paleolithic lifestyle...

on may 6th, sara and i decided to do a 30 day challenge -  "clean eating, no cheating". 

now, i don't typically eat poorly at all...however, i do love my cheating, fleeting moments when i can indulge in something ooey-gooey, salty, crunchy, bready, and delicious.  

after having somewhat of a breakdown, i realized the paleo diet is not all that bad.  you see - i can still have things i love like feta cheese and BACON!  just not other things i love like pizza...  i certainly can live without pizza though.  

an interesting thought.  for 1.) i have dropped about 5 lbs and i'm still eating a LOT of food...  2.) my body feels devoid of toxins and bloat.  i have more energy (exercise helps!) and don't feel as lethargic throughout the day.  it's also mentally satisfying to know i can resist dibella's subs when they're brought into work - at no cost to me...  but it was good to know i didn't need to have one.  when my dad first started this diet/lifestyle, i was certainly skeptical.  as i'm sure you all are reading this.  i though, you need whole grains in your diet, they're good for you.  but after eliminating them and feeling how good i feel... i'm convinced that they're simply an extra.   i was thinking that i would go back to allowing myself 1 full "cheat" day on june 5th when the 30 days is up - however, now i'm thinking i don't want to damage the good i've done mentally and physically.   they really do make it fairly easy to find and make things that you need with almond flour or just plain ground up nuts instead of using grains...  yum! 

last night i made cabbage rolls and a tossed salad - 

cabbage rolls:

peal cabbage leaves from head and try to keep them as intact as possible, then blanch the cabbage leaves

while you're leaves are cooling prepare your stuffing; i used canned crushed tomatoes seasoned with basil, ground turkey, red and green bell pepper, white onion and garlic sauteed. 

my tossed salad included: baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, broccoli, cucumbers and white balsamic vinaigrette. 

if you're willing to give up gluten and dairy (if an allergen hasn't forced it on you already), here are some simple guidelines to follow for a paleo lifestyle.