Hello Ladies --
It came to my attention this week that Paleo is immensely difficult to stick to when you are PMSing. Now every woman is different with their PMS cravings. Mine is none other than the tried and true chocolate craving. As we all know, chocolate isn't paleo-friendly.
So today I turn to you: What do you turn to when you can't have your PMS-craved comfort food when doing Paleo?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Paleo... in Utah?
Paleo is tough. Paleo is even tougher when you are traveling and have less control over what goes into your food. There are, however, some destinations that make Paleo a little easier and those that make Paleo a lot tougher.
Places that make Paleo easier:
--Coastal California
--New York
--Large, metropolitan cities
Places that make Paleo harder:
--Everywhere else
This past week, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Sundance Film Festival 2012 in Park City, Utah. However, maintaining a Paleo lifestyle proved to be immensely difficult. Granted, it could have been done a lot easier. Contributing factors? Eating a places that I've missed since moving back to California, Vacation Budgets, Availability.
Here's an example of what I did eat versus what I could have had instead:
Cafe Rio Steak Burrito with everything vs. Cafe Rio Steak Salad with only the meat and guacamole
SmashBurger Spicy Baja Burger vs. any SmashBurger salad
Einstein's Cinnamon Sugar with Honey Almond Schmear vs. not going to Einstein's
Joy Luck Chinese vs. not going to Joy Luck
The Red Door's Lust Martini vs. glass of wine or dirty Hendrick's martini (if you must have alcohol)
Lumpy's Beer with Seasoned Fries and Nachos vs. not going to Lumpy's
Main Street Pizza and Noodles 10" Pepperoni pizza vs. MSPN eggs and bacon
So while Sundance was rough just on diet alone (not to mention the snow storm), it could have been handled better. However, upon returning home I quickly retreated to the Paleo diet with some Olive, Caper, and Walnut-stuffed Pesto Chicken and Garden Salad with olive oil and vinegar.
Hope everyone is doing well with Paleo!
Places that make Paleo easier:
--Coastal California
--New York
--Large, metropolitan cities
Places that make Paleo harder:
--Everywhere else
This past week, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Sundance Film Festival 2012 in Park City, Utah. However, maintaining a Paleo lifestyle proved to be immensely difficult. Granted, it could have been done a lot easier. Contributing factors? Eating a places that I've missed since moving back to California, Vacation Budgets, Availability.
Here's an example of what I did eat versus what I could have had instead:
Cafe Rio Steak Burrito with everything vs. Cafe Rio Steak Salad with only the meat and guacamole
SmashBurger Spicy Baja Burger vs. any SmashBurger salad
Einstein's Cinnamon Sugar with Honey Almond Schmear vs. not going to Einstein's
Joy Luck Chinese vs. not going to Joy Luck
The Red Door's Lust Martini vs. glass of wine or dirty Hendrick's martini (if you must have alcohol)
Lumpy's Beer with Seasoned Fries and Nachos vs. not going to Lumpy's
Main Street Pizza and Noodles 10" Pepperoni pizza vs. MSPN eggs and bacon
So while Sundance was rough just on diet alone (not to mention the snow storm), it could have been handled better. However, upon returning home I quickly retreated to the Paleo diet with some Olive, Caper, and Walnut-stuffed Pesto Chicken and Garden Salad with olive oil and vinegar.
Hope everyone is doing well with Paleo!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
It's Your Turn!
So now that the Paleo Challenge is on the horizon, it's time to start accumulating recipes. So now I'm asking you to help.
In addition to adding my variety of Paleo recipes, I'd like to hear about some of your favorite non-Paleo foods and I'll try and tweak them for you so that you can enjoy some of your favorites in Paleo style!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Temptation. Coming Soon to Everywhere Near You!
One Week!
This is the week to begin preparing. Time to ditch the holiday goody remnants. Time to hide the alcohol. Time to learn to make better choices. And time to learn some self control.
Self control is hard. And just when you think you've got it all under control, a curve ball will come your way and put a giant Godiva promotional display right in front of your primary work station/desk/office. So lets talk about avoiding temptation during Paleo.
Trips to the Market:
--Never go to the market hungry
--Keep a notepad on the fridge and note what you are out of as time goes by and take that list with you when you go to the market.
--Stick to the list.
--Don't even go near the aisles that have your weaknesses.
--Don't go to the market when feeling emotional (this mainly applies to women)
At work:
--Have mixed nuts, lara bars, and other Paleo approved snacks accessible at all times
--Bring your own lunch to work
At Restaurants:
--Stick to meat based dishes and salads that do not have any non-Paleo components
--Order a water (mineral, sparkling or flat)
--Get dressings on the side or ask for Olive Oil and Vinegar
At home:
--Dispose of any non-Paleo food (or you could hide them if you choose to do so for those special items)
--Give non-Paleo foods to others that aren't doing Paleo
--Have Paleo approve snacks accessible at all times
At a bar/lounge/nightclub:
--Stick with a quantity of one
--Stick with something straight (wine, champagne, tequila)
At a friendly gathering/party:
--Eat something beforehand
--Bring a Paleo-friendly snack if you are asked to bring something
Have any other recommendations? Add them in the comments.
--Ari
This is the week to begin preparing. Time to ditch the holiday goody remnants. Time to hide the alcohol. Time to learn to make better choices. And time to learn some self control.
Self control is hard. And just when you think you've got it all under control, a curve ball will come your way and put a giant Godiva promotional display right in front of your primary work station/desk/office. So lets talk about avoiding temptation during Paleo.
Trips to the Market:
--Never go to the market hungry
--Keep a notepad on the fridge and note what you are out of as time goes by and take that list with you when you go to the market.
--Stick to the list.
--Don't even go near the aisles that have your weaknesses.
--Don't go to the market when feeling emotional (this mainly applies to women)
At work:
--Have mixed nuts, lara bars, and other Paleo approved snacks accessible at all times
--Bring your own lunch to work
At Restaurants:
--Stick to meat based dishes and salads that do not have any non-Paleo components
--Order a water (mineral, sparkling or flat)
--Get dressings on the side or ask for Olive Oil and Vinegar
At home:
--Dispose of any non-Paleo food (or you could hide them if you choose to do so for those special items)
--Give non-Paleo foods to others that aren't doing Paleo
--Have Paleo approve snacks accessible at all times
At a bar/lounge/nightclub:
--Stick with a quantity of one
--Stick with something straight (wine, champagne, tequila)
At a friendly gathering/party:
--Eat something beforehand
--Bring a Paleo-friendly snack if you are asked to bring something
Have any other recommendations? Add them in the comments.
--Ari
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Hello, Paleo!
If your New Year's Resolution is to lose weight or eat better, then look no further! As of January 14th, I, along with some very dear friends, will be embarking on what Crossfit Pacific Coast (see January 2nd's Blogpost) calls the Paleo Challenge.
What is a Paleo Challenge?
-- Crossfit Pacific Coast and it's members embark upon a Paleo Challenge twice a year, one in January and another in June, and lasts a month.
What is Paleo?
-- The Paleo Diet is essentially a diet composed of foods that were found and available for consumption during the time of our ancestors, the cavemen.
What does the Paleo Diet allow and prohibit for consumption?
-- This answer varies depending on who you talk to and how strict you decide to take it. Sam Hoxie has an extensive list of the strictest way to take the diet while Robb Wolf gives us some insight on some spices and herbs that will liven any Paleo dish.
What is the best way to approach a Paleo diet?
-- According to Jeff Baker, a coach for Crossfit Pacific Coast, an 80/20 approach is the best for an extended period of time where 80% of the foods consumed follow the paleo guidelines and 20% are paleo modified.
What are some of the examples of an 80/20 Paleo Approach?
-- Not making the 20% of foods consumed all fast food, chocolate, ice cream, deep fried twinkies, and chili cheese fries.
-- Allowing certain foods that are still healthy: cashews, honey, freshly squeezed fruit juices, goat cheeses, soy milk, and greek yogurt.
-- Allowing occasional allowances as need be: balsamics and other vinegars, coffee, alcohol.
-- Allowing a cheat day or two per week.
Should you decide to allow some of the healthy food options and occasional allowances as part of your 20%, keep in mind they should all be in moderation.
-- I specifically mention goat cheeses and soy milks (or other alternative milk choices) for those who are lactose intolerant and still like some "dairy." Goat (and Sheep) Cheeses are great because they do not contain lactose but they are still in the dairy category. Tri County Produce has some wonderful goat cheese selections, including a goat cheese cheddar while Metropulos has an extensive selection of goat and sheep cheeses.
-- Soy milk and other alternative milks are great to incorporate as needed from time to time are great if you still have milk cravings.
-- Greek yogurt (and Russian yogurt) is a great addition to breakfast because it contains pro-biotics which help your digestive tract.
-- Balsamics and other vinegars can be added to olive oil for a salad dressing or to taste to give your food a little bite.
-- Coffee should be consumed black: no sugars/syrups and no cream (i.e. no more Grande Caramel Macchiatos and Venti Raspberry Mocha Frappuccinos.) But if you can't do straight, black coffee, try to add a little soy (or alternative) milk and honey. Avoid adding the sugar if you can, and if you choose to go to the dark side, USE SPARINGLY!
-- Alcohol is something that should really be avoided. Like coffee, alcohol as the ability to go from Bushmill's 12-yr Irish Whisky neat to a Celtic Smash (look for a future post on the Celtic Smash and the venue where it can be found later this month) with Benedictine, mint, lemon juice, honey syrup and orange slices. However, occasions call for celebrations and an OCCASIONAL cocktail for said occasions is fine, try to stick to something straight and simple, like a glass of wine with a nice dinner.
What can a person expect while following the Paleo Diet?
-- Hunger more frequently in the beginning as your body adjusts to the change.
-- Irritability during the first couple of weeks from the increase in hunger and feelings of being deprived foods you once enjoyed without guilt until you fully adjust.
-- Increase in energy and body functions as you adjust.
-- Increase in money spent on Paleo approved foods.
-- Difficulty eating out.
-- Temptation to cheat.
Note: When starting a Paleo Diet, you should get rid of any non-Paleo approved foods to avoid temptation, stock up on the approved foods, have paleo approved snacks accessible (i.e. mixed nuts, fruit, lara bars, etc), and do your research on recipes (soon to follow during the Paleo Challege).
Check back often as I will post some recipes and other fun Paleo stuff throughout the next couple of months. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!
--Ari
What is a Paleo Challenge?
-- Crossfit Pacific Coast and it's members embark upon a Paleo Challenge twice a year, one in January and another in June, and lasts a month.
What is Paleo?
-- The Paleo Diet is essentially a diet composed of foods that were found and available for consumption during the time of our ancestors, the cavemen.
What does the Paleo Diet allow and prohibit for consumption?
-- This answer varies depending on who you talk to and how strict you decide to take it. Sam Hoxie has an extensive list of the strictest way to take the diet while Robb Wolf gives us some insight on some spices and herbs that will liven any Paleo dish.
What is the best way to approach a Paleo diet?
-- According to Jeff Baker, a coach for Crossfit Pacific Coast, an 80/20 approach is the best for an extended period of time where 80% of the foods consumed follow the paleo guidelines and 20% are paleo modified.
What are some of the examples of an 80/20 Paleo Approach?
-- Not making the 20% of foods consumed all fast food, chocolate, ice cream, deep fried twinkies, and chili cheese fries.
-- Allowing certain foods that are still healthy: cashews, honey, freshly squeezed fruit juices, goat cheeses, soy milk, and greek yogurt.
-- Allowing occasional allowances as need be: balsamics and other vinegars, coffee, alcohol.
-- Allowing a cheat day or two per week.
Should you decide to allow some of the healthy food options and occasional allowances as part of your 20%, keep in mind they should all be in moderation.
-- I specifically mention goat cheeses and soy milks (or other alternative milk choices) for those who are lactose intolerant and still like some "dairy." Goat (and Sheep) Cheeses are great because they do not contain lactose but they are still in the dairy category. Tri County Produce has some wonderful goat cheese selections, including a goat cheese cheddar while Metropulos has an extensive selection of goat and sheep cheeses.
-- Soy milk and other alternative milks are great to incorporate as needed from time to time are great if you still have milk cravings.
-- Greek yogurt (and Russian yogurt) is a great addition to breakfast because it contains pro-biotics which help your digestive tract.
-- Balsamics and other vinegars can be added to olive oil for a salad dressing or to taste to give your food a little bite.
-- Coffee should be consumed black: no sugars/syrups and no cream (i.e. no more Grande Caramel Macchiatos and Venti Raspberry Mocha Frappuccinos.) But if you can't do straight, black coffee, try to add a little soy (or alternative) milk and honey. Avoid adding the sugar if you can, and if you choose to go to the dark side, USE SPARINGLY!
-- Alcohol is something that should really be avoided. Like coffee, alcohol as the ability to go from Bushmill's 12-yr Irish Whisky neat to a Celtic Smash (look for a future post on the Celtic Smash and the venue where it can be found later this month) with Benedictine, mint, lemon juice, honey syrup and orange slices. However, occasions call for celebrations and an OCCASIONAL cocktail for said occasions is fine, try to stick to something straight and simple, like a glass of wine with a nice dinner.
What can a person expect while following the Paleo Diet?
-- Hunger more frequently in the beginning as your body adjusts to the change.
-- Irritability during the first couple of weeks from the increase in hunger and feelings of being deprived foods you once enjoyed without guilt until you fully adjust.
-- Increase in energy and body functions as you adjust.
-- Increase in money spent on Paleo approved foods.
-- Difficulty eating out.
-- Temptation to cheat.
Note: When starting a Paleo Diet, you should get rid of any non-Paleo approved foods to avoid temptation, stock up on the approved foods, have paleo approved snacks accessible (i.e. mixed nuts, fruit, lara bars, etc), and do your research on recipes (soon to follow during the Paleo Challege).
Check back often as I will post some recipes and other fun Paleo stuff throughout the next couple of months. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!
--Ari
Monday, January 2, 2012
The New Year, Part II
Last week, I began my New Years series. And while I can't help with getting out of debt, getting a new job, significant other or spouse, having kids or keeping resolutions, I can help give you ideas on traveling and adventures, healthier eating and losing weight, and finding a gym.
The first step in resolutions is to actually make the resolution. And don't just say it. Write it down. Somewhere you will always see it: The bathroom mirror, post-its on your computer or fridge. And make goals accordingly.
Today, I'm going to start with one that I feel is the best place to start. The Gym.
If your New Years Resolution is to join a gym, then you probably have some work ahead of you. And you should be asking yourself the following questions:
--What do I want to get out of my gym experience?
--Do I work better on my own or with other people?
--How much can I afford to spend on my membership?
--How much time can I devote to going to the gym?
--What times are ideal for working out with my work/school/kids schedule?
--Do I want to find a personal trainer or coach?
--How far am I willing to travel for the gym that I want?
Once you have answered all of those questions, your search begins. And you have a plethora of options among the Gold's, 24-Hour Fitness, and Spectrum gyms in your area. But there is one type of gym that is definitely worth looking into. Even if it does not meet the above criteria for whatever reason, you should at least learn a little more about it. Enter Crossfit.
Crossfit has changed the face of personal fitness and brought us something better, producing better results, pushing us beyond limits that we never dreamed of, and brought us well-rounded workouts that help us Forge Elite Fitness. And chances are there is a Crossfit located near you. And if there are several, check each of them out because I guarantee you that each one will have a different feel and offer something slightly different. Here in Santa Barbara, we are fortunate to have three: Crossfit Santa Barbara, Crossfit Pacific Coast, and Crossfit Goodland. And I'll admit upfront that I'm biased. But I'm biased because I was introduced to Crossfit Pacific Coast first and I couldn't imagine a better group of people, better coaches, or better experience.
Now some of you may be asking why I am talking about gyms when I originally intended this blog to be about food, beverage and travel. Good question! Crossfit places a big emphasis on the food a person consumes. And not in the traditional sense either. But more on the understanding of one's own relationship with food, what types of food your body responds best to, and what types of food help you perform better. I will discuss the food aspect to Crossfit in depth in a couple of weeks as Crossfit Pacific Coast embarks on another Paleo Challenge later in January.
Take a look at the links above to get a feel for what Crossfit is all about and what Crossfit Pacific Coast bring to the table. And if you aren't in Santa Barbara, go ahead and search for one that is closer to you.
Good luck!
--Ari
The first step in resolutions is to actually make the resolution. And don't just say it. Write it down. Somewhere you will always see it: The bathroom mirror, post-its on your computer or fridge. And make goals accordingly.
Today, I'm going to start with one that I feel is the best place to start. The Gym.
If your New Years Resolution is to join a gym, then you probably have some work ahead of you. And you should be asking yourself the following questions:
--What do I want to get out of my gym experience?
--Do I work better on my own or with other people?
--How much can I afford to spend on my membership?
--How much time can I devote to going to the gym?
--What times are ideal for working out with my work/school/kids schedule?
--Do I want to find a personal trainer or coach?
--How far am I willing to travel for the gym that I want?
Once you have answered all of those questions, your search begins. And you have a plethora of options among the Gold's, 24-Hour Fitness, and Spectrum gyms in your area. But there is one type of gym that is definitely worth looking into. Even if it does not meet the above criteria for whatever reason, you should at least learn a little more about it. Enter Crossfit.
Crossfit has changed the face of personal fitness and brought us something better, producing better results, pushing us beyond limits that we never dreamed of, and brought us well-rounded workouts that help us Forge Elite Fitness. And chances are there is a Crossfit located near you. And if there are several, check each of them out because I guarantee you that each one will have a different feel and offer something slightly different. Here in Santa Barbara, we are fortunate to have three: Crossfit Santa Barbara, Crossfit Pacific Coast, and Crossfit Goodland. And I'll admit upfront that I'm biased. But I'm biased because I was introduced to Crossfit Pacific Coast first and I couldn't imagine a better group of people, better coaches, or better experience.
Now some of you may be asking why I am talking about gyms when I originally intended this blog to be about food, beverage and travel. Good question! Crossfit places a big emphasis on the food a person consumes. And not in the traditional sense either. But more on the understanding of one's own relationship with food, what types of food your body responds best to, and what types of food help you perform better. I will discuss the food aspect to Crossfit in depth in a couple of weeks as Crossfit Pacific Coast embarks on another Paleo Challenge later in January.
Take a look at the links above to get a feel for what Crossfit is all about and what Crossfit Pacific Coast bring to the table. And if you aren't in Santa Barbara, go ahead and search for one that is closer to you.
Good luck!
--Ari
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The New Year
The New Year is upon us. And that means time to get our resolutions in order. And no matter what your resolutions may be, there are just some things that deserve some investigating.
Common Resolutions:
--Eat Healthier
--Lose Weight
--Join a Gym
--Get out of Debt/Pay off Car/Credit Card/House/etc.
--Get a Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Get Married
--Get a Better Job
--Have Kids
--Travel More
--Be More Adventurous
--To Stick to Resolutions
--To Not Make Resolutions
During the month of January, I will be making various features on at least half of these. And if you are in Santa Barbara, you have some exploring to do. And if you aren't, hopefully this will inspire you to find similar things in your area, wherever you may be.
And for those of you who make the resolution to not make resolutions, you should at least make the resolution to be happy!
Have a Happy New Year, Celebrate Safely, and Stay Tuned!
--Ari
Common Resolutions:
--Eat Healthier
--Lose Weight
--Join a Gym
--Get out of Debt/Pay off Car/Credit Card/House/etc.
--Get a Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Get Married
--Get a Better Job
--Have Kids
--Travel More
--Be More Adventurous
--To Stick to Resolutions
--To Not Make Resolutions
During the month of January, I will be making various features on at least half of these. And if you are in Santa Barbara, you have some exploring to do. And if you aren't, hopefully this will inspire you to find similar things in your area, wherever you may be.
And for those of you who make the resolution to not make resolutions, you should at least make the resolution to be happy!
Have a Happy New Year, Celebrate Safely, and Stay Tuned!
--Ari
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