Today was a full fledged Paleo Day. There were not any open meals or excuses, it was straight Paleo all the way.

Let’s get right into the meals, shall we? Then, we’ll talk about some thoughts and feelings about today’s Paleo meals.

Today’s Meals

Breakfast:

• 100 grams(g) of turkey breast (white and dark meat)
• 2 whole eggs scrambled
• 2 TBS of olive oil
• 168g of banana
• 10oz of coffee

Ahhhh…one of my favorite breakfasts to start the day: eggs and my choice of meat. I’ve found this high protein breakfast to keep me filled with no problem for at least six hours. However, I wouldn’t push the eggs too much. They are high in cholesterol and fat, so eat in moderation. I would budget about 6-9 eggs per week.

Lunch:

• 6oz of turkey breast with paprika sprinkled on it
• 198g of carrots
• 150g of grapes
• 8oz of orange juice

Snack (mid-afternoon):

• 2 bananas
• 1 orange
• 1 red apple

Snack (evening):

• 1/4c of cashews and almonds

Dinner:

• 677g of Paleo chili
• 177g of coleslaw without the dressing or vinegar
• 8oz of red wine

Paleo chili is traditional chili, but without the legumes (beans). Legumes are not allowed on the Paleo Diet for studies have shown that legumes are a main contributor to vitamin deficiencies and high acid content. Even worse, legumes contain anti-nutrients that actually prevent your body from absorbing the proper minerals and nutrients, which can lead to gastrointestinal and immune system damage.

Everything else in the chili included: fresh onion, garlic, cage free ground turkey, chili powder, basil, red wine, and crushed tomatoes from a can. Make sure when you buy canned products that they do not contain salt as a preservative. Added sodium is also a major "no-no" on the Paleo Diet and this is something we will discuss in a later blog post.

If the canned product contains salt, make sure you wash the salt off. In this case, you cannot wash the salt off of crushed tomatoes. I have found only one brand that offers crushed tomatoes without the salt: Cento, which is located at Hanaford and Shaws. Muir Glen is also a good brand to buy and they have very little salt content in their canned products. If salt free is not an option for you, don’t sweat it. Pick the least amount of sodium that you can (no pun intended).

I also like to have chopped up cabbage or coleslaw, but without the dressing or vinegar, as a base to the chili. There’s something about a "crunch" that ties the savory hot chili together with the coleslaw. Try it out and see for yourself!

Detox has begun

I was hit heavy today with the expected detox from the Paleo Diet. I predict that the detox will last about two weeks until my body adjusts; so expect that to happen to you. Nothing major is going to happen to you during the detoxification period. At worst, you’ll experience flu like symptoms as I did when I tried the Paleo lifestyle some years ago.

Today, I had a mild headache all day long. I also felt hungry no matter how much I ate. Again, if you experience this, it is normal. Keep pushing forward.

For the first two weeks, your body is going to go through hell. Trust me when I say this, "Stick With It!" After the two week period your body will adjust and you’ll begin living the benefits of the Paleo Diet: high energy, clarity, peace, and a fit body.

Find your "food staple"

It’s too easy in the western culture to "grab and go" with your food. You don’t even have to drive a mile or two before chocolate bars, french fries, sodas, and bagels are within your reach. That’s one of the main challenges you’ll face on the Paleo Diet because it requires you to prepare before you eat.

What I have found helpful in avoiding the quick snack of bagels, cookies, pretzels, etc., is to find a wholesome staple that fills you up and is convenient. The best foods I have found are bananas, mangoes, and almonds.

All three of these foods are dense, high in calories, and/or have plenty of fat for your body to burn. You can get about 130 to 150 in calories for a single banana and mango. And, a handful of almonds will give you 16 grams of fat and protein.

Learn to love bananas and mangoes, they will save you frustration and hunger if you are a fast-pace, on the go type of person.

Day two out of thirty completed. Success so far!

Peace and Love,
Big Heart