Food Is A Drug #Paleo

I've reset again and have been following my Paleo Lifestyle for over 30 days.  I'm walking, lifting, and eating right! Again, the first 2 weeks were super tough as I detoxed from the sugar and carbs.  But I'm well on the other side of that now and so glad! I do have a little secret to my morning routine that's kept me moving even when my muscles and joints are soar.  I'm sharing this with you and an affiliate link through Amazon. I've added this collagen powder to my bulletproof coffee and can tell a difference.  Some of the added benefits beyond my joints can be found in my fingernails and hair growth.  I'm on my second container of this particular brand. In the morning add 1-2 tsp of coconut oil, 1-2 tsp of grass fed butter, and a scoop of this Collagen Powder to my Magic Bullet and fill the rest with coffee.  10-15 second of blending and it makes a wonderful fat filled coffee that allows my intermittent fasting to happen. After my long morning walks...

So for the next two weeks as I reset my habits and start the cleanse, it may be important for those closest to me to tread very lightly.  I was pretty ill for most of the month of December especially that last week or so.  My body is very ready to cleanse and detox and begin the healing process. The Smith household is having a Paleo Reset starting today.  I sort of wish it was as easy as pushing a reset button but unfortunately it is not.  We started Saturday by cleaning out the refrigerator and the pantry.  We did meal plan and shopping Sunday morning.  We stumbled upon a great price on a whole chicken that was antibiotic and additive free.  So I cooked it in the Instant Pot Sunday to have protein for the week.  After it cooled, I shredded it and put the bones back in with Fish Oil, Carrots, Garlic, and Onion and cooked it for 2 hours to make fresh bone broth.  This made 3 mason jars full of broth. I also made an egg quiche ty...

At a recent appointment with my favorite Integrative Medicine Physician, Mr. and I were able to lay it out all on the line and learned how to refocus on our health journey.  Dr. W knows of how successful we've been with changing to a Paleo Lifestyle.  He saw us through it every step of the way last time.  So he asked us (individually) what we knew about Intermittent Fasting.  Admittedly, Mr. and I knew very little and probably still don't know much but Dr. W assures us he's super impressed with what he's seen come from research and thought we'd be perfect candidates. So on August 1st (Actually the 31st of July because it was a Monday), Mr. and I started down this path.  Much like the first time I tried paleo I was a little apprehensive.  I've spent the last several years coaching others to eat 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day.  I've focused on food so much that I wasn't sure how I was going to slow that train down.  I found that 1. It's a lot easi...

This sort of feels like a picture overload dump but I've been busy the last 20 days.  I joined Civilized Caveman's 30 Days to a Better You Challenge.  It's just the motivation I needed to start this new journey. I've really struggled staying on Paleo.  Lots of outside factors impacted that.  But my bodies constant yearn to feel strong and healthy again never went away.  I'm grateful to my family and husband and great Integrative Medicine doctor who have been gently pushing me back to the right path.  I've spend that last 20 days trying intermittent fasting on for size and it's been really great.   I think it feels much different than how I was used to coach others in regards to eating.  Where before I spent a lot of time planning 3 meals and 3 snacks I now eat 2 or 3 times a day and only sometimes snack.  I'm a morning workout girl so breakfast always came early to me.  It's been an adjustment waiting until 10 a.m or after to begin ...

Just a quick pop in to share our meal plan for this crazy week. Due to surgery I won't be able to post much here but hope to post on Instagram: chrismisspaleo and Facebook: Food is a Drug #Paleo. Here's the plan for the week: I prepped these things over the past week and froze them for when Mr. has had a long day or he is traveling for business. I made this yesterday for a late, late lunch.  It was delicious.  I highly recommend! Emeal's Recipe is here:   Chicken Thighs and Mushrooms with Cauli Rice and Lemon Zucchini I'll take all your prayers for surgery but most importantly RECOVERY!  Food is a Drug #Paleo and I'm planning on healing with it!

I've been dealing with a nagging shoulder injury for almost a year.  I can't put my finger on a moment the injury happened which is frustrating and had me wondering if it was mental.  At the beginning of January I opted for an MRI which indeed indicated that I have a 50% torn rotators cuff and my surgeon is pretty certain I have a SLAP tear as well.  I was so relieved to know this information but also shocked to hear the recovery after surgery.  Last week after scheduling the MRI, I've had 2 weeks to do as much preparation as I can.  I've been grinding it out at home and at work so that the transition can go as smooth possible. At home I've been cleaning, organizing and meal prepping.  Luckily Mr. is a phenomenal caretaker and I know that he will do fine but I'm trying to lighten the load for him as much as possible.  I plan on doing additional meal prepping this weekend. Because of my work schedule I'm able to make meals almost nightly so ...

Thank you to everyone that responded to my survey.  I really appreciate the feedback and look forward to sharing with you this year.  Meal planning has been our best asset to following a paleo lifestyle.  We use emeals and follow the Paleo Meal Plan.  Every week I get an email with lunch and dinner options and I make our meal plan based on the activities we have on our calendar. Wednesday's I work 13-14 hours and so you can bet that I almost always use my crock pot on those nights.  Otherwise, I try to match up the easier meals for our heavier loads on our calendar.   Here's our meal plan for this week. I write out our menu plan on this magnet that's on our fridge.  It makes it easier for me to remember to pull meat and thaw from the freezer in advance. That Jambalaya is in my Instant Pot (on slow cooker mode) as we speak. I've done a horrible job of food pictures that last couple of weeks but wanted to share this recipe with you.  I made ...

I've meal planned this week, bought my food, and am ready to do work.  I was going to share it all with you but than I thought, "hmm, I wonder what those read this blog about Paleo want to know?"  So I created a survey and I'm interested on hearing your thoughts.  There are only a few questions.  Help a girl out here:  Food is a Drug #Paleo SURVEY

Our meal plan and shopping for the week was done Sunday morning before an afternoon of work and basketball.  I was running on fumes through the weekend.  My work schedule has been too packed.  To date I have worked the last 13 of 15 days and that's only because yesterday I decided not to work after a doctors appointment. I can definitely feel the tension when I over schedule and as a result I had an OFF weekend of eating paleo.  At first I was just letting myself slide on Friday but then the weekend got away from me.  Monday it was back to 100% Paleo. Our meal plan this week is all Emeals recipes for the week.  I'm excited to share recipes with you including this one:  Emeals Paleo Flank Steak with Balsamic Sweet Potato Sauce .  I loved this one for the salad more than anything.  I can give or take Arugula on most days but there is something about the peppery taste of arugula combined with the sweetness of the apple and bitterness of the...

I'm excited to start sharing my meal plan with you on Mondays.  It's the best tip I can give you when starting a Paleo approach to your eating.  I worked all weekend and so I'm grateful that Mr. made our meal plan and did our shopping this weekend.  He's a keeper :D Monday: Pecan crusted fish with salad Tuesday: Sloppy Joe and zucchini fries Wednesday: Spaghetii squash and roasted carrots Thursday: Brisket and Cauliflower Friday: Steak and potato Breakfast: Eggs, Bacon, Avocado Lunch: Leftovers from night before Snacks: celery, grapes, apples, carrots I was so excited when Mr. told me he asked the boys what they wanted on the menu this week.  They **REQUESTED** spaghetti squash, carrots, AND cauliflower!  Read how I introduced spaghetti squash to the boys here:  10 Ways to get your kids to eat Paleo  

Two days of exercise in a row...can it be?  I had a late night last night making sure my Cubbies clinched the 6th game of the world series but I set my alarm anyway for a quick walk/jog.  Then I set my back up alarm just in case I was too tired.  I'm not even kidding when I say I woke up at 5:56 a.m. BEFORE my alarm went off.  This used to happen and I'm so excited it's back.  Lilly (my dog) and I only had about 30 min so it was a quick 2 mile walk/jog.  The boys participate at FCA on Wednesday mornings so they get to school and hour early hence my short jog. Now that my energy is back, I feel better, and have been moving...I'm ready for my scale to do the same! Food Log: Breakfast: 2 eggs, 3 slices of bacon bulletproof coffee Snack: celery Lunch: Leftover pot roast Snack: Apple Dinner will be: chicken thighs and butternut squash It's my long ministry night...can't wait to get home to watch the end of the 7th game.  Go Cubs Go!

We live in the midwest and I have to say that when it's 80 degrees on November 1st it's worth rejoicing.  It's been a mild fall actually and lots of trees are still green.  With the mild weather I've been able to log some miles.  Friday 4.5, Saturday 3, and this morning I decided to walk/jog.  I'm proud to say that I was able to run the first whole mile without walking.  It was a relief for me since I've been a bit of a couch potato throughout the summer and I wasn't sure how I would fare.  the rest of my mileage this morning I alternated walk/jog.  I'll get better for now I'm just glad I didn't lose it all. Today was a bit of a whirlwind.  I hosted a meeting this morning which led into a lunch meeting and then got a couple hours of actual work in (with awful internet service).  After I picked up the boys from school and brought them home, took one of them back to the dr for an ear infection.  Luckily my amazing Mr. put dinner in the c...

My intention was to blog all weekend long...but here I am checking in on a Monday.  I'm frustrated too.  I weighed in this morning and was hoping for and expecting a greater number in the weight loss after 2 weeks of effort.  I didn't get what I was hoping for but I know that this works and so I'm not giving up.  I did have a slight detour yesterday.  I got a little stomach bug Sat night into Sunday.  I know that I need to work on a better solution to my stomach bug cures but my standard go to is Orange Gatorade.  During the day I only got down a banana, larabar, and a couple pieces of popcorn.  I sipped on sprite.  By the evening my appetite was coming back and I had a full morning of work followed by a equally full morning of basketball spectating...Mr was at a football game with clients the boys and I swung through the fast food place of their choice.  I got a baked potato at Arby's and chips for taco bell.  I was able to eat the...

You guys!!! I think I'm turning the corner.  I felt pretty good all day yesterday and woke up today feeling good too!  I'm crossing my fingers because I know that on Day 11 it could be the day where I have detoxed all the crap out.  I've done all the work on my end.  I've eaten well, taken my vitamins, and drank a ton of water to help with the flush. I hadn't forgotten how well I slept when I was all in but I had forgotten how well that sleep felt.  I generally struggle with falling asleep at night.  It tends to be that I have a hard time on shutting off my brain once my head hits the pillow.  Often times I would get back up and do house work or make lists of the things running through my head.  When I started Paleo the very first time I was pretty conked out.  Back then I would go to bed when I put my kids to bed (8:30) and associated it with early morning workouts.  Now I think that part of that cycle is my bodies way of getting into...

It's Day 10 on my way to detoxing my way to paleo.  Aside from craving chips and a head ache that keeps popping up, I feel I am doing well on nutrition.  Last night for supper I made an emeals dinner that was really good.  I always love finding recipes that are worth cooking and sharing.  My modifications where minor.  I did add a bit more seasoning to the soup.  A little garlic salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning was all it took to give the broth the flavor I was hoping to achieve.  I didn't make the zucchini last night as directed either.  Mr. was out of town and I don't really enjoy raw zucchini so I roasted ours in the oven with avocado oil.  The sweet potato was leftover and so I heated it up as the zucchini was cooking.  The soup though will be a keeper at the Smith house.  Here's the recipe:   Emeals Paleo Ground Beef Mushroom Meatball Soup As I've said before Wednesday's are my looong work day and late night...

What a fun busy weekend. First to update about how I did at the wedding.  This is 'my person' Deanna.  She's waited very so patiently to find the soul God intended for her.  I'm so happy for her and Nate and can't wait to hear all about their life adventures.  So in my post Saturday morning I had everything mapped out.  I was going to eat a quick lunch before I left for the wedding.  I was packing snacks to have in the car. Well, I quickly had to come up with a Plan B.  When I came downstairs after getting ready, Mr. told me how beautiful I looked but my kiddo insisted I needed to change.  (He will give me a complex some day).  I ended up leaving without eating OR packing a single snack or water only my coffee!  I of course didn't realize it until I was have way into my 90 min. drive.  Luckily I arrived early and good thing too because I needed to stop and get a card.  CVS had larabar's on a "deal" 3 for $4.50 so I b...

Day 5 & 6 I survived my day yesterday.  Friday is my day off and so usually my the day is laid back and low key or very busy.  Yesterday my day was the later.  I started my day off with a long walk with my walking partner Lilly Rose (my dog).  Came home and added in squats, sit ups, and pushups.  Then the rest of the day was a whirlwind.  On crazy days like that I find myself not as hungry. Breakast: 2 eggs, 1 bacon, bulletproof coffee Snack: none Lunch: chicken and roasted veggies leftovers Snack: none Dinner chicken fajitas, mexican cauli rice, and guacamole, apple cider Snack: more fajitas, cucumbers and quac, larabar We tailgated with friends last night.  There was lots of yummy food to choose from and lots of drinks to be had.  I stuck with my water but did have a handful of the mexican popcorn I had made.  It was made with coconut oil and mexican seasoning.  I feel o.k. with my decision to have a little. Today will ...

Last night my looong night at work got just a bit more stressful!  I had about 250 people to think about their safety as some severe weather rolled in. On the bright side, no time to be hungry and snack but on the low side...after stressful events I tend to eat. Not last night. When I got home, I had my apple that I didn't eat for a snack yesterday during the day. I did it...another day of behavior change. Today my temptation came this morning at our staff meeting.  A co worker brought in a still warm delicious smelling coffee cake and bananas. I did it, again...I only ate the banana. Today has been a fast day and I'm looking forward to watching G & E in football action tonight!  So keeping this short and sweet on day 4. Breakfast: 2 eggs, 1 bacon, 1/2 avocado, red pepper slices, banana Snack: none Lunch: leftover hamburger and celery slices Snack: none Dinner: grilled chicken, roasted veggies Snack: Apple and almonds Vitamins: Check. Tomorrow...

Holy heck detox!  It hit me hard yesterday after work.  My head HURT!  When I got home from work Mr. said, "what is wrong with you?"  I looked at him and said "I'm detoxing."  Enough said. I was also too hungry yesterday.  We had a yummy protein and fat filled taco salad for dinner.  I could have eaten 5 of them.  I contemplated making some homemade sweet potato fries but then decided I needed a quick nap.  Lucky for me Mr. and the boys had football practice so the house was quiet.  I got a solid 45 min nap in and woke up head ache free.  I can't remember the last time I took a nap. When I woke up I felt 90% better.  I was still hungry.  Then the boys came home and were looking for their after practice food.  Mr and I did our best to steer them clear of the junk that lurks in the pantry.  Ultimately, Mr. made them on the stove popcorn.  Oh the smell!  I didn't cave.  Someday once I've detoxed e...

Oh my dear goodness!  Day 2 and I am SOOO tired of visiting the restroom.  I've really focused these last 2 days on making sure I was drinking lots of water.  I feel like my body is rejecting it...but I know it's really using it to flush out all the bad. Last night finished as good as it started.  My boys are very busy this week as we wind down one sport and pick up another.  Which had them eating a 4th meal after 2 practices.  Someday's it's hard to keep food in our house.  Unfortunately, after our camping weekend we are too well stocked on junk too.  But I'm happy to report that I didn't cave.  I didn't even have a snack after our early dinner. So this morning I started my day with my 6 a.m. wake up walk, ab work, and stretching.  I really thought about hitting my snooze but decided against it (and so happy I did). Eggs, bacon and bulletproof coffee for breakfast. Carrots and celery for a mid morning snack. Veggie Soup and le...