My Paleo journey has been absolutely remarkable. To be honest, it has been a lot easier than I ever imagined. I think this is mainly because I am always 100% satisfied. I am rarely hungry, I almost never have cravings, and my body is completely happy.
When I initially read Robb Wolf's book called "The Paleo Solution", I was immediately hooked. The concepts seemed easy to follow and it made sense. But I can imagine this may not be the case for many people.
So...I have created an easy 10-Step Guide to Paleo!
Whether you're already well into your Paleo journey, or someone who is starting out, or someone who is just a bit curious. Take a look at these steps and use your imagination to see the cool, fun, creative meals you can make. It's so fun!
10-Step Paleo Guide
Commit 100%.
-If you're going to do Paleo, then really do Paleo. You might as well give your body a chance to try something totally different. You owe it to yourself. Do it right.
Eat only animals, vegetables, nuts, and minimal fruit.
-I find it easier to think of what I can eat, versus what I cannot eat. For example, if I’m at a pub I will order a burger with bacon, onion, mushroom, and instead of a bun, use tomato slices.
-Some food items that are tricky...you cannot eat: soy products (soy milk, soy beans, tofu), legumes (lentils, beans, peanuts), dairy (yogurt, ice cream, cheese, butter), grains (bread, oatmeal, quinoa, rice), sugar (candy, juice, pop), and the list goes on.
Use spices.
-This is where you can get really creative. My favorite spices are cinnamon, cayenne, and ginger. For example, make a quick Thai Curry with coconut milk, white fish, spinach, mushrooms, garlic powder, curry powder, and cayenne powder.
-Cinnamon and cayenne are really great for increasing your metabolic rate, so if you want to lose more weight then go nuts with these.
Love fats.
-My perception of fats was completely wrong. I always wanted to eat low-fat, fat-free. Now I embrace fat with an open mouth!
-Foods like avocado, coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut meat, animal fat, almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews. These are all great sources of good fats.
Accept criticism.
-In my first 6 months of Paleo I was very loud and proud of my new lifestyle. If any of my friends questioned the way I ate, I went on a huge lecture about the benefits of Paleo. This usually resulted in a heated debate, and I would just get fed up and exhausted.
-The reality is that this type of eating is against what we have been accustomed to eating. So just learn to deal with others, and continue your own journey.
Eat until you’re full.
-You will be surprised at how much your portion size will increase. I can pretty much out-eat any man. But I continue to lose weight.
Buy organic, grass-fed meats.
-I understand that for some people this is not easily available, and very expensive. So do your best.
Look at ingredients.
-You really have to be cautious of ingredients. For example, soy is a very common ingredient in many things. Also in restaurants, always ask if there is any dairy in sauces. This can get you, and if you’re lactose intolerant, it will hurt.
Prepare large meals.
-Whenever you make a meal, make a huge meal. Freeze leftovers or pack them up for your lunch.
Give yourself a break.
-Try your best, but don’t stress out if you break the “rules”.
