Decision Day...

Today's post is going to be a bit personal. A testimonial if you will.

I know I have talked a blue streak about how awesome Paleo is, who I think is amazing, blah, blah, blah...

But guess what, I also live in the same world as you do. I have real world issues and problems. Those of you who have read my blog, or who know me in the real world already know this about me, so it's a refresher. I was diagnosed with Border Line Personality Disorder, Depression, and Bi-Polar Disorder about 5 years ago. It took awhile but I have found a medical combination to treat and balance my Chemical Imbalance, so that I generally function alright. I have triggers and bad days but who doesn't right?

So I started Paleo a little over a year ago. I was off wheat for over a year, I didn't know that my body had changed so much. I knew I had lost weight, my clothes didn't fit. I could run after a bus without having a coronary, that was the coolest thing. I was sleeping better.

I have made comments in other posts about our bodies not having Gas. (Did you know Farting isn't something we HAVE TO DO?) It's a way our bodies tell us that we are eating something we shouldn't be. I think this one fact is so absolutely interesting, because the first thing that happens to me when I start shoving wheat products in my face, is yucky tummy and then GAS...

The fact that after eating wheat and dairy, I can't breathe through my nose, because it becomes itchy, runny, and I sneeze often, is a sign that I shouldn't be eating those things. Not that I am "allergic" but that my body can't process and digest it, nor should it have to try.

Stress sucks. I think it is the number one killer of all humanities resolutions.. Just sayin'

I had been saving for a "Stay-cation" which is happening in 2 weeks. One thing after another has been happening to deter funds from going to the savings nest. However, I haven't had the funds to help me eat correctly either. So basically since my Scooter was stolen, I have fallen into the trap of eating crap. I can't afford anything, so I have eaten all the cheap crap I can get my hands on, which all has wheat in it.

Guess what folks...

I am at the end of my rope...

I feel like Shit. I am done feeling like shit. I haven't had a good night sleep in a while, nor has my stomach felt normal in a long time. It always feels bloated. I have had a headache all day. Nothing has seemed to help. I have spent most of my days the last two weeks slowly devolving into a pit of despair. I hate it. Even though I take my meds, I can still feel that feeling of helplessness, and hopelessness start to take over, then it gets pushed aside by, I don't care/give a F*%K. Not a healthy way to live...

So I decided today, to change it.

Two things I decided.

After my stay-cation, I will be saving up for a mini-deep freezer to store these great meat packs from 'The Butcher Block".

Secondly. I went straight after work to buy "REAL" food. Spent the last of what I had saved for my Stay-Cation, but bought Meat and Eggs. I had frozen Broccoli in the Freezer. I craved some O.J. for some reason, if you know me, I don't like it, but got my Liquid Vitamin C. I am finally for the first time in WEEKS full, on protein and vegetables. BUT ABSOLUTELY NO WHEAT.

I am taking back my life. My body. I am going to do some research I may even stop my medication eventually. But I want all of me to be healthy. I know that means I need to also get off my ass and work out, Shut up. 70% Diet, 30% exercise. Let me get my diet (that which I put in my body) down first. Then we can tackle the other 30%.

Anyways. As I have said in other posts, I have never in all my FAT life found something that I endorse proudly, like I do Paleo. I have been to Weight Watchers, counted calories, points. I have done Nutri-Systems. That food was nasty and expensive. I have done the gym thing. OA meetings. I have found nothing that I was successful with ON MY OWN, other than Paleo. It is easy.

The hardest thing to do, is read your labels. Actual if it has a label, it probably isn't Paleo. ;-)

I would love to have more people learn about this amazing Life Style, and listen to their bodies more. I think so many more people would begin to feel better almost overnight.

Namaste,
KitCat

Do you know the Difference?

I have been doing some research to help inform some co-workers on what "Paleo" is. It has also been helping me to remember why I started following this lifestyle from the beginning.

I have always know that there were many different schools of thought, mind sets if you will, on how a real Paleolithic Diet was to be followed. I have read Robb Wolf's Book The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet and liked much what he had to say. I started research ways I could "afford" this Paleo Diet, on my PT job. I didn't see how Cage-Free, Grass Fed, and Organic was ever or will be in my fridge or freezer.

I finally made the leap though. I tore my kitchen apart and threw away, or donated all the foods that contained Wheat, Grains, Dairy, were processed at all. Slowly I started adding REAL food to my kitchen.

I have come to a new turning point again in my life. Looking at what I am doing, have been doing, and having to chose to continue following this path for my health. With all kinds of things that affected me emotionally this last month to month in a half, I completely and totally fell of my Paleo Wagon. I have felt worse this last month than I have in a very long time. I even started questioning if my meds were working, stopped taking them for a few days. Then started again, just to check the results.

It was my DIET.

The wheat, sugar, and dairy that I have been consuming, because it was easier, was killing me.


So I come to the question do you know what foods affect your body?

I don't have Celiacs Disease, but these things do affect my body, and my Chemistry. (Remember I am Bi-Polar, it affects that too)

You have many choices these day. 21 Day Detox, The Whole 30 Program, The Paleo Diet LifeStyle.  Anyone of these are a great way to start. I know I need to get off the sugar again. So I am looking into the The Whole 30 Program this time.    


I like having books and recipes on hand, so I may still get her the 21 DSD eManual in PDF for only $21. You can't beat that.  Her new book "The 21-Day Sugar Detox: Bust Sugar & Carb Cravings Naturally" will be released in Sept of this year.


One of the of nice things I like about the Whole 30 program is this line right here and I am quoting straight from their website

 "Your only job for the next 30 days is to focus on making good food choices. You don’t need to weigh or measure, you don’t need to count calories, you don’t need to stress about organic, grass-fed, pastured or free range. Just figure out how to stick to the Whole30 in any setting, around every special circumstance, under any amount of stress… for the next 30 days. Your only job? Eat. Good. Food."

 So in this day and age where the battle rages on against GMO's and the Government talking about what we should do about our health. Decide what YOU should do about your health. What you want to put into your bodies. I am handing you tools to do so, just decided which one fits you. Start now, start today as they said on the Whole30 Page.

Namaste,
KitCat

Great things Happening in Paleo

So many exciting things are happening in the Paleo world right now. Elana Amsterdam's new book, Paleo Cooking from Elana's Pantry: Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free Recipes was released today.


Next month on the 2nd, my long awaited and PRE-ORDERED Book will be released from my favorite "Parents", Beyond Bacon: Paleo Recipes that Respect the Whole Hog.

I know that James Gregory from Fast Paleo is make changes to his site, and has incorporated "PaleoPositivity.com" into FastPaleo.com's website.  I haven't talked much about FastPaleo.com, but it's a rich source of recipes sent in from all over. People's own homemade version of their favorite recipes that are Paleo, or Paleo Friendly. I had the Fast Paleo App on my old Android phone, it was great in a pinch when I was at the store and need to grab stuff for meals.

Two more of my favorite Paleo Bloggers have books coming out in the next few months. Against All Grain: Delectable Paleo Recipes to Eat Well & Feel Great.

As well as The 30 Day Guide to Paleo Cooking: Entire Month of Paleo Meals by Bill Staley and Haley Mason, of the "Gather".





Don't forget if you are just starting out, a great way to start is by trying it for 30 days.  See if it doesn't change your life. 
For now this is enough excitement to share today. I hope that you take a look at some of these amazing Bloggers and Authors who have made these wonderful books come to life. Like I said these are all Favorites of mine. I have followed, read them, or used their recipes over the last year+ of being Paleo.

Namaste,
KitCat

Staying Motivated, Never know who you will inspire!

Hi Guys,

Life gets super busy sometimes, with all the things that I do, and ways that I split things up, I don't get here often enough. I apologize.

Recently I went on working sta-cation, and after having "mostly" followed the Paleo Lifestyle, I apparently stunned many people. Friends I hadn't seen, wondered where the rest of me had gone. They thought I looked amazing.

In my mind, I haven't done much, gone down a few clothes sizes, and I still have so many healthy eating habits to incorporate, I feel I have much to do still. So in my mind, I am not a "Good Pale-ian" (is that a word? If Not I just made it up and it is now).

I started down this path, in February of this year (2012) not to lose weight, but to get healthier. To hopefully get to a place where I may have enough minerals, vitamins, and healing going on in my body, to decrease the medicine I have to take. I am a diagnosed Bi-Polar w/severe Depression, & Borderline Personality Disorder. Um yeah that's a whole lot of crazy for a girl who used to be an out going, fun loving child. So what happened?

Diet, and hormones happened.

I can't do much about my hormones, but I can affect my diet. Which does help change SOME of my hormonal, and chemical changes. So those are the reasons for me to chose the healthy, organic, way of the Paleo Lifestyle. The immediate benefits just happened to be weight loss for me. Hmmm are those changes that I am going to reject? Yeah right!!

Any who,  I am so pleased to say that one of the things that I have tried to do, is "Paleo it Forward". I believe so much in this lifestyle, I want others to believe in their own health and wellness, to at least try it for 30 days.   It's a difficult commitment to make at first. I know, remember I was in your shoes once. However, I am research hound, and went straight to Google, to find out my alternatives off the bat, before I made any decisions. Happily I found them over time, and built up all the resources that are here in my blog. I am always available for questions as well.

Apparently I have inspired someone to try this lifestyle. She is someone I have admired for many years, and I am honored that she will be working to improve her own health and well being. That I could be that catalyst for her, like she has been for me for so many other things in my life.

I believe that one of the two best articles I ever read was written by Paleo On A Budget, explaining how we can only do what our budget allows us to do. BUT we do the best we can within that budget. The other I will find you when I am home on my own computer. It basically said that money shouldn't over ride the desire to for us to change our habits. We can always alter the Paleo Lifestyle to what we need. I am GREAT with not eating cheese/dairy, it isn't healthy for us, but if after your 30 day challenge you truly want to incorporate an ORGANIC version back in, by all means, find a RAW, Unpasteurized form of cheese, and organic milk as well as butter (Kerry Gold is the best butter I have heard about) to use in your Paleo diet. I basically stick with Almond milk for my Coffee or cooking needs. I also use Turbino sugar, rather than the chemical versions of sweetener. I also still have my honey too.

You just find what will suit your tastes, and budget the best. I usually have a freezer filled with frozen veggies, and meats. I buy on sale, and that way I won't be hungry. Then I can buy fresh fruits, avocados, and keep my almond butter, almond meal, stocked up as I need it.

My two favorite things from Trader Joe's is their Coconut Oil, taste and cost, you can't beat. I have tried about 10 different types of Coconut Oil, but they are my favorite so far. The other is their Almond Meal. I used to grind my own from fresh almonds, but it was more like granulated almonds. The baked goods, and pancakes I can make with Trader Joe's Almond Meal are to DIE FOR!!

Whole Food Market will soon be carrying a line of Paleo Breads, from Julian Bread Company. For now it is only available on-line.

I hope these tips help you in your journey. Please feel free to contact me if you need help or want support on your journey.

Namaste,
KitCat

Helping Out & Falling OFF

A friend too me on a quick trip to Whole Foods Market after work the other day, just to see what I could afford there, that was Paleo. Mind you I have a very limited budget. Organic isn't in my daily budget, it usually never even gets to happen once a month, but it's nice to go taste test once in a while. LOL

We strolled all around the store. Beautiful, let me tell you. This place is lovely. We got to inform a lady from Canada who was ill, and just diagnosed with Celiac disease, all about where to look for information about Paleo Diet Lifestyle.

Of course I gave her my two favorite sites, Paleo On A Budget &  with her particular infliction, Elana's Pantry. What a great feeling to help in a way that no one at Whole Foods Market could do. She left that store with not many purchases, but with the means to make herself healthy.

As I confided in her. "Paleo is a way to make your body healthy, to turn back the damage we have done to it. I am Bi-Polar, I am doing this to help even out my moods, to help the chemical imbalances of my body. One of the 'Side Effects' of following Paleo, and getting healthy, has been some weight loss, but that hasn't been my goal."

I spent half my budget in there on odds n ends, but I was in the right place to help that lady. I think that was worth it.

Now if you have been to a Whole Foods Market lately, you know they have Hot Tables, and Fresh Salads/Fresh Fruit Bars... OMG Priced per LB. It all looked and SMELLED so good. Some was Paleo, some Not so much. I had to get out of there before I made all kinds of bad choices, and over spent.

So we left, I had my friend drop by Chipotle Mexican food for me, because I was so hungry, and I still had nothing to make for dinner.  MISTAKE!!!

I paid for that all the next day. I found out just how bad Rice and Corn Chips are for you after 30+ days of Paleo.

I wonder if this means I should give away my rice cooker like Robb Wolf did? LMAO

I Paleo'd up all day yesterday, Lots of Coconut Oil in my cooking, Red Meat last night for dinner, which I have been CRAVING for over a week now. I feel great today.

Easily fixed. As Megan told me, don't beat yourself up, just dust yourself off, and get back on the wagon. Have I said how much I love that girl?? She keeps me motivated even from thousands of miles away!!

Off for my second cup of Coffee. Maybe I will do some rearranging of furniture today?? Day is still early...

Namaste,

Kit Cat

Random Thoughts

There as so many blogs, recipes, resources, & people out there on the internet doing or have been doing Paleo, it blows me away. The more I research stuff to find something new, or different FOR ME, I find that is old hat to others.

My great friend, Megan, who turned me on to Paleo in the first place, posted an article on Facebook that I decided to read. I am so glad I did.

Not only was I relieved of my GUILT for not following a Grass-fed Cow diet (Butter & Beef). I found another amazing resource for my LIFESTYLE!!!

Paleo On A Budget  is added to my list of blogs now. She has a great list of menu plans for people who want to get healthy yet may not be able to always be able to buy Top-Shelf items.

I find it difficult sometimes for me to understand all the ins and outs of Paleo etiquette, like some people eat dairy, even though its a no no. Others don't eat fruit even though it's allowed. That I sort of understand, since there is natural occurring sugar, and watching sugars is important. For me leaving so early in the morning though, to catch a bus, I grab a banana and my coffee, and I am out the door. Having packed my Paleo lunch from the leftovers the night before. I then make a protein filled breakfast at work when I get there two hrs later, just before I clock in.

I waiver at times. I had to text Megan the other day, to keep me on track. I wanted Donuts and Sour Dough bread so badly. But she helped me stay with it. I did buy donuts, tricked my brain. LOL Gave em to my Management team at work. Let my mind think I was getting something I wanted, but never ate it.


Need to go check on my Roast and Carrot fries.

Namaste,
Kit Cat

A New Blog

I am adding a new blog to my list of blogs today. I read a post from his blog today, laughed, learned & loved it.

Matt is a stay at home dad, of 3 boys, his wife works outside the home, and they are all Paleo. Matt runs the blog and seems to be amazing. I can't wait to read more posts.

Here was the entry I read today, posted on March 27, 2012 Your Non-Cooperative Spouse .


Namaste,
Kit Cat

Paleo In A NutShell

This was posted on FaceBook and shared by lots of people. I got it from my friend Megan. For explaining Paleo, it makes PERFECT Sense!!








Pay Now Live Later is a blog, they no longer make live posts, but their blog will still be up for researching, reference and reading pleasures.


Namaste,
Kit Cat

Show n Tell

I thought I would share some photos of some things I have make that are Paleo, & Oh so good!

The Zucchini pancakes I won't do again, but I also don't care for quiche. Same type of flavor.

The last photo is my dinner from Carabas, I thought I'd died & gone to heaven!

Paleo is limitless in choices, flavors, & options. You're only as held back as your imagination.

Namaste,
KitCat

Paleo Update

I am giving you all an update. I have had an amazing few weeks.  Today is the 18th of March, I started the Paleo lifestyle change on Ash Wednesday, Feb 22nd.  It was a challenge at first to know what I could eat, and couldn't eat. But a whole new world of Organic Foods, opened up to me. I also started entertaining thoughts of eating things I don't usually, or never have before.

I bought the Paleo Lifestyle Cookbook which comes with three extra books, PLUS a BONUS dessert book. So I now have access to hundreds of Paleo recipes, Meal plans, Herbs, and Desserts!! Who would have thunk??? LOL

I also invested in a Ninja QB900B Master Prep Revolutionary Food and Drink Maker, Gray. I LOVE IT. I make my own Almond Flour, Salsas, Guacamole, and of course the main reason I bought it was for the Smoothies!!  It is amazing!! Does things in a snap (press of the button), clean up is easy too. This set has a Chopper, and the Pitcher. I recommend it for anyone who does a lot of Cooking, Baking, or Entertaining.

So the benefits so far that I have seen?

I can walk faster. I feel better. I can actually run a short ways without feeling like I will die!! LOL My energy is better. My clothes fit bigger, some too big. I bought a pair of pants the other day for work, and had to return them the next day, because I couldn't keep them up!! All in only 3 wks. AMAZING...

I have behavioral medical issues, and since I have changed my lifestyle, Let's just say that I will be talking to the doctor about decreasing a few things, and monitoring me. :D I may be off all meds, EVENTUALLY!! Wouldn't that be lovely!!!

That is what has happened in my life the last month. I am loving it. People are noticing changes. While yes I like to be told, you have great strength to do this, or resolve to stick with it. I would rather see them get excited and start making changes for themselves. I have done so many Fad diets, and failed. This isn't a diet per-say, it is a way to live healthier, closer to the way our bodies were meant to consume and process food. Once I increase my activity level, even more changes will happen for me. THAT IS EXCITING!!

Bright Blessing to you all! I will you health and happiness.

Namaste,
KitCat

A New LifeStyle, is it for me?

Have you ever heard, found, or been told something that just "RANG" true to you?

Found yourself, searching and looking at these things going WOW, there is a lot of info out there. Thousands of people are doing this...

I felt this way, am still feeling this way.

My close friend Meg, told me about this Diet/Lifestyle called Paleo or it's nickname, "The Caveman Diet".. If you can hunt for it, forage it, pick it, like the Paleolithic man, then you can eat it. OK WEIRD, is what I thought at first.. They are freaking NUTS.

Of course as soon as we stopped texting, I turned to the computer, and GOOGLE'd it.. Holy Cow!! The hits I got about this. I was stunned. There are a bunch of different "schools" of thoughts, but ultimately, all natural, lean meats, no sugars, no grains, no dairy (except butter).

Well lets look at that for a min... Having lived with Meg for 4 years, I learned how to cook Gluten-Free,  as well as started using Kosher Salt & Sea Salt. Having family and many friends who are Diabetic, I am sugar conscious.. I personally don't use much milk, except for cheese(Food Out), milk chocolate, and ice cream occasionally.

So that left me thinking how far off am I from being Paleo? I have to add Veggies, OMG lots of fresh fruits and veggies to my diet. I don't mean calorie count diet, just to what my body consumes type diet. That can be expensive, which is one of the reason I don't do much in the first place. I don't have a car, so I can't shop every few days to keep fresh in the house. Lastly I am picky, not very experimental when it comes to Fruits and Veggies. I like what I like. LOL

So that was the first issue.

Next I am a STARCH Queen!!! I love my Pasta, potatoes and my rice. How was I going to go without that? It's cheap, easy to fix, and FILLING!!! HOLY MOLY, I am gonna die...

First thing I decided was is this REALLY something I wanted to try? Was I ready to change things in my life? Were my reasons enough to sustain me through the rough patches?

I am a food lover. Not to be mistaken for a Foodee. I enjoy my food, I like knowing that I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want, and not a single person can tell me WTF about it. I like to cook, I am a great cook too. I like cooking for people. How was this going to affect all this?

Then I realized that if I was eating healthier, and cooked in this manner, with all these ingredients, there isn't a single person I know that COULDN'T eat my cooking/baking. Oh alright.. That is interesting. I like that idea. I hated bringing goodies, that my gluten-free friends couldn't eat, or my Diabetic friends could literally only "lick"...

Second thing I did, I cleaned my pantry and my fridge out. Yup, I gave away all my Pasta, I looked at labels. Got rid of every sugar, dairy, Gluten item in my house. If I could give it away, I did. Otherwise I trashed it. By Ash Weds (A week now) I had nothing left in my home that wasn't edible on Paleo. I literally had nothing in my house, but meat and salad.. LOL

I look forward to finding good deals, and shopping come Pay Day. There are so many natural options open to me, to replace things I might "feel like I am missing".. I can't wait to dive in and try things. Shopping new stores, plus visiting old ones I haven't seen since Meg left.

I have book marked and printed Paleo recipes. Built lists of pantry items to have on hand. I am ready for this change. I will let you know how things go on this journey of mine. I just have to say, I know my body, I veer towards many of these ideas anyways. It hasn't been that hard, once I am able to have the food on hand that I can eat and not be hungry, I know I can do this. ;-)

Namaste,
Kit Cat