PALEO 101

I'm not an expert, by no means, and I don't have any formal education around nutrition, nor do I have a rock solid body which would be evidence that I have a solid understanding of, and ability to stay on track with, a good nutrition program.  What I do have is experience with trying different ways of eating and over a year of researching and learning about the paleo diet, which has left me with a lot of resources.

When I first went Paleo almost everyone around me made comments such as: wow, good job but there is no way I could give up bread.  So, what can you actually eat?  If you don't eat grains how do you get carbs?  I felt mostly alone in my adventure as no one around me seemed to care about this new, crazy way of eating.  That was before Crossfit.  Now, many member of my crossfit family are starting to learn more about the Paleo diet and are starting to make significant diet changes, YAY!  So to help everyone making the transition, here are some thoughts as well as helpful links with TONS of great information!

Tips

1. Ease in to it.  If you're anything like me, you're an all or nothing kind of person.  If you slip once then you'll slip again because like I said, all or nothing.  The key to switching from the traditional/conventional way of eating/living is to take it easy.  Try switching out one meal for a few days.  For me dinner is the easiest, and most important meal, to make paleo since I work out in the evening and eat dinner afterwards.  Once you've adjusted to thinking about dinner differently, switch out breakfast.  Then lunch.  I recommend lunch last as it takes the most planning (for most of us) because we're not at home. 
2. Allow yourself a few cheats.  Trying to be perfect all of the time is VERY tiring.  I wouldn't know, because I'm perfect, but that's what I hear :)  I talked a lot about this idea of striving for perfect in my blog last year.  I think a healthy target to aim for, and something I am borrowing from Mark's Daily Apple, is the 80:20 rule.  In short, aim to eat and live the paleo lifestyle 100% of the time, knowing that 80% is okay and life isn't predictable so 80% is great.  Allow yourself a few cheats, it makes sticking to your chosen lifestyle a little easier and more enjoyable.  My cheats when I'm fully paleo?  Dark Chocolate (over 70%), red wine, coconut milk ice cream!
3. Plan Ahead!  I can't say how important planning is when eating paleo.  Since the goal is to not eat processed foods, you would have to assume that a lot of what you're going to eat will need preparation, so plan ahead.  Cook extra servings whenever you do cook.  Cut up all your veggies when you get home so you can easily make meals when you get home.  I used to go shopping every Sunday and then spend the evening cutting up all my veggies, cooking meat and generally getting things ready so that I could put together a quick salad for lunch every day.  It makes ALL the difference regarding sticking to this lifestyle.
4. Crock pot - if you don't have one, get one.  There are tons of recipes where you can just throw meat and veggies in a crockpot and leave for work.  Its a big lifesaver and it tied to number 3, planning ahead and making extra whenever you cook!
5. Have fun!  The point is to try something new and feel good!  Don't beat yourself up when you slip, eat things you like to eat (just no grains!) and allow yourself flexibility and slips, its okay.

Here are a few of my favorite links with TONS of good information:

Mark's Daily Apple
The Foodee Blog
Primal Kitchen Chaos
Health-Bent
Crossfit Journal ($25 subscription, tons of good info although not all diet based!)

Also some things to think about:  it's not a one size fits all approach.  Mark's Daily Apple/Primal Blueprint suggests you shouldn't eat dairy, but there are people who eat paleo + dairy, nothing wrong with that.  In fact I'll likely include cheese and cottage cheese in my diet as I slowly make the transition back.  Additionally, The Primal Blueprint suggests you shouldn't do a lot of cardio and shouldn't need to work out all the time.  Crossfit is a good way of being more primal with your workouts, but if you enjoy doing something, I mean really enjoy it, then by all means figure out a way to make it fit.  There are so many resources out there on how to eat primal/paleo while continuing the lifestyle you enjoy.

At the end of the day it's all about being healthy and happy.  Happiness is part of being healthy, so think about what makes you happy, what you enjoy and figure out ways to add those things in to your life!

I hope this was helpful for those starting to switch over.  I'm not an expert and am always looking for new recipes, blogs and information, so please share, ask questions and let me know how it's going!

Have a healthy and happy Tuesday!