Sunday, August 30, 2015

Back in the Saddle Again

Greetings friends,

I have been away far too long in more ways than one. But anyone who has ever gone to college and graduate school in particular knows what the last semester can be like. In a word - stressful. And for some of us eating and comfort foods get us through the difficult periods. Such as what has happened to me for the past two months. But I have come out of that period renewed and a new commitment to Paleo and the Paleo Process.

Now that I don't spend every waking moment in hospital either from internship or employment, I can be back on track to the lifestyle and hopefully encourage others to do the same. During this period I fell back into my old habits of eating, sleeping, and exercise. All of which have confirmed that for me Paleo is the way to go.

While I did not regain the weight I had lost since beginning to follow the Paleo diet, I had to count calories to do so. I did not consume processed sugar but did hit the convenient processed foods because time was so limited. How did that make me feel you ask? Slow and sluggish at times. But then again I wasn't resting as well as before. At first I started with corn chips with my tuna salad, which led to bread and cheese my old standbys. Before the bloating was back full force along with my former gastric issues. After a full 10 days of documenting and observing, I knew I needed to climb back up that saddle of Paleo.

After literally just one week, the recent pounds were gone, my energy levels back up, and resting better than ever.  I don't know how well Paleo works for anyone else; I can only speak from my own personal experience.

Now with my renewed commitment to the lifestyle, I want to recreate my Louisiana family dishes to be Paleo versions. My newest one is Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo. I make the roux with coconut flour and served with cauliflower rice. I thought it was an excellent recreation. My family loves gumbo when football season begins, and now I can enjoy the tradition as well.

What family favorites have you revised to make Paleo?

Bon Appetit!!

K

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

The Importance of Reading Labels

I realize it has been a month since my last entry. Life has interfered. But I have learned some very important things in the last month.

As I initially began this process by becoming gluten/dairy/ refined sugar free, the Paleo aspects just sort of happened. So I conducted a little test to see what would happen should I reintroduce grains back into my diet. The grains selected where that of corn and rice. Because of my love for all things Mexican, corn tortillas were the food of choice. No gastric distress noted. But a shift upward the scale for sure. Rice had pretty much the same results with little difference between white or brown. Verdict: I can safely eat corn and rice, but I will probably regain my lost weight.

I moved onto the legume family. I cannot get any coconut or almond yogurt where I live. I can find fruit flavored versions of Silk Soy yogurt. They don't have any negative affects on my intestinal tract. I knew this from earlier trials. I have consumed other legumes in the forms of Amy's Kitchen products, canned and frozen. Again no gastric distress noted.

So I think I am relatively safe to occasionally eat some non-Paleo foods and not worry about pain, discomfort, or embarrassment. But beware of hidden forms of distress.

I will buy snack bars to put in my lunch pouch for quick bites during my long shifts at the hospital. I have been judicious about reading the contents for Paleo approved ingredients. I guess I missed something really important on a particular bar the other day because about an hour after consumption, I was in dire straits. I reviewed the package and noted the 3 grams of fiber. I should have realized this was not something I should consume. There is something about the "added fiber" bars that causes such gastric distress for me. My guess is because it is a manufactured fiber not natural. Needless to say, a very painful, yet valuable lesson has been learned.

Morale of the story is: that until I live in a community that caters to the Paleo lifestyle, I can eat some non-Paleo foods, but at the risk of gaining weight. I will say I don't feel as energetic or healthy when I eat those particular carbohydrates.

But as I have said before, it's a process.

K.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Recent Developments or a Case for Badminton

I have been enjoying a long visit with my DH for the past few weeks. These long distance marriages can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. We make the most of every moment together time to say the least. And considering he does not follow the Paleo lifestyle, I tend to not stay as strict as I would otherwise.

That being said I have come to realize a couple of things over the past few meals together. Eating out can be tedious to insure there is no gluten hidden inside. I have learned that my gut will tell what my server could not confirm. You are safest with the big chains of eateries if you select the simplest foods. Fast foods should be avoided at all costs, but you can still dine without gastric distress later.

I now know I can safely eat the tacos at Moe's because there is no flour in their tortillas or taco shells. Texas Roadhouse and Chili's have a variety of entrees to choose from as well. I tend to choose grilled steaks, chicken, and chili that does not have beans. I also will have a sweet potato for dessert.

So as you can see, you can go on vacation and not sacrifice your Paleo or gluten/dairy free lifestyle. Just ask questions and read through the menu and put together what you find the most appealing.

Life with family and friends is meant to be enjoyed. Just because you have chosen to eat differently does not mean the quality of time together should be altered. Perhaps instead of family events centering around food, (which in the South what else is there?) you could find an activity to enjoy. Some families play golf or tennis. Mine does not. Mine likes watching sports such as football, soccer, rugby, and car racing. I am thinking of putting up a badminton net in the yard and teaching them to play. I have a friend who is living in Singapore and talks about playing tournaments at his local gym. When I was in college in the 70s, the PE department offered the sport as a class to meet the requirements for a degree. Hands down the most popular class. Not only did it fill up first, the instructors allowed us to play well into the afternoon, so that those who could schedule the class could still participate. Good times.

Yesterday was Mother's Day. I hope you had quality time with your family. I know I did. My time with my DH has come to an end. There is a possibility of a teaching position for the coming academic year. It was my goal to become a nursing instructor upon completion of my master's degree. Keeping positive thoughts.

In the meantime, I plan to begin a running program this week. We'll see how it goes.

K.




Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Creating My Own Recipes

Been out of town lately. Spending quality time with the DH. Graduate school will be over soon and we won't have to live a part any longer. Or at least not far a part.

The other day I was in the mood for scones. I have been making a microwave mug bread to will I change of the spices depending on my mood. It makes up in absolutely no time with minimal mess. The end result is always satisfies that occasional need for "bread". This time the results were perfect especially since I now have some ghee to use, both in the recipe and to spread before eating.


Currant Scones

3 tablespoons flaxseed flour
1 tablespoon coconut flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon ghee, melted in the mug (let cool a bit)
1/2 vanilla
1 teaspoon maple syrup
2 tablespoon dried currants

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a small bowl. Mix together the wet ingredients. Add to the dry ingredients and stir with rubber scraper until well blended. Toss in the dried currants and mix in well.
Using the scraper shape the dough into a cylinder much like the shape of your 4 ounce mug. Place in microwave and cook for 1 minute and 45 seconds. Remove the bread from the mug and slice. Serve warm with softened ghee. Serves 1. I roughly calculated the caloric value to be about 260 calories. Add some fruit and you have perfect breakfast. Or save to teatime later in the day.

I hope you enjoy my little venture into recipe creations. I continue to spread the word about Paleo trying to convert the skeptical.

But it's been six months and I am still at my high school weight.

If you try the recipe, leave me a comment and let me know how you like it.

K.



Monday, April 6, 2015

Moving the Paleo Way

The third component of Paleo is emulating the day time hours. We assume he spent most of his time between finding food and creating living spaces. He did not go to the gym or spend time running around an oval track, swimming laps, or cycling in competitions.

I confess I do have a gym membership but only because it is really cheap and comes with my current employment. But I never have time to go with any regularity and I find most of the activities boring. But there is the social aspect and I like that even less.

So my new preferred from of exercise has become gardening and yard work. There is lots of variety of movement, bending and lifting, plus the fresh air and sunshine. I currently stay in my childhood home that has really run itself down with my mother's illness. My father loved his plants and flowerbeds. It is heartbreaking to see the weeds and vines taking over. Now is the best time because the Louisiana humidity has become too overwhelming as it will in July and August.

In the past I would have stopped after about an hour, being to tired and sore. But since beginning Paleo, I have so much energy and flexibility. I loved being in the yard today. Even if I was losing the battle. But it's early April and plenty more days to work and flex my muscles.

So get outside and play.

K.

Monday, March 30, 2015

The Importance of Rest in the Paleo Lifestyle

I have focused all my post to date on the food and dietary aspects of the Paleo lifestyle. That the Paleo life is actually a trilogy or trinity since I consider myself a disciple and it is Holy Week for many of us.

The two other aspects that make up the Paleo lifestyle  are sleep or rest cycle and movement. I avoid the use of exercise because the cavemen did not own a gym membership or did he knowingly engage in an exercise regimen. We should follow his lead.

Today I will address the importance of rest and sleep. We humans spend a great deal of time on sensory overload. Technology has completely taken over our lives. When was the last time you did not have some sort of technology in your hands or not frantically looking for it when it wasn't. I purposely do not have my phone on me at night, meaning the ringer is turned off. I have been using it for an alarm though. I don't have a land line either. I case of an emergency they will send the police.

If you have trouble going to sleep at night I have the following suggestions:

     1.   Turn off all technology at least one hour before you want to be asleep.

     2.   Avoid caffeine after 4 pm.

     3.   Don't engage to physical activity that tends to over stimulate. A walk after dinner.

     4.  Have dinner at least 3 hours before you intend to retire for the evening.

Notice anything about the above four suggestions? You should. All require your brain and other body parts to be engaged in their natural processes to complete the tasks you have asked them to do. In other words, you want your brain to be preparing to rest itself not send messages to the stomach to digest dinner, or the skeletal muscles to tear and repair or other metabolic processes. The stimulation of the caffeine is a no brainer as is the use of technology.

I have recently taken the approach to get my 8 recommended hours of sleep by engaging the following routine:

     1.   All technology is turned off by 9 pm on days I have a 5 am wake up call.

     2.   I actually am in bed by 8 pm and reading a book. Any kind of book will due. After reading for   several minutes, I can turn off the lights and fall asleep quite easily.

     3.  Herbal tea is a nice way to end the day and induce slumber as well.

Try these and see if they don't help you sleep better and longer. Every adult needs at least 7-8 of quality sleep for good health.

I invite your comments and suggestions as well.

K.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Spreading the News

I have started considering myself a true disciple of Paleo living. I talk about the lifestyle to just about anyone who will listen. I wish more of my Type II Diabetes patients would be interested. Some politely listen, but then comment how giving up bread would be just too difficult. I thought the same thing. My former diet consisted of what I consider the French trinity: French bread, French wine, and French cheese. Okay so I only had to let of two. I'm not grieving because I now eat like a French woman without gaining weight.

I did met a woman the other day who was wearing a Crossfit shirt and naturally assumed she too was Paleo. Turned out she struggled with the commitment with regards to bread. I spouted out my recipe for Paleo bread I make in the mug in the microwave along with the chocolate cake in the mug. She began writing down every thing I listed in the dishes I make regularly. I was so excited to find some interested. But I was on duty and couldn't spend any more time. But I did share my last piece of Banana Walnut bread. One bite and she was hooked. "That's it. I am going to do this." I was thrilled. I referred her to my blog so she could see my links to the sites I used when I got started. I have found so many more that I need to add for those who find themselves here.

I remembered to take a photo of the chocolate cake in a mug I made for dessert yesterday. Recipe included.
I guess I should name this version "Mounds Cake in a Mug" because of the coconut flakes I added. I must admit it really is delicious and so moist. Better than cake made with flour. And so quick and easy. Enjoy.

Mounds Cake in a Mug

1 banana
1 medium egg
1 tablespoon coco powder
1 tablespoon nut butter (I used sunflower)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons unsweetened flaked coconut

I have a mini food processor that purees and mixes nicely, but a blender or electric mixer does the job as well. Puree the banana then mix in each ingredient until the result is a smooth batter. Pour into a large mug fill about 2/3. Bake in microwave oven for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Insert a knife to insure doneness. Add 30 seconds if needed. Remove from mug and  slice into 4 pieces.  Makes 2 servings. I calculated half the cake to be about 202 calories.

Now I am on a mission to keep speading the Paleo process word.

K.


Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Spring Cleaning

Peering into my fridge Sunday evening, I decided to do a sweep before heading to the market on Monday. The results were absolutely delicious. First I made an cream of asparagus soup that shouts "Spring is here!" I have discovered that when one chooses to follow a Paleo lifestyle, eating becomes an art form. I perused the web for suggested ways to prepare such a dish and then created my own based on what I had on hand.

I roasted the asparagus for about 30 minutes on  350 degrees. I always have coconut milk on hand. For protein I used some raw cashews which I soaked in the coconut milk in the blender while the asparagus roasted. I blended all together adding some salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and tarragon. All dried spices. Once I added enough milk for my desired consistency, I transferred to a small pot to completely heat through. I would have taken a photo, but I ate the entire bowl before I realized I hadn't. Must remember then next time.

Yesterday I created a banana nut bread that even my non Paleo family members thought was delicious. I combed through several Paleo recipes and compared to what I had available and the result was perfect. I am often reluctant to bake because it seldom turns out like the picture. This one was spot on.

I started with the three very overly ripe bananas and five eggs. I beat them together until smooth. To the bowl I added the following: 4 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon each of baking powder, baking soda, salt and vanilla; 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, 1/2 cup of coconut flour, and 2 tablespoons of flaxseed flour. This was all mixed evenly and perfectly. Into the batter I added a handful of chopped walnuts. I greased a loaf pan, poured in the batter, evened it out, and placed in a 350 degree oven for 60 minutes or when the toothpick inserted came out clean. When there was about 20 minutes left, I placed a sheet of foil over the top to prevent burning. Something my home economics teachers taught me back in the 70's.

I cannot begin to describe how beautiful the loaf was when placed on the cooling rack. Allowed to completely cool before slicing resulted in easier slicing. The results were amazing if I do say so myself. But unfortunately  I failed to record the moment with a photo. I really must take the time in the future.

Now that spring is here, I vow to keep a cleaner fridge and stock only with Paleo appropriate items. I love the experimenting with different flavors and combinations. I am never bored and always satisfied..

But again the best part of my week was trying on a dress I wore ten years ago to discover it fit perfectly again. Easter frock? Check!!

K.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Omelette Aux Lardons et Fines Herbes avec Cafe Au Lait

When I decided to take the Paleo journey, I thought I would surely fail due to my love of all things French. French bread, French cheeses, and French wine were probably to the staple of my dinner diet for years. But I chose to focus on the foods I could have rather than those not considered Paleo.

I started by searching sites that provided information for beginners such those listed on the  "My Blog List" sidebar. I need to add more because one good site refers to another and so on and so on. I extracted those foods I prefer plus were available in my area. Some items are easier to get when I'm in Colorado than in central Louisiana. That was my starting point to fill the fridge and the pantry. I recommend the same method for anyone just starting on the Paleo lifestyle.

Once I was comfortable with the basics, I began to experiment with Paleo substitutes for things like bread and cereal I was beginning to miss. There are some great recipes for quick bread that can be made in a cup. I used the one by Louise Hendon of the Ancestralchef.com who also publishes Paleomagazine.com.

I now have a large repertoire recipes to pull from to create weekly dinners that are anything but mundane. My family doesn't seem to notice much of a difference other than the divisions in the fridge indicating the Paleo approved only self.

One of my favorite French dishes is an omelette with fine herbs. Today I was craving bacon. I kind of was in the mood for quiche. So I merged the two into one delicious Sunday breakfast idea.

Recipe for Omelette Aux Lardons et Fines Herbes

2 eggs
3 slices of nitrate free bacon
large splash of coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon each of preferred dried herbs (parsely, chives, tarragon, and thyme)

Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook on small skillet until not quite crispy. Once the bacon is heated through and begins to separate easily, add the herbs. Heating the herbs with bacon releases the flavor better than stirring into the eggs. While the bacon is cooking, scramble the eggs with a large splash of coconut milk. Add some black pepper and a little salt but not too much, since the bacon is salty.

Just before bacon gets to the crispy stage, make sure the bacon covers the bottom of the skillet. Pour the egg mixture. The bacon will be pushed to the outside, so use wooden spoon to bring back to the center. As the egg sets around the edges, gently pulled toward center so that the uncooked eggs will move to the surface and cook. Once there is only a small amount of liquid egg on the surface of the omelette, place a lid on top so the the steam finish the process. Slid gently onto a plate.

And what French breakfast is complete without a steaming cup of cafe au lait made with steaming French roast coffee mixed with steaming coconut milk.

Experimenting with old favorites and making them Paleo really make the process exciting. Now that I am almost six months into my journey, I plan to create Paleo versions of my cookbooks I used to refer to for ideas. Can you imagine cookbooks titled, the Paleo Betty Crocker Cookbook or the Martha Stewart's Paleo: It's a Good Thing?

Bon Appetit

 K.

Saturday, February 28, 2015

A Tale a Two Cities

Due to family circumstances, I currently reside in two different cities in two different states. The cultural differences are as vast as the amount of land that separates central Louisiana from southwest Colorado.

My gastronomic upbringing included large amounts of non Paleo foods, such as rice, French bread, gumbo. All which have been replaced when I began my Paleo journey a few months ago. Do I miss them? Not really, not anymore.

I struggle stocking my pantry where I live in Louisiana. The merchants don't cater much to the small population of Paleo disciples at this time. While we can find dairy substitutes for milk, my love of yogurt has not be satisfied in some time. I could travel two or more hours away to either Lafayette, Baton Rouge, or New Orleans that have local health food stores that carry more Paleo friendly items, but that is not convenient with my work and grad school schedule.

So when I come home to Durango, Colorado, I straight for the airport to Nature's Oasis to stock up on the foods I crave and fill my Paleo pantry. Nature's Oasis caters to foodies regardless of dietary preferences. The quality of produce, meats, seafood, bulk and prepared foods brings in Paleo, vegan, vegetarian, and everyone in between to prepare meals for the modern family dinner table.


 When I was a child, my Aunt Lela made Dateroll every Christmas. It was my favorite holiday treat. I found these almond date rolls at Nature's Oasis yesterday. The mini rolls are made from the two ingredients, almonds and dates. The first bite transported me back to Aunt Lela's holiday baking without the butter and sugar. Guilt free treats. Score!.
 Nature's Oasis carries So Delicious Coconut Milk Creamer. While I use steamed coconut milk in Louisiana, this gives my coffee and tea a more satisfying taste. Because the expiration date on coconut milk is significantly longer than cow's milk, I don't feel wasteful buying a product I can only use for one week.
Probably the best part of being in Durango, other than spending quality time with my beloved husband, is getting to eat yogurt again. Nature's Oasis carries more than one kind of coconut milk yogurt. This is my spurge for the week. Who knows when I will have this creamy treat again. So I indulge.

And this brings me to my ultimate question. How can those of us who follow the Paleo lifestyle, but live in remote parts of the country, gain access to more quality products? I know there are some pretty pricey products available, but not necessarily what consumers are wanting. Most dairy products require some sore of refrigeration, making mail ordering an impossibility or ridiculously expensive.

We talk about health disparities in our society, and this is another example. I see my choices as the following: continue to accept Louisiana limitations or take a large ice chest on my next trip to the Big Easy, load up on all my favorites on my quarterly visits to Colorado, or open my own health food store and pray I will have enough customers to keep me in business. Open for suggestions and advice from others in the same boat.

Here's to one's indulgences.

K.

Monday, February 16, 2015

But the Very Best Part of Paleo is ...

Happy  Lundi Gras!

For everyone not from Louisiana, Happy Monday. While most people are well into eating better and exercising for the new year, that doesn't really start here until here until Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. And if it's a late Easter, that can be a really long carnival season of King Cake. I am happy to report that this year having gone Paleo in the autumn, I have not indulged in the usual fare of the season. No excessive drinking or eating of the rich decadent foods. 

In fact I wasn't even tempted when coming in close contact of a giant chocolate ganache-filled pastry drizzled with purple, green, and gold icing. Not even a little bit. Score one for a true lifestyle change.


But that's not the best part of succeeding at Paleo living. Feeling better everyday with all kinds of energy is pretty darn close, but still not it. Okay maybe it should be.

No, today the best part is achieving my weight loss goal and staying there for over two weeks with absolutely no yo-yoing up and down. Not worrying whether every bite taken with tip the scales upward. Coming to a better understanding about nutritional balances and focusing on variety of foods taken center stage.  But that's still not the very best part.

The absolute, very best part is when you have to buy new scrubs because yours a falling off. Plus when you fit into a size 4 again. I get to bring out all my old clothes I had put away, sure I would never be able to wear them again.

Holiday season 2007.
Yep, this is absolutely the very best part of Paleo today. Tomorrow it will go back to being all about the health benefits. It's going to be very hard to find something to give up for Lent now. I think I make a commitment to the exercise component of Paleo for the next 40 days. Especially lifting heaving things so my arms will look like that again.

Here's to a making a promise to myself.

K.




Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Pork Jambalaya



One of the best parts of Paleo is taking out the taboo foods and replacing with Paleo-approved ones. I discovered early into the process that replacement foods are typically vegetables that add a punch of vitamins. Which is probably why I feel so much healthier. Add a small salad and some fruit for dessert and the recommended 5 a day is no issue.

It's Mardi Gras time here in Louisiana which means Creole comfort foods are in order. (There's a lot of partying that goes on between Jan. 6 and Fat Tuesday.) One of my favorites is Jambalaya. A mixture of meat, tomatoes, spices, and rice. All Paleo acceptable with the exception of the fluffy white rice, a staple in Louisiana. Most Paleo sites substitute cauliflower when rice is called for. The instructions recommend grating the raw cauliflower then either steaming or sauteing. I chose to use take the roasted cauliflower I prepped on Sunday night and pulsed in the food processor until it resembled cooked brown rice. Perfect if I do say so myself.

I cooked the pork in my crock pot sprinkled with Cajun seasoning and enough water to make an ample amount of au jus. After the meat cooked long enough to fall off the bone and separate into something resembling shreds, I added a can of fire roasted diced tomatoes. I sprinkle in dried parsley, basil, garlic powder,and red pepper flakes, then stirred in the "rice". Add required number of splashes of Tabasco sauce.

Since this is my own creation, I will give a proper recipe.

Pork Jambalaya

2 pork blade chops
Cajun seasoning
water to cover pork
1 can Hunt's Fire Roasted tomatoes
dried parley and basil
garlic powder
red pepper flakes
1 headed of cauliflower, cut into florets and roasted,

To make roasted cauliflower:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut cauliflower into florets, place on parchment paper covered baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for30 minutes or until tender. Let cool, chop in food processor until resembles flakes of cooked rice. You can roast the cauliflower a couple of days in advance, but don't chop until ready to stir into pork/tomato mixture.

To make the pork, place pork blade chop into crock pot, sprinkle Cajun seasoning, and add enough water to cover chops. Heat on high for 6 hours. Once the meat is tender enough to break up with a spoon, remove blade bones. Add the can of tomatoes and the spices. Stir in the "rice". Dish into bowls. Add amount of Tobasco for the final touch.

Laissez les bons temps roulez!

K.


Monday, January 26, 2015

Getting Started

I first learned about Paleo lifestyle from a emergency room physician I once knew. He was a health and fitness enthusiast. But I never gave the diet much thought. After all I followed a pretty healthy diet most of the time. I had my French favorites: French bread, French cheese, and French wine. Not gonna lie, a major part of my diet. I included roasted vegetables and grilled meats the rest of the time. But I never could lose, but rather continued to gain.

My first step was to research the Paleo Plan. I read what I could on the internet. Since I loved to cook and pretty much visual, I preferred reading blogs and studying recipes. Armed with a list, I went shopping. I worried that I would not be able to find Paleo friendly products needed for cooking and baking. In my Colorado home it would be no problem, but in my small town in Louisiana, I wasn't sure. I was pleasantly surprised to find almond and coconut milk, coconut oil, almond and coconut flour. It was enough to get acquainted with my new style of cooking and eating.

Everything else was rather simple. I began with simple things like roasted vegetables and chicken. Experimented with the crockpot, which has proven to be invaluable. I discovered I wasn't really changing the the kinds of dishes I ate before, only how I prepared them. Substituting cauliflower for white potatoes and rice, spaghetti squash for noodles hasn't really been that difficult of a transition for me.

I thought I would miss my baguettes and brie, but when I stopped having the gastric issues that were getting substantially worse, I knew I was on the right track.As the weight melted away, I never gave them another thought.

Other than times when I wasn't in absolute control over ingredients, I have stayed pretty much on course. I now consider myself a true disciple of the Paleo lifestyle.

K.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

How I started on this journey

In mid October of last year, the one just past, I decided to experiment with taking all gluten, dairy, and sugar out of my diet. I had been experiencing perimenopausal weight gain(my heaviest ever at 132 pounds) in addition some minor aches in my hands and knees. After the first couple of weeks, I no longer felt the gastric bloating which had become my norm. And I lost 3 pounds. A couple more weeks past, and the pain in joints was significantly less. I had lost 3 more pounds. By mid November and the beginning of hunting season, I had none of the usual shortness of breath climbing into my deer stand. My hunting attire which had been tight the previous season was not quite loose fitting.

By Christmas I had lost a total of 13 pounds, dropped two sizes, and had more energy than I'd had in a long time. And I never stepped a foot into the gym. I was finally making progress. I began reading more about the Paleo Lifestyle and decided to give it a go. I pretty much followed the diet, now was time to add the other two components. And that is where this part of the journey will begin.

I want to post for me to hold myself accountable a record of my dietary intake along an exercise and sleep log. This will be to evaluate the whole Paleo packaged deal. We will see where this journey takes me.

Like everything else, it's a process

k.