PALEO CHECK IN.

I’d say this experience is good overall, but certainly gets tough when I’m not prepared with food on hand that I can eat, particularly protein. Yesterday my office celebrated someone’s birthday and had a huge chocolate cake and ice cream. I didn’t partake in the eating, and my boss stood there in front of everyone and called me anorexic. Needles to say I was embarrassed! I felt like telling him what this cake and frosting is going to do to his body and how it will affect his mood/ sleep/ energy for the rest of the day and into the next day. Lame

Another person asked me what I was eating for bfast one day (eggs/ meat/ avo/ fruit) and when I told him about the Paleo he was like “oh wow, I need to be healthier.” And now every time I eat he asks what I made.

I see people eating toast w/ butter, kettlecorn, candy (all office snack stuff) all day long, and I just think to myself how grose it is that they aren’t eating anything they’ve actually cooked themselves, and they are just eating sooo often.

I sleep better than I have in a very long time, and I don’t move around at all, which Donnie is happy about : ) Usually I’m thrashing around like a mad woman. I’m also in a much better mood every single day, which is great!

Monster caffeine withdrawal headache last week, but took care of it with a few sips of espresso. No problems since then.

Been having outrageous chocolate cravings which I gave into and promptly had stomach pain for about 1/2 hour.

Been experiencing weird issues with my eyes going in and out of focus.

Felt “high” during the afternoons for the past couple of days, without the use of drugs.

Sleep has been o.k.

The food has been the best part, apart from the cravings. We managed to put together a 5 day menu with snacks and meals, and have spent time each night prepping for the next day. The only hassle is the smell of garlic and bacon/lamb/chicken which is constantly being grilled.

Going out of town for 3 1/2 days which should be the real challenge!

It is great to hear about both the good and the bad.
Migs, my eyes are still changing and I am about two months into it.
Kj, I have resorted to telling people to f*** off about questioning how I eat and just try it.
Su, I totally feel ya on everything. I am so sorry to hear about your back, but hang in there girl, you’ll get better. As far as the comfort food, try Lara bars (they are yummy and paleo (not the cashew or peanut butter ones though)…you can get them at tri-county produce on Milpas). Also, you can eat pure cacao. It is similar to chocolate but without added sugar and milk and all the other crap. You’d be surprised that pure cacao sort of tastes likes nuts. The brand name is NIBS and you can get them at Lazy Acres.
Keep it up Paleo friends!

I think its really important that everybody share whats going on. The support that we provide each other is crucial. Personally, I’m kind of digging it. The first 2 days were rough…cranky, tired, etc.
The last 4 days have been pretty good. I sleep really well and tend to have an elevated mood. I do have a cup of black coffee in the morning which helps quite a bit.
I admit having a beer and a tequila last night for my bday. I also admit that I slept like crap last night and feel tired and congested today b/c of it.
As of yesterday, I’m down to 172lbs which is 5lbs lighter than when we started. I did feel sluggish in yesterdays WOD, but I think we’re all still going through a period of adjustment.
Su- hopefully thats what you’re experiencing. I would definitely recommend getting some kind of light workout…a jog, yoga, tabata sets, etc. I started back in with a WOD that protected my back yesterday. If you want to do one with me today or tomorrow, just let me know.
KJ- your boss is only taking jabs b/c he’s jealous and knows he doesn’t have the will power to do what you’re doing
Larabars have saved my life…I eat roughly 5 per day. Salt free seasonings found at Ralph’s butcher counter have been outstanding as well. I’m also rekindling my love of steak.

Just wanted everyone to know that a Whole Foods market opened up yesterday. Should have some great food to try! Address is the 3700 block of State Street (where Circuit City used to be)

Oh Paleo.

What an awesome experience. The first couple days were weird. My appetite was low due to the fact that I didn’t know what to eat. Food became uninteresting, unappealing, not delicious. However, I stepped up my game and bought some fresh produce, LARABARS, fresh fish, chicken, LARABARS. With all of the fresh produce at hand, cooking has become enjoyable and experimental. I love to cook, but I love it even more now that I HAVE to be creative in the kitchen.

Besides the cooking part, my body is definitely responding to the change. The first thing I noticed was my vision – everything appeared brighter and clearer. Second was my weight: 5lbs in less than a week. Wasn’t necessary, but I have to say I feel good. Sleep is awesome and my energy level is up through the course of the day. I even believe I’m recovering quicker from WODs.

Today, however, has been different. My mood has severely changed… I’m feeling down and out and just not focused. Maybe I just need a hug or it really is due to the Paleo Diet.

KJ – your boss needs to go to sensitivity training.

So proud of everyone! This is definitely a lifestyle change, which is very very hard.

You are all awesome and all this dialogue is awesome! Anyway, here is my report:

The most salient feature of the past week has been how different I feel when I eat lean meat as opposed to when I eat a more fatty meat. Turkey breast, lean ground Turkey lean lamb, and steak make me feel great. Fatty lamb, ground beef, and fatty chicken make me feel pretty bad. I don’t think I would have discovered this without having to buy a ton of meat every night… speaking of which trader joes is making a fortune off of me. Anyway, it’s pretty hard to tell if this is because fatty meats throw me way out of the zone (as is zone diet) or if there is a more paleo-ish reason.

I haven’t been sleeping as much as I’d like too. This has everything to do with PhD and almost nothing to do with diet. However, I don’t feel as torn up by the sleep deprivation as I think I should so maybe that is the magic of paleo at work.

It’s hard to eat enough… and f-ing expensive. I need to get my crap together and hit up farmers markets.

There is also a Farmers Market on Coast Village Road on Friday mornings. I’m not sure of the exact times but am pretty sure it starts at 8:00am or so.

When is the last time you saw a cow drinking human breast milk? Or a person sucking on a cow utter? Cow’s milk is meant for calves, not people. The USDA has brainwashed us to think we need cow’s milk and this has resulted in a large percentage of the population being lactose intolerant (as they should). Thus, cutting out dairy from your diet is going to make your body feel weird, but good later.
Keep up the good work CPCers! I am proud of y’all

“Unless there actually is a game show hosted by and on the topic of monkeys.”

I think it’s on FOX News.

The Claw