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