project get healthy: paleo 101

August 3rd, 2012 at 12:31 pm . Posted in paleo, project get healthy .

After some really rough months earlier this year in the health department, I decided it was time to really get down to it. Things needed to change big time, so I started thinking about how I was going to change my lifestyle.

A few months ago I started throwing around the idea of trying Paleo. I asked my boyfriend if it was something he would be interested in doing it with me and he agreed. Here’s a pretty simple breakdown of the paleo diet. Paleo 101, if you will:

 

I know it seems a little harsh – no grains, no sugar and no dairy. The thought of no grains was almost laughable to my carb loving I’ll have the mac and cheese with a side of bread and more pasta, please and thank you, self. But here I am.

The other day I actually had pasta for the first time in a long time and was rather grossed out by it and couldn’t finish it. I KNOW. I definitely felt it afterward, too. Cutting out grains has been a game changer.

I’ve dropped close to 30 pounds.

And that’s only at 80% paleo.  I’m struggling with giving up my corn tortillas (for real, it’s hard being a Mexican on paleo) and pop (or soda, to some of you weirdos). I know that once I completely knock out the sugar, it will make a huge difference and probably push me over that last hurdle. But hey, I’m getting there.

Because paleo is such a protein and veggie heavy diet, I immediately looked into meat CSAs. It’s a fantastic thing. I then found a co-op that does fruit and veggie shares every week and most of the rest of my shopping is done at the farmers market every Sunday. I like knowing where my food is coming from and that there isn’t a bunch of crap going into it before it gets to me. I love that we’re eating fresh, straight from the farm foods and we are cooking so much more. It may be a bit expensive, but it’s worth it. I consider it an investment in our health.

Paleo isn’t really a diet – it’s more of a lifestyle. And this has been such a great lifestyle change for me, so I definitely plan to stick to it.

I’ll share some of my favorite blogs, resources, recipes and cookbooks soon!

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11 Comments ( Reply )

  1. Holly
    Aug 03, 2012 @ 1:11 pm

    I love this little flow chart and every time I see it I read and get a little giggle. Glad you are having so much luck! I had the same experience with pasta when I started. I was SUCH A PASTA/BREAD HOUND! Then I went 30 days without it and OF COURSE my first meal after that 30 days was pasta. And it was kind of bland and gross. Game changer, for sure.

    Don’t be too hard on yourself about corn tortillas and soda, just let yourself evolve. People who can do everything 100% cold turkey immediately are super inspiring and stuff, but long term — if you are taking it day by day and making the best decisions you can at the time — things will get better. It’s why it’s a lifestyle and NOT a black and white diet. You go, lady!

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    Jamie Ann Reply:
    August 5th, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    @Holly: You are awesome. Thanks for this comment!

    ALSO! How did the Pure Wraps go? Worth it?

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    Holly Reply:
    August 6th, 2012 at 12:09 pm

    @Jamie Ann, They showed up right before I started the Whole 30 and I didn’t get around to trying them. The ingredients only list coconut meat, so they are probably Whole 30 compliant…but you aren’t supposed to “Paleo-ify” junk food for 30 days, so I feel like cooking myself up a breakfast burrito or something might defeat the purpose. On a good note, they last for a long time though (well, maybe that’s a not so good note LOL) so I’ll prob try them in September!

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  2. Renee
    Aug 03, 2012 @ 1:15 pm

    DEFINITELY interested in hearing more. I’ve slowly been cutting out processed food (and successfully cut out pop – you can do it!), so I am always interested in paleo recipes!

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    Jamie Ann Reply:
    August 5th, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    @Renee: I’m going to try this week. I finished the last pop in my fridge haha

    And I’ll definitely share more this week!

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  3. doniree
    Aug 03, 2012 @ 1:20 pm

    You are SO inspiring, woman. Congrats on taking control of your health and finding something that makes you feel good! I [mostly] cut out wheat (not all gluten, just specifically wheat) at the encouragement of my doctor and I TOTALLY feel it. I feel lighter and better, and when I do make exceptions, I feel like crap. Finding alternatives has been fun. For instance, I think I eat corn tortillas every day (sorry, chica!) which I never thought I’d choose over flour. I eat pasta pretty rarely and when I do, it’s spelt, and I really like that. I’ve got dairy pretty much down to goat/sheep milk only, and my doc says that’s why my allergies have improved (protein in cow’s milk dairy aggravates some allergies). So, all that to say – YAY! GO YOU! I’d love to keep checking things out of my diet like this, especially since I also have some weight loss goals I’d like to hit before the winter. <3

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    Jamie Ann Reply:
    August 5th, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    @doniree: Thanks, boo! Seriously though, wheat was killer on me and I had NO idea!

    Keep it up, girlfriend. You already look fab <3

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  4. doniree
    Aug 03, 2012 @ 1:22 pm

    Oh, and I pinned this infographic to a Pinterest board called “Paleo resources” and I invited you and Kat to that so you can pin things and I can steal all your brainstuffs on the topic. :) I look collaborative, but really, I’m a little lazy :)

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  5. Angela
    Aug 03, 2012 @ 3:40 pm

    30 POUNDS?!?! That’s incredible. Before and after pictures?

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    Jamie Ann Reply:
    August 5th, 2012 at 9:14 pm

    @Angela: Thanks! Pics soon, maybe :)

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  6. katelin
    Aug 06, 2012 @ 11:49 pm

    check you out lady, so proud of you! this is definitely a change and so glad the bf is doing it with it, probably makes it easier to have someone there with you.

    but really, i’ll eat mac and cheese for you, so don’t worry about that :)

    no really, you’re a rock star.

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