Just 6 months ago Mr. and I were beginning our Paleo Journey. We started at our local Crossfit Gym Crossfit Seymour. Friends of ours own the gym and they were having a 30 day Paleo/Crossfit Challenge. Lucky for us Coach Sam had a 30 day meal plan prepared that he shared with us. We didn't have the stress of deciding what we were having for dinner. He had recipes that he and his wife had gathered that he shared with us. We did the bulk of our cooking on Sunday, which he called our Sunday WOD (workout of the day). It was at the end of our 30 day challenge when Mr. and I decided we wanted to adopt the Paleo Lifestyle that I found myself stressed and anxious about what to do next.
The answer for us was Emeals. I've written a post about emeals you can find here: Paleo Emeals. This was a great starting point for us that took a lot of the planning and stress off my shoulders. It still allowed me to learn more.
1. Paleo Food List
It's important to know what you can and shouldn't eat when choosing a Paleo Journey. It's not a complicated list but at the same time its good to know how to get started. Here's a list to get you started but a quick Google search can help too.
Coach Sam at our gym recommends The Paleo Solution The Original Human Diet by Robb Wolf as a great read to explain the ins and outs of the Paleo Diet. This would be a great read before you start because once you do start and you start having conversations with the general public they will start asking you all sorts of questions about the diet. For us, especially at the beginning of the diet but even still, we found ourselves constantly defending our choices. People would say it was too restrictive, that you had to have carbs to function, and what about calcium. Because Paleo is far off from our processed, sugar driven world it's nice to be able to explain how this is the healthier option. Although if people would really stop and think, the answer is quite obvious.
3. Paleo Food Pyramid
Know the Basics. Below is a picture of the Paleo Food Pyramid. This is the most basic way to think about your Paleo choices. Notice on this pyramid there is no processed sugar or sweetener, no dairy, and no processed grains. It may seem a lot different than the pyramid you have grown to know but I assure you that you will notice huge changes following this pyramid. It's almost like it was always meant to be and that's probably because it was and is!
4. 30 Day Challenge
Commit to 30 Days! When I first decided to try Paleo it was only going to be a 30 Day Challenge. Then within the first week I noticed a change in my complexion. Then I noticed less bloating. On the flip side I was having a hard time with sugar withdrawals. I chose not to take over the counter pain relievers but sometimes I questioned myself. I also was very tired the first couple of weeks and I had no energy. I would go to bed early because I couldn't keep my eyes open. That detox portion was difficult. No lies about it. However, toward the 30 day mark my body finally started to understand. My energy then started to go through the roof and I felt good and I mean really good for the first time in a very long time. Not only that but after 30 days I had lost 18 pounds. Hook, line, and sinker I was sold on Paleo. I think if you stick to it for 30 days and I mean really stick to it with no cheats you will feel better too!
5. Surround Yourself with Support!
We were lucky on our journey. Several of our friends our Paleo. This has really helped us be able to bounce questions off of their experience. It's helped us learn new things to cook and try. It's helped us when we need foods or treats that aren't available in our small town. It's helped us to understand the in and outs of Paleo. Many people at our Crossfit Seymour Box our Paleo too. This is one of the best parts. Boxes tend to be a great place for support and encouragement and knowing and being around people that are on a similar journey makes you feel not so alone as go along. Having extended family support is great as well. Family gatherings are less complicated when you don't have to explain why you can't eat your moms lasagna. My mom finds Paleo Lasagna recipes to serve. She's been terrific to support us on our journey and is getting ready to try a 30 Day Challenge of her own.
If today is the day you are starting your journey...then know you aren't alone. Although I've been eating Paleo for 6 months, tomorrow starting with Ash Wednesday, I am giving up fruits and nuts for Lent. My pyramid had gotten a little heavy and the fruits and nuts and I have another 30 ish pounds to lose and so I'm giving these things up for 40 days to see if I can't make a dent. I'm also giving up coffee...and my family is very afraid :) So don't feel alone. Comment below or send me an email, I'd love to share my journey with you!
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