My Paleo Lifestyle

Back to Paleo

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:23:00 -0800

Wow, it has been a very long time since I’ve written anything here. I think it’s about time I start doing some posts again. A lot has changed for me and a lot has changed in the Paleo/Primal realm. New books, new information, some changes, the Ancestral Health Symposium. So much to keep up with.

For myself, I quit my old job, had a 3 month hiatus, started a new job in a new field, got married, sold our house and moved to a new house in a new neighbourhood. Needless to say a lot of stress accompanied all those changes.

As 2011 progressed I got further away from my healthy Paleo eating habits and inched slowly closer to a SAD way of eating. Slowly junk food, fast food and eating out became far too common. After losing over 40lbs in late 2010 and reaching my lowest weight in over a decade, I slowly gained back over half of it. Every week went by and I kept saying to myself “next week we’ll start eating healthy again”, but an entire year went by and it didn’t change much.

2012 started out much the same, I’d gained back over half the weight I lost and sat just 20 lbs below my heaviest. Something had to be done. My wife and I commited to making the changes again, because it wasn’t just the weight. We felt tired and lethargic much of the time. We’d often come home from a day of work and just sit on the couch; too lazy to cook we’d just order in pizza.

As of February 13th I am now following Dr Jack Kruse’s Leptin Prescription, because I believe I have leptin issues. It’s not very far off the Paleo eating I was following before. The main difference is the composition of meals and timing. A large protein(50-70g)/fat based breakfast within 30 minutes of waking (usually more like 60 minutes for me), then a more typical paleo lunch and dinner with no snacking and 4-5 hours between meals. No eating within 3 hours of going to bed. I’m not eating dairy anymore (I dropped it in 2010 but started cheating with cheese) and I’m also removing nightshades from my diet. I’ve had autoimmune issues in the past and had my gallbladder removed, so I’m concerned that nightshades may also cause me issues. Those are tough to give up because I love peppers and adore hot sauces and salsa. I used to always smother my eggs in tabasco or hot sauce.

So these days my typical breakfast is a reasonable portion of meat (usually steak, beef pattie or bison pattie, or pork chop), a couple slices of breakfast meat (bacon or back bacon), 2-4 eggs (depending on the meat portion) and a cup of spinach and/or kale sauteed in coconut oil. Lunch consists of a large portion of raw leafy greens or cabbage slaw with half an avocado and a portion of meat or can of tuna. Dinner is usually meat with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or some other veggie, with half an avocado. We’re trying to get only grass-fed meats, but until we can place a good sized order with a local farm it’s hard to get all the time.

I have had a couple of slips, but once was from poor planning and the other was just my mind thinking I needed something that wasn’t on the plan. In the first week I dropped 6 lbs and 1” off my waist. I’m sleeping better and more soundly, waking more refreshed and having more consistent energy through out the day. My cravings for bad food are nearly gone, and getting less each day.

I’m very happy to finally get back into this healthy eating, and so appreciative of so many great people in the community that provid such valuable information. I’d like to mention the people who’s blogs and podcasts have helped me to find my way back to this healthy eating, in no particular order: Robb Wolf, Chris Kresser, Dr Jack Kruse, Mark Sisson, Dr Loren Cordain, and many others I can think of right now.

Carbs against Cardio: More Evidence that Refined Carbohydrates, not Fats, Threaten the Heart

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:22:02 -0700

Carbs against Cardio: More Evidence that Refined Carbohydrates, not Fats, Threaten the Heart

Happy new year (better late than never)

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:03:15 -0800

Well, I am back from my hiatus. Since I’ve been off work I’ve found that I’ve been adverse to spending much time at all in front of the computer, which I don’t think is a bad thing. I haven’t been as strict on my Paleo diet as I should be though. I didn’t gain any weight or inches, but haven’t lost any either. For the rest of the week I’m going to work myself back to strict Paleo, better sleep and some exercise.

And I’ll get back to updating more often.

A Merry Paleo Christmas

Sat, 25 Dec 2010 16:04:41 -0800

I’ve been super busy getting ready for the holidays, but now I finally have some time to relax. I’ve been a bit off on my diet the last couple weeks, as a result I’ve come down with a pretty nasty cold. I blame it on some drinking, a couple late nights and not eating strict paleo. Now that I’m officially on vacation I expect I’ll get better soon as I stick to my eating plan.

I got a new Kobo eReader for Christmas and my first purchase is The Paleo Diet Cookbook by Dr Loren Codain. It has a pile of paleo recipes that I’ll be diving into over the holidays and into the new year.

Tonight though is traditional turkey dinner, with sweet potatoes and steamed veggies for me on the side. My family already has a couple of vegetarians, so mine and Melissa’s caveman diet isn’t all that unordinary. It did require us to bring some of our own food to my parents and we’ll be doing some of our own cooking, but we’re getting used to that now.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays with their family and friends.

Tim Ferriss on The Paleo Solution podcast

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 11:47:16 -0800

Tim Ferriss on The Paleo Solution podcast:

It was through Tim’s blog that I discovered Robb Wolf’s The Paleo Solution book, site and podcast. I’ve been a fan of Tim’s since I discovered The 4-Hour Workweek at my local Indigo book store a year ago. I’ve been looking forward to Tim’s new book since he announced it many months ago on his blog. In the podcast he answers some questions, many from a paleo perspective, from Robb and Andy regarding the new book.

Dental health

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:53:58 -0800

So, it’s been close to two months now that I’ve been following the prescribed diet and supplement plan in Robb Wolf’s Paleo Solution. Since I made this change in my lifestyle I’ve lost 35 lbs and inches off every part of my body. I sleep better, I have more energy, I feel happier and I know I’m a lot healthier. Now I’ve noticed another benefit: dental health.

Today I was at the dentist for my first checkup and cleaning since switching. This is the first time in decades, possibly ever, that my dentist hasn’t scolded me for not flossing enough and taking care of my gums. Usually my gums are swollen, sensitive and tend to bleed a lot during the scaling. Not this time though. My gums are no longer inflamed and look a lot healthier.

I haven’t changed how I clean my teeth or anything since my last appointment, only my diet has changed. I’m sure cutting back to nearly zero sugar intake is a large part of it, but I also think it’s the removal of gluten. I’m no longer in a state of autoimmunity and because my gut is now healthier all the inflammation in my body has decreased, including my gums.

So if you have sensitive gums, are on your way toward gum disease and are overweight try switching to a paleo diet and see how that works our for you. I’m sure you’ll notice a huge difference just like I have.

To High Places by Narrow Roads: It's Not a Diet, It's a Lifestyle.

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:17:19 -0800

To High Places by Narrow Roads: It's Not a Diet, It's a Lifestyle.:

christinadoeslife:

Great article below:

“It’s Not A Diet, It’s A Lifestyle

Ever since committing to paleo nutrition 19+ months ago, I’ve been asked the same question at least 100 times:

Can you eat this?

Typically, this question is asked when dining out with friends and/or family. My response tends to be:

Cooking Caveman with Jeff Nimoy: Exit, Stage 2!

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 22:13:27 -0800

Cooking Caveman with Jeff Nimoy: Exit, Stage 2!:

I used to stress eat a lot. I still get the cravings and indulge now and them, but try my best not to these days.

cookingcaveman:

Stress is a born killer. It raises your blood pressure, tears your insides up, makes you lose sleep, among many other nasty things it does to your body. But for me, like for most of you, it makes me eat. Stress eating. I actually get jealous of people who say, “When I get stressed, I can’t…

Life of Stress

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:49:59 -0800

Well it’s been nearly 6 weeks I’ve been eating paleo, and this week has been a real challenge. Work has kicked into major overdrive and it’s been difficult to eat clean. I’ve been doing my best, but when I’m under the gun those carb cravings do come back. Fortunately Melissa has been around to take over my share of cooking and food prep, otherwise I’d be eating pure junk food (fast food).

Hopefully after tomorrow it’ll return to a more normal semblance of 9-10 hour days rather than 12-13.

My breakfast this morning. 3 egg omlette with garlic, oregano...

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 18:59:12 -0800

My breakfast this morning. 3 egg omlette with garlic, oregano and chipotle chili powder, spinach, tomato, red pepper and mushroom filling. 2 slices of real pork bacon (cooked the eggs in the bacon fat). Added a few dashes of habanero chili hot sauce from Mexico. Sooooo good.

Sleep

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 18:57:03 -0800

I’ve noticed that since I’ve switched to paleo eating I’m sleeping better. I get tired when I should be tired (around 9-10pm), I don’t have too much trouble falling asleep and I tend to wake up with the light in the morning.

I think there are several reasons for this:

installing blackout curtains to keep our room very dark
improved cortisol levels due to dietary changes
no sugar (including complex carbs) that push my insulin levels up
not feeling bloated from big carb meals in the evening

I think the blackout curtains are the most important. I installed those just a week ago and I find my sleep quality is way higher. The diet changes have helped me feel like going to bed when I should be going to bed. I’m trying to consistently get my sleep up to 8.5-9 hours per night, but during the week that can be challenging. Especially when work is very busy as it is now.

I’ve been reading the book Lights Out by TS Wiley. It’s a very interesting read.

Day 31 and onward

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:56:44 -0800

I’ve decided not to post my daily food long going forward. I’m still tracking it because I think that’s important, but keeping it private. I’ll continue to update on here when I hit milestones, when I read or experience something interesting, or when I have some good recipes to share.

I hope others find the info I’ve shared useful. There is a tonne of good information on healthy eating, but even more bad information. I’m a strong believer now in the paleo approach, particularly as laid out by Robb Wolf. Robb’s suggestion to try it and see how you feel is a good one. I feel better than I have in years and I’m at the lightest weight I’ve been in at least 3-4 years. I’m looking forward to the snowboarding season and I’ll be slowly working up my exercise and activity levels to prepare for my first snowboarding trip over the Christmas holidays.

Day 30 Paleo

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:43:55 -0800

Oops, forgot to post this yesterday.

545: wake up, 7.5 hours of sleep
630-1000: 3 cups black coffee
745: 3 eggs over hard, bison sausage and a banana. 5 super enzymes, 2000 IU Vit D, 4+2 fish oil pills (3.7g)
1215: shrimp salad (spinach, mixed greens, mushroom, red pepper, cucumber, jalapenos) with balsamic, olive oil, garlic dressing and 1/2 an avocado. 5 super enzymes, 1000 IU Vit D, 100mg CoQ10, 4+2 fish oil pills (3.7g).
1330: post lunch green tea
1500: handful of pecans

One month of paleo eating

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 23:11:14 -0800

Today was day 30 of my “Paleo Experiment” and I can say that I am convinced. This is going to be a permanent lifestyle change for me. I feel healthier, friends and family notice that I’ve lost weight and I’ve even been told I look younger. That is a lot of change in just one month. I’ve been following the guidelines from The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf and I have to thank him for writing the book. Also I have to thank Tim Ferriss for having Robb on as a guest blogger on his fantastic site, without that blog I may never have found Robb’s book.

For the past month I have completely removed gluten, all grains (except for a bit of rice with sushi a couple times), all dairy, all legumes, all added sugar, all processed foods, all alcohol (except for a shot of tequila on my birthday) and most fruit. I have been eating beef, pork, chicken, bison, salmon, tuna, prawns, eggs, spinach, leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, tomatos, mushrooms, zuccini, cucumber, peppers, yams, squash, avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, coconut milk, nuts, balsamic vinegar and various herbs and spices. I’ve been cooking most of the breakfasts and lunches and Melissa makes the dinners when she gets home. We do a lot of leftovers too. All I’ve had to drink is water, black coffee and tea.

So, besides feeling better than I have in years I have some very important numbers. 2, 3 and 30. In the last 30 days I have lost 2” off my hips, 3” off my waist and 30lbs of body weight. Just from changing my diet, taking some supplements, getting good regular sleep and without changing my exercise habits.

I know that I need to increase my exercise, both to continue improving my body composition and for my health. That is what the focus of the next 30 days will be. This is no longer an experiment, it is my way of life.

The Conscientious Omnivore: Eggs

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:14:48 -0800

The Conscientious Omnivore: Eggs:

Now that I’m eating a lot more eggs on my Paleo diet, this is something that concerns me greatly. Last Spring we were getting farm raised eggs from my fiance’s brother and his fiance. They lived on a farm and raised their own chickens. The eggs were fantastic.

Day 29 Paleo

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:40:49 -0800

I just noticed this morning that my belt isn’t doing a very good job of holding my pants up (again). So I tried going another notch tighter. It’s a bit too snug for now, but it looks like I will soon be “tightening the belt” once again.

615: wake up (only 7 hours of sleep, not enough)
645: probiotic, NAC, ALA
730-1030: 3 cups black coffee, added a dash (maybe 1/2 a teaspoon) of cinnamon and a splash of pure vanilla to my coffee grounds before brewing this morning. Pretty tasty.
815: 3 hard boiled eggs, 3 strips pork bacon. 5 super enzymes, 2000 IU Vit D, 5 fish oil pills (4.5g)
1400: salad (mixed greens, spinach, tomato, red pepper, mushroom & cucumber) with meat (left over ham steak, pork loin and bison roast), no dressing. 5 super enzymes, 1000 IU Vit D, 100mg CoQ10, 5 fish oil pills (4.5g)
1500: tea
1600: handful of cashews and pecans
1900: turkey and spinach currey. 2 left over paleo pancakes (egg, applesauce, almond butter). 5 super enzymes, 2000 IU Vit D, 4 tsp fish oil (5.2g)
2200: magnesium and bed

Day 28 Paleo (4 weeks, woohoo!)

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 22:37:34 -0800

Decided to do a full 30 days before a weigh and measure.

815: wake up after a nice 9+ hour sleep
830: probiotic, NAC, ALA
900-1100: 3 cups black coffee
900: 2 eggs over medium, 2 slices of back bacon, handful of pecans. 2000 IU Vit D, 5 tsp fish oil (6.5g).
1430: ham steak, spinach and broccoli slaw salad with jalepenos, olive oil and balsamic. 1000 IU Vit D, 100mg CoQ10, 5 tsp fish oil (6.5g).
1630: 2 cups green tea
2000: leftover bison and pork loin, spinach and broccoli slaw salad with jalepenos, olive oil and balsamic. 5 super enzymes, 2000 IU Vit D, 4 tsp fish oil (5.2g).
2230: magnesium, bed

Day 27 Paleo

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 22:27:19 -0800

Nearly done the month, I feel so much better than I did a month ago. There is no way I will go back to eating the way I used to. I’ve always heard things like “you are what you eat” and “food is the fuel for your body” but never realy bought into it that strongly. Obviously eating junk food is not optimal. But now I whole heartedly agree with those sentiments. The problem is that we are fed so much propaganda and poor information about what really is a good diet. People hear news bites and regurgitate them like it’s the gosphel. Well I believe in Robb’s suggested (as paraphased by Nike), Just Do It! Try different eating plans. Eliminate the crap and potential irritants. Get healthy and then try to ease in some of the things you eliminated and see how you feel. I guarantee you won’t like how most of them make you feel once you’ve gone “paleo”.

815: a good nights sleep, got a solid 8 hours in when I woke at 700, but decided to snooze a little longer.
900: probiotic, NAC, ALA
900-1100: 3 cups black coffee
1000: paleo pancakes and 2 slices of back bacon. 5 super enzymes, 2000 IU Vit D, 5 tsp fish oil (6.5g)
1700: stir fried veggies with prawns (mushrooms, red peppers, broccoli, olives, bok choi, etc from U-Grill at the mall).
1930: had some popcorn and nibs at the movie (yuck, made me feel gross and bloated afterward, won’t do that again).
2300: magnesium, bed.

Day 26 Paleo

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:01:25 -0800

710: up and out of bed
730: probiotic, NAC, ALA
900: 2 eggs over hard (fried in coconut oil), left over ham steak. 5 super enzymes, 2000 IU Vit D, 5 fish oil pills (4.5g)
1315: bison roast, spinach, broccoli slaw and tomato salad, 1/2 an avocado, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 5 super enzymes, 2000 IU Vit D, 100mg CoQ10, 5 fish oil pills (4.5g).
1930: slice of bison roast, leftover pork loin, pan fried zucchini and mashed yams. 5 super enzymes, 2000 IU Vit D, 5 tsp fish oil (6.5g)
2100: 2 squares 85% dark chocolate
2230: bed time and magnesium

Day 25 Paleo

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:54:00 -0800

Challenging day today since we were out all day long and couldn’t make any home made meals. Also because of long border wait couldn’t get any breakfast.

615: awake, didn’t sleep as well after cheat meal last night, won’t be trying that again.
700: probiotic, NAC, ALA
730-900: 2 cups black coffee
1200: large salad with chicken breast and tomato soup. 5 super enzymes, 2000 IU Vit D, 5 fish oil pills.
1300: 20oz americano black
1900: turkey breast, grilled peppers & squash, 1/2 an avocado. 5 super enzymes, 1000 IU Vit D, 5 fish oil pills.
0030: got home after midnight and quickly got into bed after taking magnesium.