The (not quite) Daily Paleo

This must be about Day 4 of the shift to Paleo.

The books have arrived. First was "The Paleo Diet Cookbook", by Loren Cordain, Nell Stephenson and Lorrie Cordain. The authors are introduced, and then it goes into what you can and can't eat, what you need to chuck out of your kitchen, and the recipes. At the back is a two week meal plan. I'd got into the recipe section when the second book I ordered arrived.

"The Paleo Solution: the Original Human Diet" by Robb Wolf. This guy really rocks! He has a great writing style, and intersperses 'geek speak' with earthy humour. He's a 'research biochemist who traded in his lab coat and pocket protector ... to become one of the most sought after strength and conditioning coaches in the world.' He is ... 'one of the world's leading experts in Paleolithic nutrition.' For someone like me, who wants to know the science behind the blurb, this book is excellent. His website RobbWolf.com is a great resource. I sat at work yesterday, watching some of his video's explaining the work he has done with the Reno Police, Fire and Ambulance services, and how he has increased their overall wellness. Fascinating.

A 'real person' I found in the Paleo community goes by the name of 'Cavegirl', and her site, Cavegirl Cuisine. We had a conversation on her facebook page, when I asked about help with breakfast menus - because, at the moment, that's a biggie. We (my daughter Becca and I) have about 15 minutes to have breakfast, so it needs to be quick and easy. Cavegirl was able to make some 'cereal' suggestions. I need to get out and buy some more stuff.

There's already signs of weightloss - about 1 kg (2lbs), and clothes are starting to fit better (good grief!)

I'm trying to go for a 10 minute exercycle ride every night - about 3km/6 calories according to the little computer on the bike! David and I are also trying to take the dogs for a 30 minute walk every other night.

My blood sugars are consistent - not necessarily good, but consistent: averaging around 10 morning and evening, and dropping to around 6-7 before dinner.

Other interesting Paleo websites are:
The Paleo Diet - this is the original one with Dr Loren Cordain, who is the main man behind all the research, and Robb Wolf's mentor.

PaleoDietFoodlist - and it does contain foodlists, and has a really good downloadable Food/Shopping List. Recipes and cookbooks.

The Paleo Diet Solution - haven't actually looked thru this one yet.

And of course, on Facebook, my friend (heck it's only been about a week!) Rene's group: Primal Pals.

So, what have I been eating? Breakfasts have been scrambled eggs and grilled bacon. Lunch has been salads with either chicken or tinned salmon. Dinners have been chicken, steak, pork chops - all with extra fat removed ... well, maybe ... carrots, cauliflower, turnips, kumara (sweet potato), pumpkin. Not a heck of a lot of difference, really. But there's been no cereal grains (except for brown rice flakes one morning for breakfast), definitely NO gluten! No legumes. The only dairy I've had has been lactose free.

Yesterday's lunch wasn't a good thing. I couldn't bear the thought of tinned fish, and had no leftovers, so decided to get some fresh fish - salmon - from the fish shop up the road. BUT - they had smoked mussels. With large slices of garlic on them. (But what about the nice, healthy marinated in vinegar mussels beside them, you ask?) So, I bought a piece of fresh salmon, and a container of mussels. And ate all the mussels with the salad, and the leftover mashed pumpkin and stuff. Things were ok for about 30 minutes, then that choking feeling started, the stomach started churning. Garlic. It's on the 'eat in tiny amounts' list of not good foods. Actually, it's on the 'avoid' list, but I like it too much. Anyway, once I'd thrown up a couple of times, I felt much better!

The kefir made with coconut milk - out of a can (ideally you're meant to use actual young coconuts, lol) tastes AWESOME!!!! It's so nice!

Today was the hardest day so far. We went to a friend's 40th birthday party - 'Canadian Cowboy' theme. Bread rolls, Frankfurter hotdogs, puffed rice/wheat balls, toffee apples, 'smores', cake balls, salads with onion and apple, tiny pumpkin pies on a wheatflour base ... you're getting the idea, aren't you? Thank goodness there were a couple of plates of carrots/celery/cucumber with a very nice dip (yes, it was dairy-based). David had a hotdog, and brought a spare home for Becca.

On top of my normal diabetes meds (less the Omeprazole!) I'm taking some Digestive Enzymes, and Proteolytic Enzymes. They're definitely helping with the stomach acid/reflux/swallowing. I'm feeling really good.

That's it for tonight, folks. I'll put the cereal recipes in a separate post, once I find them again!