We were just talking about bacon, weren't we?

I have, like many people, my own version of Paleo.  It includes oats, bacon (duh) and the occasional store-bought protein powder mixed with fruit and almond milk- none of which are traditional Paleo.  I also eat variety of meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, fruit and veggies without worrying too much about quantity. 

I figured, since I was eating relatively healthy, I’d let my body adjust, and my hunger signal would regulate itself. And, over the past approximately two years of increasingly Paleo living, it has. Since I cut sugar out of my diet six months ago, I have lost 21 pounds.  I lift weights. My weight is in the healthy range.  I thought I was doing pretty good.

Until I got my check-up results.  High cholesterol- the bad kind- LDL. I was in the orange range.  Solidly in the orange range. Every other test was good – in the green- so I’m not actually worried.  But still, the news is causing me to re-think my carnivore lifestyle. Could I have been all green if I had more balance (i.e., less red meat)?

But, before I say “Peace Out, Paleo,” I need to research the true link between cholesterol and meat.  I mean, it can’t be that bad if our ancestors did it, right?  The thing is, I’m not really convinced our ancestors did!  It’s likely they were more vegetarian than we think.  After all, their meat wasn’t purchased at the local grocery store. They had to hunt and butcher it themselves.  Grains, legumes, fruits and veggies were probably more readily available. And easier.  I've never hunted a wild buffalo with a bow and arrow or a large rock, but I imagine it's quite a task.

Anyway... on a happy note, I will be able to try some new recipes.  If you have any delicious ones, send them my way, please!

Happy living, friends.  Stay healthy in every way,

​Image credit: pixabay

Paleo, bacon, high cholesterol 
​#Paleo

I knew it was time.  I was stuck in several areas: fat loss, strength at the gym, low energy level, and a yuck mood.  I had already increased my water intake and picked up a daily vitamin taking habit.  I alternated cardio and weights and got enough sleep (most of the time).

There was nothing left to do but sugar detox.

Now, I loooooooooove chocolate.  I consider it an essential of life.  Like air.  As such, I’ve been a generous consumer of chocolate for a long while.  I knew this was gonna hurt.  I braced myself for painful writhing on the floor, crying, sweating, begging for mercy in a fetal position.  Even the thought was horrible.  I wouldn’t survive.

Then, I changed my mind:  I wasn’t going to tough it out.  I was going to use this as an opportunity for growth.   I would embrace my struggle. I would choose to make this a positive experience- painful withdrawal or otherwise.

The first two weeks were filled with mild headaches, irritable mood and cravings.  Did I mention this was right before that day when half of America hands out candy to little superheroes and princesses?  Did I mention we have a Costco membership?  Did I mention that we bought TWO GIANT BAGS OF CHOCOLATE there?

Lots of cravings.   

Nevertheless, I was able to make it through 21 days of sugar detox with those stupid jumbo variety packs of mini- M&Ms, Twix and Snickers staring me in the face.

I chose to use my replacement behavior ideology and do other things besides think about my cravings.  I prayed, blasted worship music, did deep breathing, worked on the Mermaid room and super-cheap bathroom makeover, swished with Listerine, and chewed sugar-free minty gum.

My efforts paid off: I felt great!  I had energy and the mental fog was gone.  I slept better. I even lost five pounds without putting in any other effort (no extra gym stuff or anything).  Five pounds in three weeks is actually pretty noticeable, by the way.  Wait.  How much was I eat … never mind.  That’s embarrassing.

Then our annual trip to Apple Hill happened.  A hot, fresh apple donut happened.  Half of a giant yummy, gooey apple fritter happened.  Amazing happiness happened.  Now I get why they call sugar a drug. 

Crap.  Did I just ruin all my work?

Annnnndddd… then……. the next morning.  What is this?! A hangover?  Headache; sluggish; heavy; overall feeling of …. ewwww.  

Lesson learned. Damn you, sugar!

Since then, I have been able to make brownies for a friend and NOT lick the bowl, pass by the birthday party cupcake tray, drive right by Krispy Kreme with no double takes, and stay away from my kid’s bag o’plenty October 31 candy.  (Detoxing that little one is to come, don’t you worry.)

My pick-me-up as of late has been carrots and hummus or grilled chicken.  26 days ago, that didn’t sound very appetizing.  Thankfully, our taste buds adapt, and our bodies respond well to proper treatment.
​
Are you up for the Sugar Detox Challenge? Just 21 days is all it takes to feel the difference.  Your body will thank you for it.

November 20, 2017 update- still no sugar and I've also reduced my bread intake down to about 25% of what it was.  I have lost two more pounds and still feel great!

May 18, 2018 update- (I promise I won't update forever.)  Still going strong! I lost a total of 22 pounds and have been able to increase my effort at the gym. It's not even an issue now.  Just a way of life. :) 

Happy and healthy living friends- M

Photo credit: pixabay.com
​
Sugar dextox, fitness
​#sugardetox