggrressions. I'm constantly thinking and wondering how Paleo, a lifestyle I have come to enjoy and found to benefit me, could benefit others on a stricter budget. I might start looking at a Paleo on a budget idea and see if I can put together a comprehensive guide for paleo on a budget!

Stay tuned for more talk of weight loss, menu planning and budget paleo! Thanks for reading :)

Debated posting this

  

***The pic of the bathing suite was yesterday and the one on the right was in September. 

Really debated this posting because I'm not so sure how I feel about the world seeing me in a two piece but I'm kind of proud of it. I'm officially down 13.1 lbs!!! I feel amazing and am so proud of how far I've come. I'm just amazed at the transformation. 

Paleo really is a miracle worker. I think it probably saved my life.

Loving it.

This is truth!

Been awhile

t-4 days until we are no longer getting food from the dining hall! I've been stocking up and trying to get as much as I can while I still can. I'm pretty excited about this summer and exploring new menus and spices. It'll be pretty awesome. I anticipate using our crock pot and exploring recipes from various paleo bloggers. We were suppose to get a small grill but that isn't happening. Maybe one day. Currently our freezer is stocked and ready to go and the farmers market is going to be my best friend every week. Eb thinks we need to get some fish so that'll happen soon. OOOOO and bone broth!!! We are going to be making that, so good and so excited to make!!!!

I'm just so stoked about the food possibilities! We can experiment in the kitchen and start blogging food and pics! 

The best part about the dining hall closing for the summer is we really get to detox from fried foods (fries) and other things that we can only get from the d-hall. It'll be nice to take a break from EVERYTHING non-Paleo and we can boost up to 95% Paleo! So excited.

Stay tuned. Hopefully I'll have something great soon :D

Pretty stoked!

Loving how different my body is looking thanks to Paleo!

Updating the blogger world

Life has gotten pretty busy with closing and commencement coming up but I wanted to spend a few minutes updated everyone!

Paleo is still going great. It's become second nature again, after the recommitment. And this week (4 days) I've lost 1.5 lbs. Pretty great, huh?

I'm having a lot more success this time around I think because I've really given up rice (for reals). It doesn't even taste the same anymore. I don't really remember what my desire was to have it all the time.
So now that that habit is broken, we are working on the coffee habit. I'm currently at 2 cups a day. Four years ago, I was drinking 3-4 a day, laced with cream and Splenda, so this is much better, now i have some whole milk or half & half (not exactly Paleo) and raw sugar only. It's a mindset, a change in your thoughts and how to you consume food/drinks. So needless to say coffee is the only think I have not let go of and I do want to get down to 1 cup a day but until closing is over....it'll have to wait :)

I'm going to be busy busy but know I'm with you in the spirit world! Be on the look out for more updates!

Be well

Travel

When it comes time to travel as a Paleo, it's hard because you have to plan ahead; especially if you are driving out into the middle of no where California on a bus with students. I packed my food which served to be a great idea despite the looks haha.

I packed : 2 apples, 4 clementines, 3 pieces of dark chocolate, turkey jerky, mango slices, avocado, sautéed veggies and sweet potatoes, almond bitter, roasted almonds and 5 meatballs. And I will say I ate most of it!

It is so hard to know that I was going to be so far away from home with only fast food as choices to eat. But I made it through with some planning, a supportive wife, and the best Tupperware I could find!

Energy and recommitting

Since recommitting to Paleo my energy level has gone through the roof. I think part of my sluggish feeling was the allowing certain things into my system that weren't Paleo but gluten free. Now that I haven't indulged in Yogurtland, Zpizza or gluten free bread in the d-hall, hot cookies from the d-hall or any other non-Paleo indulgence  I have had a boost in energy! I feel like I did at the beginning of this adventure and I'm thankful for that. For instance, for a few weeks it has been IMPOSSIBLE for me to get out of bed in the morning. I was unwilling to admit to myself that it was because of the various cheat foods I was allowing myself each and every day but now I clearly see that's true. This morning I popped out of bed around 6:30, gave Stella a walk, went and got coffee, and made breakfast AND was early to work! I feel better.

I still can't believe how closely tied food and energy is. I find it interesting that last night, I was Facetiming with a close friend and was able to consider walking Stella at 8:30pm. I firmly believe it's the recommitting to Paleo that has provided me this burst of new energy. I'm feeling good and hoping that I'm on the right track again with my Paleo lifestyle. 

I will continue my journey and continue the adventure because there are only a few weeks left of dining hall food which means, COOKING! I'm so excited for cooking. I want to experiment with bone broth and various Paleo recipes! I'm beyond excited that I can barely control myself!!!!

I have also been tracking my weight (because I'm on my period) and it's so interesting to see how weight fluctuates while one is on their period. 

Periods and Paleo

What sucks when I have my period is I am craving, like nothing else, is brownies. From the box, Betty Crocker brownies. Not paleo brownies. I'm hardcore desiring and craving these bad boys. It sucks too because I, A. Can't have them because of the gluten And B. can't go get them ... Sad!!!!!!

I'm going to try and figure out good paleo period treats so I can eat some things that are sweet and satisfy cravings.

Periods suck

Tums, antacids, miralax

These are all drugs that we've had in our house for various issues.

Tums for upset stomachs, antacids for acid reflux (which Eb suffered from at least twice a week), and miralax because I couldn't relieve my bowel without hurting myself. 3 months and all of thse things are no longer in use. Except Eboni occasionally needs to take an antacid because as she has gotten less strict about Paleo eating, she's gotten some aic reflux again. If this doesn't tell you anything about Paleo's benefits, I don't know what would?!

I no longer have to use miralax to soften my stool so I don't hurt myself and I no longer have to ingest tums because my stomach is hurting due to something I ate. I am confident that the foods we eat are attached to the drugs we take.

I saw a commercial for tums and the tag line was "for when your favorite foods don't agree with you" and it was a woman eating a fast food burger. Of course her stomach is hurting! She's not eating real food, she's eating fast food. I understand that fast food could be all some people afford, I get it. I also understand sometimes it's just easier but I know for a fact now, that the food we eat, is very much connected to our needing to use drugs or not.

And now that we've recommitted to our Paleo lifestyle, I'm looking forward to all the benefits Paleo has to offer us. And that's a beautiful thing!

Paleo 2.0 starts today!

Today marks 3 months since we started Paleo! Exciting! And today we recommit to the lifestyle. No more excuses, exceptions, "but I just..." Recommitting and new goals in place! It's easy to make excuses especially living on a college campus. Not only do we have the dining hall but everything here revolves around food (which in itself is interesting because we are a women's college and I can't tell you how many disordered eating/eating disorder cases we have--but that's neither here not there). I find myself allowing myself to "cheat" or bend more than I should (maybe more than the 20 out of the 80/20 rule) and then it's a downward spiral and upward crawl on the scale.

True, eating this way isn't about the scale but that is a nice side effect. ;) I can't tell you the number of compliments I've gotten this week and I think the compliments are HELPING me recommit.

I also am interested in reading more about the things I love (Asian food, rice, gluten free bread) because I know about the things I no longer crave so helping myself understand about the things I love/crave might help me stay clear.

So we recommit today and it feels good. I do have some goals and maybe ill share them here...

Get back to lifting.
Loose another 10lbs of fat (I know muscle weighs more than fat) and get into size 8.
Start walking for an hour 3 days a week again.
Start the 30 squat challenge again after this one.

Lil Paleo vs Gluten free lady

Yesterday was a gluten free day and not so Paleo. Which has me totally messed up today. I feel bloated and sluggish. So no more, "it's gluten free!" I have to be strict again. I have the most energy when I'm strict Paleo. It's just hard to stick so closely to Paleo when there are so many delicious NON-Paleo items in the dining hall.

It was brought to my attention that tomorrow is marks 3 months as Paleo. In 3 months, I've lost 11lbs, gained increased energy and normal bowel movements (which might not be a big deal to anyone but me or anyone that struggles with digestion). It truly has been a remarkable 3 months and tomorrow we get strict again.

Now is the time!!!! Yayaya Paleo!

Dang it!!! Rice is my weakness!!!!!

Delicious Paleo meal

Today I made shrimp, cauliflower "rice", peppers and mango. Perfect Sunday afternoon lunch! I'm so excited to have the summer come because I have more control over my food intake. The truth is my favorite food is Asian food and its a problem because it is not Paleo friendly. So I'm looking forward to playing with different recipes.

Today's was easy, all sautéed in butter and sea salt and pepper. I think this summer I will get some new spices to try out with my various recipes.

Delish!

Paleo 80/20 Rule

I was reading on a Facebook page of some Paleo person that there is this Paleo 80/20 rule. I didn't actually know it was a thing so I did a google search and turns out it is! Yayaya! I feel so much better knowing there are people who follow this 80/20 rule because it makes me feel better about myself and my leant ways sometimes.

Based on the Facebook poll that the page I liked had up, it seems most people favor 80/20 or 90/10. There is a difference between primal and paleo but I think we fall into the in between of the two. Today I'm 95% paleo. :)

Just an interesting little bit of info I found.

Defending Paleo by paleo parents

http://paleoparents.com/featured/defending-paleo/

This link is from #paleoparents blog. They are defending the various versions and varying levels of Paleo we all have in our lives. I really like it because it simply is putting into perspective what paleo is and is not. Take a minute and read it over.

Paleo: Fad or Fact?

I'm getting frustrated with people who think Paleo is a fad and think that it's a diet in the traditional, weight lose sense. I will admit though that a few years ago I heard "Paleo this, Paleo that" and thought it was like South Beach and fake but as I researched and became educated on the subject, I realized it's not a fad. In fact, it's just the opposite. It's like the real food movement and really encourages it's followers to eat real,w hole, good food. Not processed crap unlike South Beach, Weight Watchers or even Jenny Craig. Make your food, know whats going into it, eliminate certain foods and enjoy healthy options. I don't see the issue? I also don't really know why people think it's a fad. If someone wants to follow Paleo to loose weight, that's their business but the reason they are loosing weight is because the food is good for you. It's not manufactured and filled with fillers. It's real food so of course a result of eating like this will be weight loss!!!

I love this link and the video is an awesome interview with @PaleoParents Paleo diet: Healthy or Hoax? The woman has a lot to say that makes sense about how elimination won't hurt you and if you don't like it, stop. Elimination of processed foods is not bad. The things I use to put in my mouth, now astound me! Diet coke with lunch and dinner, low fat or fat free foods (like weight watchers processed foods, certain candy, splenda {though it's said to be natural} so many other things I can't really think of but I would eat them without thinking.

I was telling Eb over the weekend, I use to eat Pancakes and love them, they were so good, a complete pleasure. Until I was done, then I'd be in the bathroom doubled over. I never really thought, "oh pancakes = gluten." Even the gastro I saw 2 years ago thought it was lack of fiber, lack of water, lack of this, lack of that, he prescribed pills to keep my muscles from contracting and making me pass out. I haven't taken those pills in 4 months. I'm a regular human now! It's amazing. I don't fear eating something because I know what I'm allergic to, I know what I should eat and what I shouldn't. I know that certain things have very bad effects. I can eat a cookie and have a slight stomachache but not doubled over in pain. I know I can't eat pizza unless it's gluten free because it freaks my stomach out. I know bread, refined sugar combined with gluten is a no no for me.

I think the best part of Paleo is figuring out what works for you and sticking it to. This summer we are going to try the 21 day sugar detox because it's just another added layer. It'll be hard but at least it'll be summer for me and we're cooking for just us! :D

Feeling good but really want to up my game here. Walking is still happening daily but weight lifting has fallen off my plate due to being a little sleepier in the morning. But I have been doing my squats which don't require the gym. I also have a kettle bell and I might starting using that 3-4 days a week (if Stella will let me). Sometimes I want to weight lift her so she'll let me work out haha.

That's enough of my ranting.

Be well, my friends.

Reaching goals

I didn't know it was possible to each my goal of loosing 10lbs but I did it. The picture in this post is my torso now. It's amazing how 10lbs on my frame really makes a difference. My next goal is 5 more lbs and a 2 piece bathing suit, not my tankini (which I love).

Next on our challenge list is the 21 day sugar detox. I think we are going to try that one this summer when we are the ones cooking 3 meals a day.

I'm on day 9 of the 30 day squat challenge and so far so good I guess. I'm going it and liking it, despite the burning in my legs (good sign).

Ah so life is life and paleo is doing wonders for us. Stay tuned!

To cheat or not to cheat, that is the question

If I cheat, I usually enjoy some sort of gluten free something, gluten free pizza or bread and then I keep doing it, forgetting that my life is not G-free, its Paleo. It's very easy to fall back into bad habits. This past week, I had g-free toast 3 days and g-free pizza. NOT A GOOD IDEA. Primal, Paleo eaters wouldn't eat that stuff so why am I? Because I love that sort of thing. Today I start over again. Attempting to give up coffee and g-free processed foods. Going Paleo hardcore again. No more cheating because it makes me feel gross.

The arguments we've heard are, cheating makes it sustainable but one cheat makes it easier for me to cheat on the whole. And I've been not so strict in the past 4 weeks. Back to it. Right now. The summer will be easier because we will only be making and eating whats at the house.

Here's to getting strict all over again.

Salad Culture

I will never understand "salad culture" and why women specifically feel like other women eat salad and only salad. Let me tell you why I'm writing about this particular topic today of all days. We had a meeting with some folks from off campus and they decided to serve us salad. SALAD. I haven't had salad as a meal in months. Not to mention the way to loose weight is not to eat salad, for me at least. After I ate my salad, which had cheese and dressing ( :\ ) I had trail mix, bad choice folks. I'm not meant to eat that stuff, it is not Paleo.  Not to mention I ate "lunch" at 12ish and it's 3:15 and I'm hungry. Again. Why? because salad cannot sustain me. I find it so interesting that culture that involves women, is surrounded by salad and being good or bad.

The good/bad debate came up yesterday and I realized E and I were talking about being good vs. bad and this is language I've only heard women use. Food is so gendered and what you should/shouldn't/can/can't eat is very much tied to how you are socialized to view food and your body. So here I sit, waiting to go into a meeting, on my phone, thinking "God, I'm hungry" because I didn't loose 10 lbs by eating salad, that approach has never worked for me. Fitting into this dress did not happen by eating salad. Eating good fat, got rid of the excess fat, eating whole foods got rid of excess, eating lean meat and enjoying full fats got me here. So I'm now contemplating how we get anywhere and how we perceive our good/badness and how men don't really focus on what their eating as much as women do and I don't believe, and please correct me if I'm wrong, men don't use the good/bad language. (I don't hang out with many men out here in Southern California so I don't know). 

It's a mental shift when it comes to talking about food and how I eat because truth is I eat better than most. Except today, today I had a set back for sure but I'll pay for it later I'm sure. 

Thanks for reading!

Finally seeing the fruits of my labor

I bought a blue lace-overlay dress in October and it was tight around my ribs. So much so I could only sit straight up and down and couldn't really breathe! I decided to put that dress on today for the external review and it fit!!! And was big in the chest area (not so much so that I couldn't wear it) but it zipped without an issue. I love seeing the fruit of all my hard work. Feeling very grateful and thankful for all I've been doing.

It's possible to overhaul your body in only 2 months. Amazing

Finally!

Finally the lowest weight I've been in eight years !!! As I've mentioned before my goal was 145 and that's finally a reality!! I feel wonderful about this news because its finally noticeable to others and everything I own fits better and differently. I can't wait to see if I can hit my new goal of 140. I know it's not much more but maybe after I meet that goal I will attempt to loose more.

Thanks for the support and encouragement! I will blog about food and exercise soon. Work is very busy but didn't want to not blog.

Thanks for reading.

Swap-ortunity

Stupid commercial. It's a commercial for women about not eating a "higher calorie" snack like sugar cookies but instead choosing yoplait low fat yogurt. I hate to break it to you people but that low fat yogurt is made with artificial and lab made products. It isn't real. Instead the commercial should stress the need to eat real food. It's so frustrating that they are stressing a lower calorie snack that might cause cancer. Aspartame is bad and that yogurt has it all up in there. Lower calorie man-made is not best. It's so frustrating that the commercial is targeting women too. I think being Paleo is making me far more aware of my identity as a consumer. I have a right to know what's in my food and I have a right to know where my food comes from. I don't always follow this, true. I do sometimes eat something manufactured and by no means judge those who are eating whatever it is they choose to eat but I'm saying this commercial is frustrating because I'd rather eat the cookie (because it could be a vegan/Paleo/Gluten free or some other combo) which is better for me than that yogurt.

Just my two cents.

Haven't blogged in awhile

Paleo is going well for us still. Eboni is kinda over it because the dining halls have gotten very boring. I am still in it to win it haha. It is boring sometimes but I am so excited for the summer! 

I started a Pintrest last week so I'm starting to pin recipes and saving recipes in my gmail account so this summer photos and recipes will come as well!

I started my 30 day Squat Challenge today. I'm including it below in case anyone wants to do it:

30 squat challenge 

Day 1: 50
Day 2: 55
Day 3: 60
Day 4: rest
Day 5: 70
Day 6: 75
Day 7: 80
Day8: rest
Day 9: 100
Day 10: 105
Day 11: 110
Day 12: rest
Day 13: 130
Day 14: 135
Day 15: 140
Day 16: rest
Day 17: 150
Day 18: 155
Day 19: 160
Day 20: rest
Day 21: 180
Day 22: 185
Day 23: 190
Day 24: rest
Day 25: 220
Day 26: 225
Day 27: 230
Day 28: rest
Day 29: 240
Day 30: 250

Oh my Paleo

We have been so slacked on Paleo since the beginning of March. It's not that horrible but I'm back to drinking coffee with half & half or whole milk and raw sugar daily. The goal is to give it up again starting Monday April 1. I also haven't gone and lifted in quite some time. But I have started my squat challenge (which I will post what it is here later). I also was finally able to give up rice! (Yayaya-one of the hardest thing I've had to do to date). And yet, we still have visited zpizza (gluten free deliciousness) and had our burgers out and naked. While this isn't all against Paleo, it doesn't help the weight loss aspect. So back to strict paleo! Hoping to finally be my goal weight after all these years!!!!!

Finally!!!!

Today someone said "are those pants just loose or is that you?" Meaning she noticed I've lost weight!!!!!!!!!!!!

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYA. my clothes are loose and I'm okay with that!!!!!! I'm so excited that someone noticed because I thought no one would notice (which is fine because loosing weight is for me and no one else). But still I was starting to think maybe those 9 lbs were in my head.

PHEW. I'm excited. Will post more soon. Just really wanted to share my excitement. 

Pales treats

Tonight I made paleo brownies. They were decent. Next time we will try another recipe for brownies or cookie dough balls.

Slacking off like whoa

Slacking off like whoa in the gym. I still walk the pooch but I'm going to start two challenges. The first is the 30 day squat challenge and the other is 10 minutes a day of planks. So we will see where that leads... I'm still walking Stella 5-6 days a week and feeling good so fingers crossed. Be well people and ill update soon!

Another pyramid to share

An article and my thoughts

Will everyone please eat gluten? This article is interesting and I understand, sort of, where the author is coming from, but the most upsetting piece is that people do "go gluten free" to loose weight but then gorge on beans, rice, legumes, nuts, etc thinking that the gluten part is the reason they gain weight. The author also states that there are no real health benefits (added energy, complexion etc) when you remove gluten from your diet. I beg to disagree. This author might want to look at the other things she's eating because they might the issue too. There is a way to live and eat healthfully without eating processed junk. 

The comments on this article are funny, intriguing and frustrating. There are many people out there who think going gluten free will solve their weight-loss problems or people who think fat is the devil. Folks, reality check, gluten is bad but so is refined sugar and rice. These things are the reason we gain weight, not just gluten. There are many good comments on this post. One in which states to the author that stating that people should just "go to the doctor" assumes they have the means, health insurance and the ability to get to the doctor. This article is written from a classed perspective for sure and a privileged vantage point. 

I'm sure that folks will say Paleo is a fad but fortunately for me, it's a fad that doesn't make me feel gross, ill, or have issues in my digestion. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can process food.

For example, pancakes, packed with gluten and sugar and whatever else. They were a staple growing up but every time I eat pancakes, they go right through me. I end up in the bathroom 15-25 minutes after consuming them. Gluten sensitivity? I think so.

Some symptoms of gluten intolerance or celiac disease: (these are the ones I experienced) (http://glutenfreenetwork.com/faqs/symptoms-treatments/gluten-intolerance-symptoms-how-do-you-know-if-gluten-is-making-you-sick/) 

• Gastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
• Fat in the stools (due to poor digestion)
• Aching joints
• Head aches
• Exhaustion
• Irritability and behavioral changes
• Cramps, tingling and numbness
• Decline in dental health

Now that's a problem! I now, thanks to my wife, know that I cannot handle gluten, my system isn't working to its fullest potential with that foreign substance in my digestive track. 

The author of the original article makes some valid points about using "Oh I'm gluten free" as a fad or a diet could potentially hurt those of us who really can't ingest it and if we do, we pay a price but I think it's also helping us because we can tell a server at a restaurant or a bakery or somewhere else that we are G-Free and they will know more than they would have several years ago. I for one, was a server and had NO idea what gluten was, what it could be found in and how to get it out of food for my costumers. I also thought it was a fad because I didn't know it was making me sick. But I became more knowledgeable about it and was able to help my costumers. I think there being more awareness around gluten intolerance, just like lactose intolerance, helps us. And if you think the food you could be consuming might be contaminated, say something, know yourself, ask questions, be your own advocate.

Treat yo' self!

Being on vacation means compromises and making changes to your Paleo lifestyle simply because you cannot be 100% sure of what's in your food no matter how many times you ask a server.

Last night we decided to eat at a French bistro in Palm Springs. We did our best to make wise choices. I had 2 filet medallions and tiger shrimp with brocollini and au gratin potatoes and Eb had Mahi Mahi crusted in coconut with rice and asparagus. Needless to say, we loved our dishes but we switched plates entirely!!!

I was way more into the fish and she the steak. We did the best we could and probably ingested things we shouldn't but we didn't beat ourselves up.

After dinner we walked about 3/4 of a mile to find this cute dessert place "Crave" and had some dessert. Thankfully I didn't get any adverse reactions to the Tiramisu I had! Ha. Eb had this wonderful mouse dessert and just loved it.

It's nice to treat yourself and allow yourself to eat fine, decedent food because you enjoy it differently and don't need as much.

We had this discussion yesterday, I need much less to fill me up than I use to. It's so lovely. I eat until I'm satisfied and walk away from it. Simple as that... Now. It use to be much harder for me to get full or I would eat until I was over full. But now I can pay much closer and better attention to my stomach.

But my main point was to say, treat yo'self. Don't be a dictator and don't beat yourself up. Do what you need to and what feels right :)

eat to live, live to eat?

This is another debate people have: eat to live or live to eat.....ah the age old question. Two months ago, I would have said I live to eat because I was a foodie and wanted to eat and try everything, despite my stomach's protests or upset or anger. I know that my new motto of eat to live can frustrate some who in my opinion are eating just because they can. I'm sorry if my food lifestyle is different than yours, if my stomach cannot digest certain types of food or genetically modified "food." I'm choosing to be healthier and choosing to eat to live rather than living for my next meal. 

Food use to be entertainment, as my beautiful wife put it so eloquently over the weekend but now it's just food. It has no power over me or my daily routine. I use to look up everywhere I would eat before the sites or things I wanted to do. I still  use Yelp but it's more about the types of food a restaurant has that I can eat than how decadent or amazing the food is. Paleo or gluten free food can be amazing and decadent while not upsetting my system.

Not going to lie, I can't wait for the summer to try out new recipes and make delicious food everyday even if our kitchen is small and has no dish washer. I'm excited about trying out new ways of eating outside of the dining hall.

So the debate still stands I guess, eat to live or live to eat? If you are eating to live, calories don't count in my book. I haven't counted calories in 2 months and have been loosing weight. Why or how you might be asking? I am no longer buying "low-far", "100 calories", weight watchers, "fat free" etc etc food. I'm buying whole, good food. I can pronounce all the ingredients in my food or I won't eat it. If I don't cook with it, it's not going to enter my system.  

I am by no means judging those lucky enough to eat whatever they want and have no issues. For me, I can't maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle if I just eat that stuff. My body starts to shut down and I feel crappy. That's my lifestyle change and challenge. 

Last night I wanted Chinese food so badly but I knew if I ingested it, I'd be passed out and bloated. Not a good look and it's a challenge to balance what my mind wants and what my stomach wants. I ate what we had at home and was fine. I enjoyed some mint dark chocolate that I had froze (tastes like a thin mint and I will be ordering more--Eclipse Chocolate in San Diego they have dark chocolate ranging from 55-82%). Regardless, I fought my mind's craving and went with the Paleo positive option. I feel good this morning and am excited about the rest of my vacation (starting in a few hours). I love eating but I'm happy making good, healthy choices for my body. :)

Live in peace my friends. Until next time.

Eating out help!

This is a great link to help you navigate eating out

1 week without rice

Believe it or not, one week without rice wasn't so hard; until today. My co-worker and friend was enjoying Chinese food and rice today. Now I'm craving....big time. I know that it's not good for me because it hurts my tummy but I do want it. But mind over matter or in this case stomach over mind haha. But I remember it being so good. I also remember rice as being delicious and filling. One week without rice is a good thing for me because I was eating it almost every day before and now I'm seeing a new difference without it.

Okay friends, will update soon.

We are going on a 2 days vacation to Palm Springs so there will be more Paleo challenges to blog about.

Be well, eat well, feel good!

Outback Steakhouse

Great choice when on a vacation. I was able to get a steak, fire grilled, broccoli and a sweet potato for lunch. PERFECT for an in a pinch meal. I'm excited toe at cause I'm hungry.

Paleo and eating out

It can be difficult and it can also be easy. Choosing NON-chain restaurants and being mindful of what is being put into the food.

Today we had breakfast out and it was yummy. I opted to have an omelette with fresh fruit. It was good and filling. Eb had an omelette made with butter and Italian style prosciutto. We both felt satisfied. Close still fit and that's always a pulse! :)

Week 8

We are both officially doing very well on Paleo. Wife has lost 15.2lbs and I'm down 9lbs. Which is the most I lost in the last 6 years. I'm only a 1.8 away from my goal! So excited and hoping being on vacation this weekend and then later this week won't throw me off too much. We shall see! Keep on trucking!

Vacation meal

Tonight we had red meat, white potatoes and corn. Corn is not something we are suppose to eat as Paleo lifestyle eaters. But we had corn today. It was AMAZING. So sweet, so delicious. I forgot how much I loved corn. I was very happy with it and thankful to have eaten it.

Day 3 without rice

Okay so I'm on day 3 of no rice and go me! I haven't slipped once! I did try some gluten free bread as toast this morning with my breakfast. It was yummy. Except when I read the ingredients--womp womp. Now that's out of the question too. Sticking to the paleo staples from now on.

We are going on vacation this weekend and for a few days next week so Paleo will be a little tougher considering the amount of times we'll have to eat out. Keep you posted!

Paleo Love

Love this picture!

Speak the truth

Very true sentiment. In order for Paleo to work for me, I must change my thinking. Day 1 of zero rice: success! Keep on swimming.... Change your thoughts and keep on moving.

What Paleo means to me

Love this image.  Wanted to share!