The first week back on paleo was cake (minus the cake, of course). The first week was also the hardest, but by week two I was feeling great. After six weeks, I’m ready to take a break and re-evaluate if a grainless diet would work in my favor for the long haul. To be honest, I don’t crave grains. I’m fuller faster and I enjoy the flavors of vegetables and herbs much more than the texture of a bagel. Legumes are definitely back on the menu for variety, and for the sake of chipotle and peanut butter. As for meals, my plate was as colorful and delicious as usual.
As you can see, meals were anything but boring. While I cook regularly already, limiting ingredients gave me the opportunity to branch out and explore recipe ideas and ingredients I wouldn’t have otherwise touched.
Of note:
- Eating grain free will seem much easier if your weekend self takes the time to meal plan and shop accordingly. Most Sundays I prepared a big batch of soup, stew or chili (a quick meal to grab and go), baked grain-free bread and chopped veggies for breakfasts. Preparation is key, especially when you can’t eat out of your pantry.
- You’re likely to experience a dip in energy. Give yourself plenty of time to rest and let your body get used to its lack of energy from sugar. I did not work out as long or as hard as I typically do, but let myself have the week to focus on the new eating routine and gauge how I felt energetically. When I weighed myself Saturday morning, I had lost two pounds during the first week. This is a lot for me, considering I wasn’t taking part in my normal gym routine.
- Cauliflower rice is a lifesaver. Even if you still eat grains, it’s a terrific alternative to get more veggies into your diet. I’d never tried it until I started restricting grains the first week, when I enjoyed it three times, three different ways: prepared with sautéed onions as a side with chicken and salad, cooked together with turkey sausage, garlic and kale for a quick and healthy lunch, and with chimichurri sauce and salmon for a flavorful dinner.
Overall, this was a great way to kick-start myself into healthier choices for the year. Especially after the long winter months of choosing warm comfort foods over cold salads and staying under blankets instead of lacing up sneakers for a morning run. And speaking of running, it’s about time to start the next health challenge (hint).
Amelia's Musings 