30 Day Strict Paleo Update

 

Yesterday, I had to do the Lord’s prayer MANY times in order to stay on course. Particularly the “lead us not into temptation” piece. There were so too many things that I wanted to throw in the towel for and devour. Some of those temptations were (but aren’t limited to): Girl Scout Cookies, Cheddar and Sour Cream Chips, Mike & Ikes, Rice, General Tso’s Chicken, Shrimp Tempura, Green Banana Porridge, Natural Cheetos, and Fruit Snacks. But I am glad to report, I was on my best behavior! Instead, I ate a pear, 2 bananas, a plum, and scrambled eggs.

As I looked at myself in the mirror, I began thinking about how and why I make the food choices that I make. I am really feeling the freedom in choosing what I want to eat. I am determined not to live life as a compulsive consumer, but to treat every decision as a liberated choice. If I am eating healthily, it is because I want to empower my body to be the best version of itself. If I choose to indulge, I am choosing to enjoy the treat while feeling completely in control over that decision.

I’m pretty sure that there will be a moment or moments where I will fail, but this will always be my goal. I can never look back after this. Now that I’ve been given this particular diagnosis, I am responsible to myself and to my family for how I care for myself.

Our job isn’t to be or to strive for perfection. Just do the best you can.

xo

Advertisement

Concessions

This blog post isn’t for those that are strictly Paleo or die. One thing I have learned in life is that idealism can be a little unhealthy. For some, if things aren’t perfectly perfect, they may fall apart, feel guilty, or become bogged down with shame. This is why in my journey of health and wellness, I’ve learned to make concessions. 

There are times when I just want a friggin soda. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does, what do I do? I get a friggin soda. However, my choice of soda is different than what it would have been. Rather than grabbing a diet coke (which I prefer more than regular coke) or something of the sort, I get an Izze or one of those sodas that uses stevia rather than aspartame.

Pre-paleo, gummi bears were my thing…more specifically Haribo gummis. Instead of reaching for those, I use a healthier alternative that is made from tapioca syrup instead of corn syrup. They actually taste more like Sunkist Fruit Gems (but I like those too).

What am I saying here? I am not saying that you should indulge every craving or pining after a particular taste for something. I equally believe that there is great value in delaying gratification, patience, and self-control. I am saying that if you want to have something occasionally that isn’t strictly Paleo, find a healthier alternative and go for it! Don’t eat the entire container though. Eat 1 serving (slowly) and enjoy it.

Moderation is key.

xo

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Who doesn’t love A Charlie Brown Christmas?! I literally begin to cry everytime I hear Christmas Time is Here. Take a listen. (Click on the highlighted song title…you can do it!)

This is a time where we can be consumed with the “holiday seasonal flu,” i.e., running around and getting presents, cooking, decorating, trying to find egg nog at the last minute, etc. Some of us also think of loved ones who are away and couldn’t make it this year, loved ones who have passed away, and loneliness. What I’d submit to you is, invite someone who has no family or no where to go to join yours. Share love, laughter, and joy with them. Think fondly of those who have passed on and celebrate their life. Hug your mom, dad, brothers, sisters, children, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, god children, and friends. Tell them you love them and have a wonderful time. Appreciate the life you have today. If you have a car, a roof over your head, clothes on your back, and food to eat, you are more well off than others.

The best gift you could give or receive is Love.

Merry Christmas, Friends.

xo