Happy Sunday!

This was a big week! I got my coconut butter from Nikki's Coconut butter and my Cappello's order (2 packages of gnocchi, 1 lasagna, 1 fettuccine) and my slice and bake cookies. 

I made cookies last night, 2 of them, and I have got to tell you they are amazing!!!! The two tubes (weighing 2 pounds) will last me awhile. I already put one of them in the freezer. I plan on making some of the pasta this weekend and chowing down!

Buying this stuff made me realize just how expensive being aware of your sensitivities really is! I hate knowing I have to eat a certain way just to feel better. It's not so much about weight loss but that's been an added bonus. I really can't handle the brain fuzziness, the lack of concentration/attention span, the bloat, the acne, the sick feelings, etc. I know I've said it before and I'll keep saying it, I feel the best I've ever felt. I'm so much happier and clearer. It's kind of remarkable. For me, the money spending is worth it because I feel so much better eating this way. But I won't lie, I do think of price tag often and have to talk myself into allowing myself to purchase this stuff because I know how I feel when I eat a certain way.

It's interesting to me to keep thinking, deeply, about how much food effects our bodies. It's amazing to believe that even the smallest amount of something can have an adverse reaction within our bodies.

A year ago, I would see food commercials and start salivating. Now....not at all...I look at the food and think about what went into it, what it is and how modified it is or isn't. I'm still amazed at it all.

I do start getting hungry when I see an amazing recipe for gluten free biscuits, paleo pancakes, fruit, coffee (haha) and other yummy things. These things won't be found on TV commercials but rather online, on the Paleo people's blogs or instagram. Those are the things that make my mouth water. 

My evolution from July 2012 to January 2014

one of my first days of work at Scripps 2012

Today same dress.

October 2012 in a wedding

Today same dress 

commencement 2013

workout gear from a week ago

work outfit from today

during my time on the east coast

 December 2013

In preparation of this project, it became very clear to me that I did not allow a whole lot of pictures to be taken of me during the past 5 years. I was incredibly uncomfortable with how I look in photos from the past few years and not going to lie, still not 100% okay with it. I'm definitely seeing a difference and think it's important for folks to see how Paleo, Pilates, and the gym, have completely transformed my body, mind, and spirit.

Hope you enjoy :)

Real deal chocolate chip cookies

still figuring these buddies out but they are Against All Grain's Real Deal Chocolate Chip Cookies. I added sea salt on the top at the end. YUMMY! 

Go, make them, NOW!

Transitioning to a more 90/10 Paleo Lifestyle

The more I think of it, it's going to be a difficult transition. Despite this knowledge, I'm ready! I purchased some items yesterday that will help me make some Against All Grain recipes today!!! I'm making bread, chewy graham crackers, and bone broth. I'm also going to be making prosciutto egg cups. I will post photos and links to get the recipes for you later!

My fridge is stocked, kinda, with all the essentials: kombucha, almond milk, eggs, veggies, bones, so many different types of things! It's exciting and will most likely be difficult because any new beginning or transition can be exciting and hard. 

Yesterday I went ahead and spent some money on Cappello's pasta and slice and bake cookies from Primal Palate and Cappello's. I also got Nikki's Coco Butter to try in two flavors. 

I find that if I have snacks like those in the house, I don't want to buy other things. I also am planning making Against All Grain's real deal chocolate chip cookies today. I'm even going to add sea salt to the top to make them taste a little different.

This venture is going to be interesting, as getting closer to 100% Paleo will again change my life in a new way. We will figure it out together, dear readers and figure out how to be closer to the original cave people without policing or making ourselves nuts over it.

be well.

Some of the food I made today

This amazing picture is of Against All Grain's famous sandwich bread. Let me tell you, it was quick and easy and I cannot wait to slice into it!!! It took an hour total but was worth it. My plan is to eat it with some butter and jelly. I was asked "how is it different than the Udi's bread we eat?" Well my little readers, I can buy all the ingredients and made it buy hand. 

These little suckers are prosciutto frittatas from Nom Nom Paleo. They took maybe 20 minutes and were so filling! I now have more for the rest of the week. I switched out the coconut milk for almond milk and the spinach for red and green bell peppers. I followed the recipe with the 8 eggs and think I will make them with 7 instead in the future. I had just enough prosciutto (half a pound, cut thin) to cover the muffin tin openings and a little to eat while I prepped. I would HIGHLY recommend these little buddies to any of my friends. They are quick and hardy! 

131 views!

Hi there,

My "progress report" blog had 131 views!!!! I'm so excited. Thank you for breaking a record for me!!! In the whole year, I have never had so many views.

Thank you and I'm not sure what about that post made it so popular, other than the drastic difference of my body but I'm going to try and make more posts as appealing as this one.

Thanks again!

Full broth recipe

2 packages of stew meat, grass fed, organic meat
3 carrots, chopped up however you like
celery to taste, chopped how you like
half an onion, chopped how you like
sea salt
cracked pepper
basil


Put it all in a crockpot, fill with water to cover everything.

Put on high for 2 hours. At the two hour mark put on low for another 30 minutes. Then done!

It's amazing. Flavorful and hearty. I've only had the broth thus far but it's really helping settle my stomach.

Enjoy!!!

Fighting illness

Since Tuesday I have been fighting something. I got very ill Tuesday, vomiting and feeling so awful. When I woke up Wednesday I felt a little better. Took it easy with food and just laid low. I ate dinner Wednesday night, before Pilates, thinking good idea. Well I thought I was going throw up. I attributed it to Pilates and how hard she worked me. Thursday came and again, after lunch, felt ill for the rest of the day. Friday was alright then this morning. I woke up at 6am gagging/spitting up. Went back to sleep thinking nothing of it. I had a light breakfast around 830 and BOOM, again stomach sick.

So now I'm worried right? Been sick for days, on and off, chicken is a common denominator....so now I start thinking, is it the flu? is it food related? On Tuesday I thought it was gluten and Wednesday I thought it was food poisoning. On Thursday I felt alright, then thought I ate too heavy of a lunch.

Called the doc to triage over the phone. They say it's a new strain of the flu. So here I sit. Wondering what the heck to do next?

I decided to get up, get coconut water and kombucha and stuff to make a beef broth/soup instead of going to get Pho.

My Paleo body hasn't been this sick feeling in a year. I'm unsure exactly what is going inside my body. I've decided to take this opportunity to reset. I've made the conscious choice to get closer to Paleo than ever before. I'm giving up coffee and coconut creamer/creamer/milk for awhile. For the next few days, whole foods and kombucha and tea. Gotta get this body on the right track again.

I'll let you know how this soup turns out. but in the meantime:

3 carrots
half of a celery bunch
onion
water
2 packages of grass fed organic beef
salt
pepper
basil

We shall see! Back to my position on the couch.

Making the most of cauliflower

Did you know you can make cauliflower rice? Did you know, if done correctly, it can taste better than regular rice?

All you have to do is grate it until fine. I use a food processor (it was my Christmas gift to myself) and use some olive oil then add half a cup of water and cover it to steam over medium heat. I brown some onions while the oil is heating up then add the cauliflower.

It's so amazing. I could eat it all day every day!

You can add chicken or beef sautéed in coconut aminoes to mimic Chinese take out. It's so yummy. I don't miss Chinese food like I use to because I found coconut aminoes and cauliflower rice.


I will make beef, veggies and cauliflower rice for dinner or lunch and it's perfect. It's simple and yummy.

Use what you have but invest in some cauliflower and use a whole head for rice!

I promise it's delicious!!!

Decision time

Going 90/10! I need to up my game considering it'll be a year. I figure going 90/10 will only help. Dining halls open Sunday night again and I can more easily transition back to 90/10. Ready, set, go!

Progress report

Top: starting paleo 2013

Bottom: Janaury 13, 2014 with the addition of Pilates.

So proud of so many of you! I've heard some amazing stories and I'm so excited that some things are working! I wish I had thought about doing before and after photos but I didn't. I'm trying to find more from before Paleo. 

Tip of the week: 39 minutes a day, move! You'll thank yourself :)

More to come as my Paleo-versary comes up :)

The power of Paleo

This morning my body woke me up at 645am. I tried to go back to sleep, actually closed my eyes and attempted it. My body had other ideas. I rose at 7am and came to Starbucks to read "the personal paleo code" and drink my coffee and water. Why is this? I firmly believe my food intake has everything to do with my sleep. This time last year I'd fall asleep around 9pm and it would be a struggle to get up at 7am. Currently, it is 740am and I'm thinking about all the things I could be doing. I could, if I had a gym membership, go to the gym. I could go for a walk (though I have a date for a walk at 9:30). I could clean. There are so many options because I have energy! I was so sore from Pilates yesterday (still am a bit) but just want to do something. Eating Paleo has changed my life. I have energy I didn't have before and can stay up later and wake up earlier! I won't lie, it's been almost a year and I'm still in shock at the changes I've seen I. My physical and mental health. Paleo works for me because I work with it and understand what helps my body, hinders my body and fuels me. This is an important piece. Figuring out what works for you! 

My best advice on this beautiful Sunday: trust your gut. Listen to your body and look for the signs of what works and what doesn't. You know what you need but pay attention to yourself. 

Be happy and well!

I can't...

I can't... Powerful stuff. Simply letting those words slip from your tongue gives them so much power and meaning. I use to be someone who said "I can't" and someone who would get in their own way. When I use to workout, I wouldn't push myself and I would use excuses or cancel appointments. I've been seeing my instructor now for 11 private pilates sessions. I have yet to miss one. I have yet to utter the words I can't. I'm not saying this to sound self-centered. I'm simply saying it so those of you who get in your own way, much like I did, see that it is possible to turn that around.

It's hard. Pilates has gotten harder over the past 2 weeks because she's pushing me to do my best, to make me stronger, to challenge me. If it were all like it was a month ago, I wouldn't be building muscle and I wouldn't be getting more flexible and stronger. 

I can't should be words you try to eliminate. It's mental. "I can't stop eating those cookies" ruin them, put water on them, throw them out.

Challenge yourself because you can. You will and you will be so happy.

This time last year, I said I couldn't do a plank. Now I'm doing planks and doing them for longer and in harder positions. Everything is possible. Do as much as you can within your limits and just try.

I know you can do whatever you put your mind to.

I can, I will, I want to....I believe in you.

Diet vs lifestyle

di·et  noun

1.

the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats.

"a vegetarian diet"

synonyms:

selection of food, food, foodstuffs; More

2.

a special course of food to which one restricts oneself, either to lose weight or for medical reasons.

"I'm going on a diet"

The problem with everyone treating the Paleo diet like a diet, like Jenny Craig or as listed above: number 2, a “Special course of food which one restricts oneself.” Paleo is not that. In fact, it’s the opposite for me. I eat what I want, whole real food, not Oreos, candy or gorge on ice cream. Paleo is a lifestyle. You have to change your lifestyle and think of food as diet not restricting oneself. The problem with the term diet is the word has morphed into a meaning that I don’t mean when I say diet. When I say diet, I mean the food I eat. Not diet food and diet sodas. Real, whole food. I do not restrict anything I eat. This morning I used whole milk in my coffee and last night I had a few spoonfuls of real ice cream with dark chocolate. I know what’s going into my food and I know ice cream is processed but ya know what? I can pronounce all the ingredients and it’s made locally. I don’t need to defend my choices. I am a Paleo eater and I know that some folks think if you don’t follow it 100% you aren’t following it at all. But I firmly believe if I follow it 80% of the time, as I’ve said before, I’m still getting 100% of the benefits.

Please world, stop looking at Paleo as a diet and please remember it’s a lifestyle. My lifestyle happens to be real, whole food and Pilates with some biking 3-4 times a week. It works for me. I’m not killing myself in the gym or lifting weights, I’m just doing me. I like my lifestyle and I prefer it over starving with processed, frozen lunches or dinners. My stomach stays full longer and I’m eating as much as I want because I’m eating real food and am not watching calories. I finally got rid of my scale and am just noticing my clothes fitting or not and how I feel and look in the mirror. Nothing else matters. It took me a long time to get here and I tried a lot of different diets.

Being 180 at 18 years old, was rough because I’m only 5’ but finally, I found something that works for me. So to those folks writing articles against Paleo and how it’s a fad, back off. It works if you want it to and for me, I’m healthier than I’ve ever been and I, in no way, feel deprived.

I will say I thought of Paleo like a diet at the beginning. Then I realized it would be a long drawn out process and a forever lifestyle. Once I let it go, serious changes began!

Be well and healthy.

Monday motivation

My new favorite sauce: coconut aminoes. Tastes kinda like soy sauce but less salty. They are so good and I made an easy stir fry tonight with the sauce. 

My tip for this week:

Consult a cookbook, I'm using Against All Grain, make a meal plan for the week. I went into the store tonight knowing what I needed for a few lunches and dinners this week. It made it so easy to just plan it all out. I know, I know, lots of folks meal plan for the week but this was my time. Usually, I wait to see what I'm in the mood for but since going Paleo, I don't crave anything like I use to so I don't really get in the mood for food per say, certain things just sound good. 

I really like the idea of mapping your week, having enough fruit and veggies in the fridge to last a week and going from there. It's cost effective if you have a plan in mind and stick to it. Yes, we all desire something else at some other point, but meal planning and stocking up on good stuff eliminates calories (from processed foods, fast food, junk food) and is easy on the wallet.

My other tip for this week: Keep moving. Even if you're tired. Get your brain up and moving. Do one thing a day that challenges you :)

be healthy and well

Don't be afraid of fat

My tip for today:

Quit being so gosh darn afraid of fat. By keeping your body running on carbs instead of healthy fats (found in meat, avocados, flaxseed, fish, grass fed butter, etc) you are helping your body. Grain Brain has taught me so much and I think the most interesting thing so far is that cholesterol is good for your brain. It acts as a protectant and because the brain is mostly fat, depriving your body of fat deprives your brain. Think about it....

The food that is making you fat is "diet" food. It's processed, it's loaded with chemicals and things that aren't even food. Go ahead, I dare you to go to your cabinets and look at the shelves. Is it stocked with healthy food? Can you pronounce each ingredient? My cabinets have a few things in them that I probably shouldn't be consuming and I own that. But I'm not afraid of avocado or grass fed butter or a steak. 

It's funny to me to think back to my growing up and the meals I would be served and the misconceptions I had about food. I still think it's funny when people look at me with a side eye when they see my plate filled with meat, fish, fruit, veggies. It makes me giggle when I ask for whole milk for my coffee at a restaurant and I get a look. Actually, a little side note, when I was traveling back east on Christmas Eve, I was at a coffee stand in DC and I asked for a latte and the guy said "skim milk, right?" and I quickly responded "Nope, I want the whole fat milk, thanks". This is an example of how people assume, A. because I'm a woman, I'm "watching my weight" and therefore, only desire skim milk B. skim milk is the healthy option.

I didn't loose 25 pounds and 3 dress sizes by consuming salad, skim milk, and margarine. I did it eating grass fed butter, red meat, chicken, veggies, whole milk and other "bad" food items. I cut out the processed foods and stick to foods I can pronounce. I do eat candy and other processed items once and awhile. Don't get me wrong. I bought a delicious pint of ice cream the other day. I can pronounce all the ingredients and there isn't any hidden gluten, that I can find. And it's made local. That to me is a 80-20 moment and a win for my Paleo body. If I can find things that are local, whole fat and delicious as a treat, I will do it. I often weigh my options. As you've seen, I think about "is it worth the stomach ache or not?" This ice cream is worth the gas!

But I'm not a perfectionist, I'm not advocating for 100% Paleo because it's hard. But almost a year later, I know what's working for me and I'm sticking to it. My body is getting toned and lean. I'm not afraid of fat and I'm not afraid of looking a server in the face and asking for what makes my body tick. I challenge you to attempt to look fat in the face and throw carbs out the window. You don't need carbs to run. Fuel is the good whole food we can eat. Yes it may seem expensive but you can do it on a budget. Eating real food is the best thing you can do for your body.

If you can remove gluten/carbs from one meal today, I'd say that's a win! You can do it. If you're still hungry, load up on the meat and fat. You won't regret it. Work up to two meals a day. Then finally three. You can do this.

Be healthy and well.

My workout history

I'm feeling compelled to share my workout, exercise story today. I haven't always been into exercise. In fact, when I was taking hormones, my weight spiked up so much, I decided to get a personal trainer and get some serious help. By the way, I was 20 years old. Being trained by a professional was awesome. I trained twice a week and was boxing. I felt great. Then I got into a car accident and really damaged my knee. So 8.5 years ago, I had to stop training hard. The injury has followed me. I am limited in how hard I walk, run, or how long I can be on my leg. Last year, when I went Paleo, I decided to start walking the dog, every morning, for at least 45 minutes. It got easier as the time went on. I worked my way up to an hour and a half. Through the divorce, the dog went to live with her other mom, so my workouts became few and far between. Then I went back to the fitness center, biking and lifting. I found both were easy on my knee. Through my therapist, we decided I'd try something else, something just for me, outside of the community in which I live and work. I bought myself some Pilates classes at the beginning of December. I consulted with the owners beforehand because my knee has always been a problem. I could do something for a few weeks, then I get injured and quit. Well I found out my studio has physical therapists as instructors so this seemed ideal.

I started Pilates in December and haven't looked back. I was scared, let me tell you. I was so worried. But my instructor always asks about my knee. Since I began, I have had NO issues with my knee (knock on wood). In fact, my legs are stronger than ever before and my chiropractor is impressed at the strength and flexibility my right leg now has.

I have not always been fit. I have not always looked forward to working out or sweating. But now I do. I love my Pilates studio and really was unsure how my body would react, especially to the jump board. Because Pilates is so low impact, my knees are gaining strength without being compromised. I don't swell the way I use to in my joints (could also be because I am not consuming gluten) and I sweat but not a crazy amount.

I've only done the jump board twice and I was worked hard this last time but I feel great. Because it's a private session, I get very individual attention and we've formed a bond. She checks in on my knees and makes sure my form is good and that I am maintaining my body. 

I just want to make folks aware that I have not always been physical and since starting Pilates, I have not changed my diet. I still eat the way I did before hand but the exercises are transforming my body.

I've shown in pictures the difference in my core and after a month (Jan 8th) I'll post another before and after. It's remarkable how this low impact workout can change a body so drastically in such a short amount of time.



Motivator:
Don't be afraid to work your body in a way it hasn't been done before. Try new things. Remember, cardio is not the only way to loose weight. Burning fat by weights is a faster way to melt the pounds off than cardio alone. Do your research on studios, gyms, fitness centers, trainers. Ask questions and don't be afraid to disclose your fears, injuries or things you are apprehensive about. It's your money, time, and body, you need to ask questions and go all in.

Hidden gluten

While reading "Grain Brain" I discovered what items often have gluten in them. If this is true, it would explain so much...here's some of the items I just learned often contain gluten which means I could be putting gluten into my body and I didn't know it....

-ice cream
-imitation crabmeat
-instant hot drinks
-ketchup
-root beer (I sometimes treat myself to this)
-sausage (which makes sense but I thought it was safe)
-syrups 
-vodka
-wine coolers


So there you have it my friends. I can potentially be putting gluten into my body all the while thinking I was gluten free. Now I have to eliminate more. I know I know, the keyword is OFTEN but still too much of a risk for me to take.

Did you know that shampoo/conditioner, lip balm, mascara, medications, and Play-Doh are sources of gluten also?!

We can't get away from it!!!! The more you know.....Ignorance isn't bliss. Do yourself a favor, get this book.

Grain Brain, learning disabilities and me

I'm only 50 pages into "Grain Brain" but that's enough to do some reflecting on my own brain function over the past 20 years. I say 20 years because that's  how long I've been living with various learning disabilities. I have dyslexia and what's called a auditory processing disorder. The auditory processing disorder means I have to read it, say it, hear it. My brain doesn't process as well if I only do one of the aforementioned. The two disorders are linked because what I hear in terms of words and speech, I can't spell or figure out what letters make it up or when I read something with a lot of different letters, I can't sound it out. These disorders have been a HUGE challenge in my life; however, I have noticed a difference in the past year. I've been reading "Grain Brain" and reflecting, as I said, on how my brain is functioning lately. Since giving up gluten and changing my diet to Paleo, I have increased my brain function. I can remember spellings of things in a way I have never been able to do. My Spanish has gotten better. My reading comprehension is something it's never been. I'm finding that I can retain information better and my spelling is starting to get a little better.

That being said, a learning disability or disorder aren't really curable, they are more likely managed and that's when you figure out how to function with them. But since Paleo, I have noticed an increase in my learning abilities and retention. When I eat certain things, I get fuzzy and can't concentrate. I see a clear difference in my brain's ability to comprehend directions when I'm eating gluten free, Paleo. I find that I can concentrate longer, make more coherent sentences, write for longer, read for longer, and retain more information.

I also have been trying to be present in my body when I'm eating certain foods or when I'm out to eat and try to pay attention to my whole body's reaction to food. Last night, I went to Korean BBQ and I did a test. Usually I eat the soy sauce, despite the gluten properties. Last night, I opted to not eat the soy sauce. How did I feel? AMAZING. I had no bloating. No stomach ache and I didn't feel like I was going to be bent over in pain. I now know I have been giving my body poison even though it's few and far between with the soy sauce, it's still harming me. I also did not leave with a fuzzy head or the desire to pass out asleep. The last time I ate Korean BBQ, I was with friends and I felt like I wanted to sleep and lay down, the entire time. I ate soy sauce that night. My brain functions better when I'm completely gluten free. Being 100% Paleo is tough but being 100% gluten free is easier.

I'm telling you all of this because I think Dr. Perlmutter has a point, gluten really is a poison that we are consuming maybe without knowing it. Did you know that mascara has gluten in it? Did you know when I wear mascara my eyes get puffy and itchy? I have every reason to believe that I'm very allergic to gluten. 

I challenge you to reflect when you eat, notice your gut, your brain, your eyes, your skin, and really reflect on the foods you're eating. If your resolutions have anything to do with your health, attempting to be gluten free might just change your whole world.

Think about it. Talk about it. Read about it. Inform yourself and others. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to try things and notice the differences.

Be healthy and well.

January 1, 2014

I cannot believe it's 2014!!!! Well this year is off on a good foot! Yesterday, I spent over an hour shopping in whole foods getting the various ingredients for cooking from Against All Grain. Last night I made Real Deal Chocolate Chip Cookies and they are super yummy! I also used my food processor for the first time and that was a whole lot of fun. I found the cookies to be good. Next time, I think I'll use some peanut butter or something too. All in all, they are very good and satisfying. I bought so much coconut flour and almond flour that more baked goods will come out of my kitchen soon. My next venture is Paleo Pretzels. 

This morning I began reading "Grain Brain" and I'm very excited about this book. It's not a Paleo book but rather a book that explains the science behind the ways in which food really does affect our brain. It's something I'm familiar with and am excited to continue to read about. Will report more when I'm further along in the book.

2014 is off to an excellent start and I hope those of you who have started Paleo are full and happy.
:)