Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Ten Important Things I've Learned By Going Paleo





1.       My energy levels are ri-donk-u-lous

Yes, that’s right. And I don’t need my “required” morning coffee anymore. I can’t even believe I’m writing those words, considering there was a time I really didn’t think I could live without it. And while I do indulge in the occasional cup of coffee (usually on Sundays) since I enjoy the taste, these days, I’m drinking tea with lemon, if I’m not drinking water. I run around each day like I could run a marathon. And you know what? I just might this year!


2.       Labels, labels, labels

It’s quite scary how much garbage - AKA, carcinogens - are lurking in just about every type of food these days. You MUST read the labels in order to avoid added sugar, preservatives, and chemicals. This is NOT an option - especially, since the FDA is, quite frankly, a joke.


3.       It’s really not as hard as you might think

It really isn’t. The hardest part is listening to other people try talk you OUT of a lifestyle that you KNOW is good for you. The alcohol part has been a challenge because I have always loved my Blue Moon. But when the urge strikes, I grab a glass of red vino instead.


4.       Sugar and processed foods really are the enemy

I never realized how bad all of the sugars were making me feel, until I stopped eating them completely (sugar, grains, dairy, etc.). Now, I can get up and go, without feeling sluggish, sore, pissed-off, or lazy. I have read quite a bit of literature that states that sugar is just as harmful for you as shooting up Heroin or snorting Cocaine. And I totally believe it.


5.       I’m not moody. At all.

I am not kidding here. I cut out the garbage, and these days, I feel HAPPY. Stressful situations aren’t so stressful anymore, and it’s the first time in ages that certain people don’t send my blood-pressure through the roof! I sing in the car on my way to work, I don’t have intense road rage like I used to, and I’m not irritable. This in itself is a great motivator! There are also some pretty interesting articles out there regarding the link to anxiety and depression to one’s diet. Here is one of the hundreds that I have found online: http://robbwolf.com/2011/06/27/paleo-conquers-depression

 
6.       You don’t need dairy to get your daily calcium

That’s what the leafy greens, like spinach are for! You would be surprised how many vitamins and minerals are in clean food. That’s the best part about this lifestyle, it involves good clean, healthy, vitamin-rich eating.


7.       Working out is fun

This goes back to my energy levels – working out is no longer a chore. It’s something I actually look forward to, and I can actually feel myself getting stronger. And It’s a great feeling.


8.       I felt like ASS while my body was detoxing

If you can get past the first week, you are golden, and you can pretty much do anything after that first “hell” week. Once you get past the detox phase, you’ll want to keep going anyway. This icludes butis not limitd to: headaches, sore muscles, irritability, and som pretty crazy mood-swings.

 
9.       Not all fats are bad for you

Avocados, eggs, coconut oil, olive oil…these are GOOD for you fats - NOT bad. These fats are essential for proper brain function, and Lord only knows I need all of the help I can get in that department.


10.   Dairy, wheat, grains, sugar, legumes, soy, corn, and starchy vegetables are to be avoided

And to think that I under the assumption that things like granola and edamame were good for me. WRONG. There is a reason that I feel like shit every time I eat these items. They’re not.