So we all want to be perfect.. right! We strive for the perfect hair, the perfect home, to be the perfect wife or mom… but realistically that’s not attainable. Like I tell my kids we have to be good, honest people and we have to try our best to eat well and exercise. By treating our bodys good we automatically and mentally feel good.
This is why I believe so much in the Paleo Lifestyle/Diet. I have been Paleo for about 4 years now. And of course I slack on my eating habits as does everyone else. You have to live people!!!! However, I find that Paleo works best for me because it’s all natural… kind of like the essential oils… IT COMES FROM OUR EARTH!!! The basis behind Paleo is Natural Grass Fed Meats, Organic Fruits and Veggies and Nuts. Nothing processed or raised with hormones or antibiotics, no refined crap, no gluten, no legumes (or beans), no dairy, no sugar! That’s it in a nut shell.
So we can go into the debate over the dairy, beans and potatoes and why that is not Paleo, and it briefly is because they either do not break down properly in our body or they are not necessary/vital for living. However, like me you have to find what works best for you. And what I mean by that is think of Paleo as a Religion, you take from it what you want, and incorporate that into your life. With that said, most people do not live 100% strict Paleo. A common meeting ground and what you might hear is “I do 80/20 Paleo”. Basically what this means is these people allow themselves to slip out of the Paleo life and eat dairy or bread a bit. How much? That is strictly up to you! Most people I know take a weekend and choose one meal to do this.
For me, I am a all or nothing type of girl. If I sway one way outside my box I am like a rabid beast. I have no control, so one morsel of and Oreo cookie could send me off the deep end resulting in the whole box “miraculously disappearing”. I am fortunate enough to have my 5 year old to blame though 🙂
Now you will see recipes that have agave nectar, honey, or even dark chocolate chips… In true Paleo these are to be avoided! They are NOT Paleo! However they are considered healthier “treats” compared to lets say the Oreo I can’t resist. So these items are acceptable, but not to be consumed in mass amounts or even everyday… EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE.
My best advice that I can offer is trick your brain. Yes, thats right! I know we need to love ourselves but a little white lie (no your butt doesn’t look fat in those pants) won’t hurt 🙂 What I mean by this is our body (pre-Paleo) is so used to the starch and the carbs. They are very filling and comforting to most of us. But they are not good for us. When you first start out Paleo helping yourself stay strict is key… and by tricking your brain that you are eating “carbs” when you aren’t will help you succeed.
How do I trick my brain? Well, making things that are Paleo approved but can seem like starchy carbs. For instance, I crave crunchy things (don’t ask I am weird ) so I made Paleo Crackers to curb the craving and to stay on my Paleo Path. Paleo Pancakes, Paleo Biscuits, Paleo Bread, Paleo Ice Cream, the list goes on and on. There are so many great recipe’s of normal things we eat daily that can be converted to the Paleo Life.
Choosing to be healthy and live a pure, toxic free life is priceless. You can not give up on something that can give you so much!
You can visit my Paleo Blog
