Day 7

I guess I can say that I came up with my first original Paleo recipe.  I am calling it:


MEXICAN CHICKEN STIR FRY

Ingredients:
2 tbsp EVOO (or other more Paleo oil.  EVOO is all I had)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
6 small mushrooms, quartered (I used portobello)
approx. 10-12 cherry tomatoes
approx 1 lb. grilled chicken, cut into 1/2-1 inch chunks
2-3 oz. organic salsa.

Sauté the garlic, onion, pepper, tomatoes, and mushrooms in the oil for about 15 minutes.  Add the grilled chicken and salsa (already warmed up in the microwave) to the sauté mix and stir in.  Let simmer for another 2-4 minutes.


OK, so basically, as you can probably tell, I basically just threw all my favorite ingredients together and hoped it turned out well.  I was afraid it was going to be a train-wreck all the way up until we sat down to eat it.  Had just the right amount of spice from the salsa, but still tasted fresh from the vegetables.

Mal and I are still really enjoying the diet.  We are both down in weight a significant amount, will post the numbers tomorrow.

Day 6

Almost a week in and still going strong.  I am really loving the way I feel!  Even after a big meal, I never really feel bloated or uncomfortable like I used to.  For example, last night, Mal and I made 8 chicken/pineapple/bell pepper skewers and finished them all, but still felt really good afterwards.

Also, my stats are starting to look better.  I am going to wait til tomorrow (one week) to post the numbers, but suffice it to say that I am encouraged.

Last night was definitely a test of will power.  Mal and I provided snacks for our LifeGroup meeting, and we couldn't think of anything Paleo to bring, so I personally made two pans of chocolate chip cookies and did not eat any cookie dough.  Also once we got to the meeting, there were chips and salsa and queso (also some of my favorite snacks) and I resisted.  Kinda proud of myself.

Day 4

Not a lot to report today.  Breakfast was a slice of my quiche from yesterday, which was not all that great (FAIL).  Lunch was a beef patty with sauteed mushrooms and onions and steamed asparagus, and dinner was some fresh pineapple and strawberries and a few ounces of cashews picked up from Publix.

Spent most of the day wishing I could have been in NOLA racing the half-marathon with my fam.  Congrats to my dad who PR-ed and my big brother who finished his first Half-Marathon.

Day 3

Today will be a day of success and failure.

SUCCESS:

First, at this moment, there is a Paleo mushroom quiche in the oven.  This will not only be the first time I have cooked a Paleo quiche, it will be my first quiche, period.  I am excited and encouraged by all the possibilities of new foods for me to try and to prepare.

Second, lunch today consisted of a grilled chicken salad with the rest of my homemade balsamic vinaigrette on it.  I am loving that dressing.  It's tasty, easy to make, and makes me feel like I accomplished something (even if I really didn't do all that much).

FAILURE:

I already know that dinner this evening will be a departure from our diet.  Members of our LifeGroup from church are meeting at a catfish house tonight for dinner.  I am planning on ordering some sort of grilled seafood and steamed veggies as a side, but I fully expect my fish will not be prepared to Paleo specifications.  Also, I am not fully confident in my ability to withstand the bottomless white beans, relish, and HUSHPUPPIES that will precede the meal.  I guess we will just see tonight.

On a side note...

I am torn about my daily coffee.  I will be the first to admit that I have a borderline extreme coffee addiction.  I start EVERY day with a half pot of strong black coffee and occasionally treat myself to a another post-lunch or post-dinner cup or two, when available.

At this point, coffee is my only significant non-Paleo habit.  I know I could give it up if I wanted to, I just can't decide if it is worth it.  If my quality of life will be basically the same after giving up coffee, I would just as soon keep enjoying my daily habit.  But if I am going to notice a significant change for the better by cutting it out, I might be willing to give it a shot.  Would love to hear any thoughts on this, whether you have done the Paleo thing or not.

Ready...... GO!

Dinner Tonight

Grilled salmon salad with fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

Day 2

Not quite as enthusiastic as yesterday.  Fighting some strong cravings for some grains and sweets today.

Breakfast was a hard-boiled egg and coffee.  Lunch was basically the same as yesterday: grilled chicken breast, half a bag of steam-fresh broccoli, 2 cups of grapes, and 2 mandarin oranges (that's a lot, I know).

Had a banana as an afternoon snack, then Mal gilled a couple pieces of salmon and I made a Paleo balsamic vinaigrette, which made pretty good salmon salads with fresh tomatoes and mushrooms (pic coming soon).

A friend who has had some success on the Paleo diet sent me a GREAT supply of recipes and meal plans.  Really looking forward to fixing some spinach quiche, homemade Paleo protein bars, and baked carrot chips.

Gotta brag on my dad for a minute.  I don't know how long he has been Paleo, but he texted me this afternoon and let me know that he is currently down 20 pounds and down 6.2% body fat.  He's a beast.  Pat him on his skinny back when you see him.

Day 1

So far so good.  Got up in time to scramble (in olive oil) a couple eggs for breakfast.  Took my coffee black which, I know, is not Paleo, but I'm not hardcore enough to give up my coffee just yet (at least it grows on trees).

Had a mandarin orange for a mid-morning snack, then met Mal for lunch, which consisted of a piece of grilled chicken breast, a pear, two more mandarin oranges, and half a bag of steam-fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.  Now, at about 12:45, I am feeling fully satiated and quite alert, which is unusual for me right after lunch.

Dinner tonight will be some combination of grilled shrimp and vegetables with probably another piece of fruit for dessert.

Mal and I took our "Before" pics last night.  I plan on posting mine (eventually) but I think I will wait until a little progress is made so I an post a comparison pic rather than just some pictures of "chunky me" wearing my Tri-shorts.  So you can look forward to "Before" and "After" pics in the future.