paleo challenge

For 2016, I am honing in my diet. For years I have struggled with body image and my relationship with food, but last year I managed to finally make peace with myself and food. I can honestly say that I love myself and fully appreciate my body now. Coming to terms and realizing self love did wonders to my relationship with food. Instead of fearing food and restricting, I wanted to feed and nourish the body that I have grown to love. Nourishing the body comes from eating whole foods like meats and veggies, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar (as defined by Greg Glassman). This year, I really want to keep my body healthy and see what I can achieve when properly fueled. That is why one of my New Year’s resolutions is to go Paleo. But do not be fooled, this is absolutely NOT a fad diet. Not in my eyes. I do not do diets anymore. I have a diet and that consists of my day to day food choices.

Going paleo is simple. Eat all the meat and veggies that I please with some fruit. Just no grains, dairy or legumes. Pretty simple really. Of course, to make this a lifestyle, I will be following the 80/20 rule. This means that I am paleo 80% of the time, but I have some wiggle room for that Friday beer, piece of birthday cake, etc. With this mentality, I will not feel deprived and crave these things just because I can’t have them.

With that though, I am going strictly Paleo and beyond for 30 days. This means absolutely no grains, dairy, sugar, legumes, alcohol with no exceptions for 30 days. I will also (deep breath) not have coffee (gasp) for 30 days as well. Instead I will have green tea or any tea. This strict 30 days is in order to heal my gut and “detox” if you will. 30 days should reduce my inflammation and clear my head from all of the junk and garbage my body is clouded with. Essentially I am priming the pump to begin new again.

With this 30 days, I will be logging my thoughts and progress daily here on the blog. Just quick summaries of each day to help process the struggles of cravings and the transition to a healthier me. These posts can be found under the “paleo challenge diary” tab in the main menu bar for the time being.

Wish me luck! I can’t wait for you to follow along with me on this journey!

Are you trying out any new lifestyle changes? Tell me about them below in the comments!

Here are some helpful references that are my go-to when I have paleo questions and I need answers: