Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Paleo Friends and Family Challenge

If anyone wants to virtually join in, the 6-week Paleo Challenge is on. My mom, my daughter, hubby, and some friends are all joining in.

So far I've completed 6 weeks of Paleo myself, with only one real cheat day (yesterday went out for an awesome burger and chocolate malt with birthday gal Carrie).

Results so far for me:  11.5 pounds GONE, also down 3.5 % body fat so I have been losing fat, not muscle. Just had to pile up a whole ton of clothes that no longer fit to give away to Goodwill.

The rules are simple:

1) Think about what a paleolithic hunter-gatherer would eat
2) Eat that

Okay, so maybe it isn't that simple to eat like a caveman in modern times. So here's some basic guidelines:

1) Every meal consists of meat or fish + 1/4 to 1/2 pound of vegetables (yes, you heard me right!)
2) No legumes, potatoes, rice, grains (yes this means no PB&J sandwiches, no soy, no peanuts, bread, pasta, etc.). Tree nuts are fine.
3) Fruits and starchy veggies like yams, squash, sweet potatoes only after a workout, and only in moderation.
4) Strict paleo is no dairy. Okay, I do cheat on this one since we drink raw milk and I think it's a great protein source. You can decide for yourself on this one. For sure no sugary yogurts or highly processed cheese food substances.
5) No sugar
6) Limit of 4 alcoholic drinks a week (not all in one day!) Red or white wine is fine, no beer. Yes, beer is made from grain.

I think that's it. It's a good idea to take some "Before" photos and measurements, as well as weight and body fat. If you've recently had blood work done (cholesterol, etc.) that's another good point for comparison later. You don't have to share this info with anyone, but if you want to later that's good too!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mmmmm. That burger was tasteee! Good thing it was grass fed beef too...nothing to feel guilty about for a cheat day.

I agree regarding the dairy. Especially if it is goat's milk and who's to say those paleo mamas didn't squirt some milk at their men...hehehee.

I definitely want to do some before and after photos! Thanks for reminding me.

Robin said...

I think it was more the chocolate malt that was worth feeling guilty over ;-)

I just saw an article in People magazine in the PT's waiting room about some big-time chef who made cheese out of his wife's breastmilk. I think my hubby used it in his coffee...