Paleo Challenge

I am beginning an eating adventure today, and I must admit...I'm a little nervous. I'm supposed to look at this as a benefit, as a healthy lifestyle change; but to be honest, I look at it like I'm losing out, like I'm sacrificing. I am hoping that outlook will change. :)

I am embarking on a paleolithic diet. I have been attempting to be gluten and dairy free for a few months now, and I have seen improvement in my health for both myself and my kids. My kids and I suffer from psoriasis, and after being dairy and gluten free for just a couple of months, it completely went away. Now, paleo is a little more strict, and I am attempting this to see how far I can push myself out of eating things that are trouble for my body.

The gist of the paleo diet is to eat meat, fish and seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries and seeds, with about 65% of your food coming from animal sources and 35% from plants. These are the food sources our bodies have been designed to eat. I love it, my trainer/friend says that your protein intake needs to have a soul and a face! Out with processed foods, foods containing additives, preservatives, colorings, artificial flavorings or other “modern enhancements”.

Here is a graphic of the Paleo Pyramid to give you a visual of what this looks like:

I am getting certified in April to be a CrossFit Level 1 trainer, and I want to be at the top of my game. I want also to be able to coach and help people that are struggling with their own diet related issues. There are so many problems, diseases, and emotional problems that are diet related. We as a society want to mask them with drugs, and we can FIX them with diet! I know it's difficult. Believe me when I say I know. I am a sugaraholic, and addicted to the "feeling" that bad food gives me. I don't know if I'll stick to this strict of the paleo diet forever, but I know that I don't want to go back to eating processed foods, dairy, or gluten. I've seen what it does to me by just looking at my psoriasis which is back because I've been slipping! :)

I hope that maybe I've shared a little of my own struggles to encourage you, and I plan on sharing my weekly food chart with you. We are having a little contest at the gym to see who can stick to this and actually see results. Hey, there's a money pot. Money talks. I plan on doing my best to win some! This is my plan. At the end of the 2 months, if I happen to win some money, and even if I don't; where I normally would reward myself with a day of binging on chocolate and chips....I plan on taking myself to the spa. I think that reward sounds mighty nice. If any of you have questions, or want to take this challenge with me, email me.

Even though this is totally embarrassing, I plan on posting my weight, and measurements, as well as before and after shots. I need to be accountable, and though I'm afraid no one reads my blog, I still have to put it out there, and it makes me feel accountable!

Here is a great resource website: Living Paleo