Paleo Challenge

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend, and made the most of this glorious weather.  There's been a lot of buzz about the 30 Day Paleo Challenge starting tomorrow.  Let's go through a few points.

The key to making this work is a little preparation.  If you have the right food on hand, then it is easy to stick with this method of eating.  Get to the grocery store, stock up on the right items.  Roast a chicken, prep your vegetables.  Have the right things on hand, make your lunches and take them with you.  It's important to eat every couple of hours, small meals and often.  Don't let yourself get to the point of starving, then it's too easy to fall off the wagon.  Preparation is essential.

What are the right foods?  Meat, vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit little starch and no sugar.  That's it, simple.  Anything you can kill or harvest and eat it 1 hour later.  Beyond that, there are some grey areas. 

Dairy, HUGE grey area.  This is unique to the individual.  However, think of the purpose of dairy.  It exists to make you grow.  If you don't want to grow, then don't eat it.  If you want to grow, and it doesn't mess up your digestion, then go for it.

Legumes:  Technically they are NOT paleo.  They have properties that are very tough on your digestion, which by the way is one of the first ports of call for your immune system.  Best to be avoided. I have known many an avid paleoist to add a little hummus on occasion.  For this challenge legumes are off limits.

Nuts:  These are paleo, however they can throw off your Omega 3 - Omega 6 balance.  Don't overkill the nuts, especially if you want to lean out.  Have some, but keep it in check.  Try to get your fats from avocados and olive oil.

Alcohol:  Wine is ok, so is tequila.  I would also make an argument for vodka and gin.  Mixers however may present an problem.  Stick to soda water.  No beer or any of the brown whiskeys!

One thing I see all the time on various nutrition blogs and paleo sites are replacement recipes for foods or dishes but in a paleo form.  I have to say I am baffled by this.  For me, eating paleo is about a lifestyle, and making choices to support that lifestyle.  When I cheat, I cheat.  I eat what I think I am missing, and usually my cheats involve a meal, not a whole day.  Then I go back to eating the right stuff.  The longer I have followed a paleo diet not only are the cheat items fewer and further between, but they are also a lot less gratifying.  That's me.  You have to find what will work for you.  I will say, that making a paleo choice is about creating a healthy habit, or shifting away from a less healthy habit.  So instead of thinking how to recreate what you feel you are deprived of, find an alternative that will change your habit.  For example, I know dessert is a big one for most people.  Look at all the summer fruit that has come into season.  My favorite dessert at the moment: raspberries, blueberries and a peach with some coconut milk poured over them.  Delicious!

Diet Drinks.  Ok, they technically don't have sugar.  However 1.  If you have to read the contents of what is in the bottle or any package for that matter then IT ISN'T FOOD.  If there are things on that list that you read and you do not know what they are, then it REALLY ISN'T FOOD.  Again, you don't need a substitute, you need a new habit.  Put it down for 30 days and then see where you are.  You can always pick it back up if you choose.

Finally, last but not least... My dad, Big Tom, is joining us on the Paleo Challenge.  I cannot tell you how HUGE this is!  I wrote a few weeks ago about some choices he'd been given by his doctor and he is now working to clean up his diet.  I have given him a weekend pass for father's day.  He's spending it with my brother and nephews.   Let me tell you, when there are that many Tom Finnertys in the same room it becomes necessary to have a few beers.  Big Tom gets a weekend pass, but otherwise he's on board!  I am THRILLED!

Good Luck everybody.  Feel free to throw out any questions.  Happy foraging!

 ---- Kat

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WOD 6-14-10

10 Rounds for Time

3 Ground to Overhead 135# / 95#
3 Muscle- ups

Compliments of Freddy at Crossfit One World.

Comments

[Elizabeth]

Good luck to Big Tom! Obviously, his success may mean a name change is in order . . .
Does today's wod mean 150 pullups and 150 ring dips in store for us plebs?

[kevin wong]

email: kevinwongisme@gmail.com

[kevin wong]

if anyone is interested, a group of friends outside of kmsf are also joining in the paleo challenge and a googlewave has been started for everyone to keep in contact about tips/tricks/etc. if anyone wants to join this send me your email!