I have been really trying for a long time to get my husband on board with me to eat healthier and to work on lowering his cholesterol. He has bad knees and can no longer play soccer to keep fit. But, he isn’t a fan of workouts that don’t involve sports. However, he’s coming around and doing more here and there.
His nutrition worries me because of his family history of thyroid issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Alzheimer’s, and cancer–ALL of which can be directly affected by nutrition and bad habits. I asked him if he would try to go Paleo with me and he said he would.
WHAT?! He is SO stubborn with his food, so the fact that he is on board is amazing. I will give him some slack and still allow him to have white potatoes, and occasional rice, because I want it to be something he sticks to. So, after baby Adley is here, we will be a PALEO{ish} household! I will probably wait a few weeks to make sure my milk supply is ok before changing anything too drastic, because baby comes first, But I think this will be a great way to focus on dialing in my nutrition and getting that pre-mom body back!
What exactly is the Paleo Diet?
The Paleo Diet allows us to eat like our pre-historic ancestors did: hunter and gatherer style. That means no processed foods and no grains, since they didn’t invent farming or agriculture yet. And, no diary since domesticated cows weren’t a thing yet.
Paleo Diet is al-natural–eating only things that can be found in the wild or naturally occurring. Beans, fruits, veggies, fish, meat, eggs, tubers (squash, potatoes, etc), oils, herbs, etc.
By following the Paleo Diet, you will be eating less carbs and getting more nutrient-rich food. You won’t have to calorie count! It also helps regulate your glucose levels! Because you are eating a clean diet, you will have less inflammatory issues. More red meat also means more iron and protein. You will also feel full and satisfied because of the goodness and packed nutrients in the limited food you eat. You will also most likely lose weight!
However, you have to be careful because the Paleo Diet can get a little expensive, especially with the free-range, pure, no-chemicals-added organic produce and meat. Calcium and Vitamin D levels can also decrease, so you will need to be super vigilant about those. You won’t be getting a lot of the carbs needed for energy (although you can get that energy from other food sources). If you are currently a vegetarian, this diet might be hard because nuts aren’t allowed, as aren’t most beans, and it has a strong emphasis on meat (as well as the veggies).
This is a very great guide to Paleo beginners!! Super informative with a lot of links to different articles and it answers so many questions!
How do I start the Paleo Diet?
Focus on the protein as your main entree. But, be diverse in the kinds of meats you eat, as well as the cuts. Don’t be afraid of fatty cuts every now and then! Try to get pasture-raised and grass-fed proteins, if possible.
Eat healthy amounts of clean saturated fats like avacado, olive oil, coconut oil, macadamia oil, etc.
Eat until you are full. Don’t eat if you aren’t hungry. You don’t necessarily have to worry about portion control or calorie counting.
Eat a lot of fruits and veggies! But, for the fruits, try to focus on ones that don’t have a lot of sugar, but have a ton of anti-oxidants (like berries).
No cereal grains or legumes (wheat, oats, etc., rice, peanuts, corn, black beans, pinto beans, etc.)
No vegetable oils–go with coconut or olive oil. No added sugar or processed foods.
Try to eliminate as much diary as possible, but if you need some, use butter and heavy cream.
Eliminate stress factors–give yourself time to meditate and workout. Say no more often. Think positive thoughts. Get enough sleep.
If you want to supplement, focus on Vitamin D and probiotics.
Join me in going Paleo!
I will be running a 5 Day PALEO group on Facebook on October 3rd and I will be pairing it with 5 days of shakeology, a meal plan, and I will supply daily workouts, if anyone wants to join, it’s just $20 for your 5 days of shakeo, the meal plan, and support! Add me to facebook and message me that you’d like more info on my PALEO group!
I am also starting a Paleo board for Pinterest. Send me your email if you want to join! If you have a Paleo board you love, comment below with the link and I’ll follow it. I’d also love to know about Paleo group boards to join!
If anyone has any awesome Paleo tips/tricks they’d like the share, I would LOVE to hear them, you can just send me a message on facebook at www.facebook.com/april.pinkney.5 or email me at april.pinkney@gmail.com I know this will be a big transition, and would love to have other like minded fun ladies on the same journey to lean on for help, support and guidance!
FAREWELL PIZZA, I’ll miss you LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTSS!!! hahaha!
