Wednesday, September 19, 2012

To Be or Not To Be...Paleo

Today, I had to attend a luncheon for work. I was so worried that they would not have anything that I could eat; I almost ate before going just to be safe. Technically speaking, I CAN eat anything; the better word would be WOULD. I was worried that they would not have anything I would eat. Thankfully, it was a great day! They had a huge variety, and I was able to get: baked chicken, baked tilapia, green beans, and salad. The choices of food made it a good day...the fact that I won the raffle ticket drawing and won $305 made it a GREAT day :)

While there, I had the opportunity to explain to several people my new lifestyle: CrossFit and Paleo. Like most, they looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language when I used the term "Paleo". I know that look, because it was the same one I had the first time I heard the word. When given the opportunity to explain, I keep it simple - natural, that is what Paleo is. Foods of nature: meats, veggies, fruits, and nuts. Simple, right? I would like to add in here - FRESH foods of nature. Although not always possible, it is best to stay away from canned, frozen, and processed foods. Become friends with your local Produce Department! 

Donte and Laurie Anglade, owners of Redefined Fitness, introduced me to this "diet". I use the term diet very lightly, because to me, this decision was a lifestyle change. In other words, this is not temporary. Today at the luncheon, someone asked me, "How long do you have to be on this diet?" I looked at them in confusion and answered, "Forever." I wasn't trying to be a smart alec; I was simply being honest.

To introduce the concept of the Paleolithic or "Caveman" Diet, as commonly referred, here is a helpful chart:
Like all "diets", there are variations and modifications, but if you follow this chart you will be on the right track. Make sure you are eating enough, especially if training. As an example of "modification", if you are trying to lose weight, here are some extra tips (shared by Laurie Anglade): 
  • limit high sugar fruits such as grapes, bananas, cherries and mangos for weight loss
  • limit nuts to 4 ounces a day for weight loss
  • limit dried fruit to 2 ounces per day (this includes raisins) for weight loss
I am still researching and learning more about Paleo each day; this is very new to me. But, what I can tell you so far is: I feel better, I look better, I sleep better, I have more energy, and I no longer crave bad foods...I crave the foods that my body was intended to eat. Those created by God! I thought that this was going to be a hard transition from my previous eating habits (anything I wanted to eat), but it was not; it came natural - no pun intended!  

Here are a few helpful links for those that would like to do some further research:


These are just a few that I have found helpful and informative, but just "googling" Paleo Diet or Paleo Recipes will bring a plethora of information to your fingertips. 

For those of you thinking "I just don't have the time for this", you do; I said the same thing for years. I'm a full-time working wife and mother, who's husband travels almost every week. If I can find time to work-out and eat right, then you can. Prioritization is the key! If there is a will, there is a way; and you will find a way to make it all work. 

I will leave you with a few pictures of my Paleo creations...
This is a Allison Gober creation - no recipe used! Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Wrapped in Turkey Bacon wih Almondine Green Beans
Fish Tacos with Cabbage Wraps - click here for recipe
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus - click here for recipe
Curry Shrimp - click here for recipe

HEALTHY FOOD CAN = AFFORDABLE, TASTY & FAST!

Genesis 1:29: "And God said, 'Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food'."

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR AND/OR TRAINER/NUTRITIONIST PRIOR TO STARTING ANY DIET! 

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