Going Paleo

It has been a month since I went on a Paleo Diet. I hate calling it a diet because it is now the way I eat. Meat (beef, chicken, fish, pork, and eggs) proteins, fruits and vegetables and healthy fats. I have given up all grains, legumes, most sugar, and dairy.

While it has been a stressful month (the stress was not from the change in diet), but from work and some family health issues, I have lost 1.25 inches around my bust, waist and hips, lost 8 pounds, and my chronic cough is almost completely gone. The amazing thing about the cough is that spring and pollen used to exacerbate the cough and even after working in the garden for several hours, I did not have a horrible reaction.

I expect that if I can get in some more exercise and get better sleep that I would see changes in my body even more quickly.

I discovered a great recipe for a Strawberry Pie that is easy tasty and healthy. Here is the link for the wonderful pie.

Made for Pi Day Pie Contest (won 3rd place)

I also started making a new recipe I call Rainbow Chicken Salad. Here is the recipe:
Cook a chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces. (I usually boil it in water, with seasonings). You could grill it first. Add to bowl.
Cut up carrots, cauliflower, grape tomatoes, chives and 1/2 of an Avocado, some dried or fresh blueberries, (orange, red, green, blueindigoviolet)
Add some pistachios, walnuts or pecans
Add some of your favorite herbs (I use an Italian mixture, some turmeric, and garlic powder), drizzle Walnut oil over the mixture, squeeze a 1/4 of a lemon (yellow), and gently mix together. Let sit in refrigerator of several hours before eating. Very tasty and filling. Great to take for lunch.

Rainbow Chicken Salad

I start my day with a Green Smoothie. Doesn't look very good, but it is healthy and I find it very tasty, filling, and creamy even thought there is no milk in it.
My Smoothie
In a really good blender:
Large handful of spinach
grape tomatoes, cauliflower, cucumber, cabbage, carrots (whatever I have on hand and am in the mood for)
1/4 tsp. turmeric and 1/4 tsp ginger
1-1/2 scoops of Egg White Protein Powder (I get plain unflavored powder at Fruitful Yield)
A few walnuts
About 1 cup total frozen raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries.
12 ounces of water
Blend until smooth. The add 1/2 avocado and blend again.

Makes two smoothies. One for today and one for tomorrow.

To go with my smoothie, I have either some turkey bacon or some turkey sausage. (Sometime I have real nitrate free bacon.)

Since I went strictly Paleo, John and I are eating more fish than ever before. Swordfish, Mahi Mahi, crab, all wild caught, you name it. We eat tons of fruits and vegetables and have some type of protein with every meal.

Each day, I have a choice of how I will eat for the day. I choose between wanting to feel good or not feel good. All I have to do to stick to this way of eating is remind myself about the chronic cough, the achy body and the extra pounds.

Day 23: Happiness is:

Spending time at WLBK 1360 with Terry Ryan and Scott Zak.

Terry Ryan at the Boards

The pay-off of a silly wager.

Several staff members from the DeKalb Public Library came over to Sycamore Public Library to grill us lunch after the DHS football team lost to SHS football in the local cross town classic. Patrick brought the grill and Dee brought the food. Veggie burgers, hamburgers, and hot dogs were grilled for everyone.

Edith and Darcy

Sitting down to lunch is a great way to get to know one another. It's an opportunity to talk and laugh. It has been suggested that we have a grill day at least once a year. I think that's a great idea. We don't even need to wager as far as I'm concerned.

Happiness is being social.

Day 19: Happiness is:

Having Patti show up in my office with a mum plant and a taffy apple from the Confectionery. Thank you. I didn't have to leave for lunch, just ate left over potato chips, a taffy apple and a piece of cheese. (Don't worry, I didn't take any pictures of my lunch.) I do have to say that one should not try to cut a taffy apple with a flexible plastic knife.

Happiness is after a tasty but somewhat lacking in substance lunch, the Molcahete, guacamole and a $1.99 Margarita from Los Rancheros with my husband.

When we walked in one of the waiters said hello and asked if we were there for the Molcahete. I guess we have it fairly often.

Happiness is being in good company and having friends who light up your day.

Day 10: Happiness is:

Sunshine!

It gives you fruits and vegetables in your garden.

A Happy dog.

  And Sunflowers.

Today was a wonderful day. A good meeting for local library board members about finance with a tasty breakfast from Hy-Vee. The afternoon was spent playing with the dogs, swimming in the pool, and eating a yummy Indian dinner.

If you are not into Indian food, this may not look so good, but, the Indian spices are so delicious it really is wonderful.

Happiness is having a nice day, enjoying the sun and appreciating the food that you eat.